Meet 16-Year-Old Keigan From Winterset, IA

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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Meet 16-Year-Old Keigan From Winterset, IA

As followers of Christ, we trust in the promise of transformation and new beginnings, enabling individuals to live a productive life in their community. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Your generous support helps us fulfill this mission and bring hope to children like Keigan. Join us in making a lasting impact today.



MEET 16-YEAR-OLD KEIGAN FROM WINTERSET, IA

From showing aggressive behavior to now serving as a role model for others, Keigan’s journey from hopelessness to finding purpose is truly miraculous. Sixteen-year-old Keigan faced unimaginable challenges when the facility he called home in Pennsylvania shut down abruptly. Finding refuge at Hope Haven required days of preparation. During this uncertain period, Keigan spent a night in a shelter, endured time at an Illinois neuro-restorative center, and then, without a case manager or his mother, traveled seven hours alone by taxi to reach Hope Haven in Storm Lake. It was a traumatic experience. 


“To tell you the truth, I was nervous to take on Keigan, wondering how we would manage his aggressiveness. But I had faith in our amazing team to care for him,” said Jenny, Hope Haven’s Community Living Supervisor. “For months, we faced numerous challenges as we worked to address his behavior and create a stable, supportive environment for him. Our team’s dedication and commitment to Keigan’s well-being never wavered, and it is incredibly rewarding to see the progress he has made.” 

Now, Keigan is thriving. He has embraced a mentor role in the house, taking on more responsibilities like vacuuming, cooking, and loading the dishwasher, leading by example. At school, he excels in his studies, connects with his teacher, makes new friends, and volunteers at Storm City Auto Parts. “Keigan had no direction in his behavior when he arrived at Hope Haven. He had a very short temper, but we slowly worked one-on-one to calm him down, teach him to manage his anger, and develop a routine,” said Tyler, Hope Haven’s Lead Coordinator. “It was crucial to earn his trust and respect by staying engaged and learning from each other.” Bethany, Keigan’s mother, said “I am so happy that he is back home in Iowa, attending regular school, and our family can see him more. His staff are incredible, and I am so pleased with the progress he has made with the services he receives. We are truly blessed to have Hope Haven in our lives.”


Thanks to faithful supporters like you, God has opened a new path to meet Keigan’s physical, emotional, and spiritual needs through the residential services at Hope Haven. The support he had long awaited is finally here, helping him develop the skills needed to reach his full God-given potential. As our children’s services continue to grow with new enrollments, we seek your ongoing support to enhance these services. 


Our dedicated staff faces challenging situations but remains committed to seeing the potential in every child, providing the love and support they need. This story of resilience highlights the importance of supporting children in difficult circumstances. With your help, every child can receive the care and opportunities they deserve. Your generosity allows us to expand our programs, provide necessary resources, and create nurturing environments where children can thrive. Together, we can make a lasting impact on these children and their families. 

If you wish to contribute, please CLICK HERE to donate today. At Hope Haven, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your support and prayers in serving our mission now and in the future.