The Right Direction

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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In this blog we share what DSP & Shuttle Driver Robin loves about her job. Robin has been an employee out of Worthington MN since 1989. Keep reading below to learn more about Robin in her interview!

How did you come to be in your position? Did you seek it out or fall into it by happy accident?

I was looking for a job 30 years ago and saw the ad in the newspaper.  I thought it would be fun.  I really did not know what I was applying for or had any idea about what I would be doing.

What gifts do you bring to your role?

I am a pretty patient person and just by doing my job I am making a difference in a persons life.

What lessons have you learned since working at Hope Haven?

Just gained a better understanding that everyone wants to be treated as an individual and if you do that you will be better received.

What is your favorite part of your job?

In the mornings when I pick them up their day is sort of determined by that first interaction.  I always try to greet them with a smile and engage them in small talk to get their day started off in the right direction.  I also often times redirect them in a different direction if they had not had a good start at their home or apartment.  This is also quality time before the work starts. 

What is your favorite part of your workday?

Observing the employee being able to independently complete a task and master a skill that I trained them in. 

What’s the hardest part of your job?

Trying to be fair and equal with everyone that I supervise and meet their needs/demands but also getting the work done in a timely manner.

What is your day not complete without?

Knowing that the workers are safe and happy.

If you were training a new team member what advice would you give them?

To be patient and do not judge.  Everyone is an individual and are here for a reason.  Look for the worker’s strengths and focus on those and work around them.  Forget about the weaknesses. 

Name three things on your bucket list.

1. Get out of debt before I retire

2. Spend the winter months down south.

3. Open a cat shelter.

 

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