Meet Corey

The Gift of Mobility: Luke's Story

By 7017444915 • December 23, 2025
For the entire beginning of his life, Luke lived life on the floor. We met him on our fourth distribution day in Kenya. His arrival at the site was quiet, but his story spoke volumes. Luke, 11, lives with cerebral palsy. Before he was brought to a children’s home for the disabled, he had endured years of neglect. He was tied up, unable to move around, and kept inside his home so his disability would remain hidden. When they found him, he was emaciated, in constant pain, and X-rays revealed a broken hip that had gone untreated for years. His caregiver, Don, brought Luke to our distribution site for the first wheelchair he has ever owned. Fitting his chair took more than two hours, but Luke smiled through every moment of it. He seemed to understand that his world was opening up for the first time. During the fitting, one of our team members stayed by Luke’s side, comforting him. She shared, “I spent a lot of time with him, praying and singing and just stroking the side of his face. And I think that’s one of the things that really got me, I don’t think he’s had much human contact. He would just lean into me, wanting me to keep going, and he grabbed at my hands like he didn’t want to let go.” Every wheelchair you help provide becomes a turning point - a chance for a child to sit upright for the first time, attend school, join their peers, or simply experience life beyond the walls where they were once hidden. For Luke, it meant being seen, supported, and cared for in ways he had never known. This Christmas season, you can give the gift of mobility and change a life forever. Your support ensures that the most vulnerable are not forgotten and brings dignity and hope to children who have endured far too much. Luke is not alone — children like him are waiting across the world. “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” — Matthew 25:40 You can change a life today. Every gift brings light into the darkness and gives children like Luke a future filled with possibility. Thank you for giving children like Luke, and so many others, a chance at dignity and hope. If you wish to contribute, please CLICK HERE to donate today. We are deeply grateful for your support and prayers as we continue our mission to serve and uplift those in need.
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It’s a Wednesday around lunch time at West Sioux Community School in Hawarden IA. Corey VanBochove is early to his shift in the janitorial department preparing to do some deep cleaning around the school. Peering into the cafeteria kitchen he offers an exuberant recognition of “Miss Patty!” to one of the staff. He warmly greets teachers and administration as he makes his way through his tasks beaming with excitement at each person he encounters. He then dutifully begins a routine of vacuuming cleaning the library and gymnasium sweeping the floors taking out the trash among other responsibilities.

Rewind a few minutes and Corey’s demeanor was much different. Corey’s nature is a bit more reserved but walking into work – he immediately lights up.  “Work is a good social outlet for Corey ” affirms My Choice Transition Specialist Shay Davis. “You can see that he is proud of what he does.” What was life like for Corey before his job at the school? Corey graduated from West Sioux Community School a few years ago and was searching for a vocation that matched his abilities and talents. Without a program like My Choice Corey was unfortunately facing difficulties in securing competitive employment on his own .

Corey became an active My Choice participant in September 2018. My Choice Employment is Hope Haven’s community-based integrated employment service option for youth and adults in Northwest Iowa. This program helps link up potential employers with prospective employees providing a beneficial connection for both parties. Corey is not alone – there is an evident need for this service in Northwest Iowa and Southwest Minnesota with over 300 individuals obtaining competitive employment through the My Choice program since its inception in 2013.

How did Corey find his job at West Sioux? Shay aided Corey in assessing his abilities ultimately considering a janitorial job and if it was something Corey could pursue should he desire to. Shay then worked with the West Sioux Community School administration to determine if Corey would be a good fit for their needs and Corey interviewed in April 2019. Today it’s clear that this match has been valuable for both parties. “I think everybody in this school knows Corey ” comments West Sioux Community School Principal Travis Popken “He’s a joy to have come through.” Janitor Brad Hofland is also appreciative for Corey’s assistance each week: “It frees up my schedule. It’s been a great help to me.” Corey began work at West Sioux in May 2019 and he now works Mondays Wednesdays and Fridays.

What’s next for Corey and the My Choice program? Corey and his My Choice support staff have found success in Corey’s current job setup but have considered the option of expanding Corey’s schedule to include added days and shifts. Additionally Corey’s progress may mean that he could work more independently and require less management from his Job Coach. Corey’s joy about his employment and the reciprocation by the school is summed up by his Job Coach Kelly Vanderpol: “It’s heartwarming to witness Corey being enfolded at West Sioux.”

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