Jonah’s Story of Hope

Jonah is a prankster. He has a fantastic sense of humor, and he’s always trying something new. Right now, through the Hope Vocational Academy, Jonah works at least 3-4 different job sites and loves them all. 

But it wasn’t always this way. 

Jonah has autism. Before arriving at Hope, Jonah had difficulty communicating emotions; he would lash out when people didn’t understand him. When Jonah’s behaviors became difficult to manage, his family started seeking a residential academy placement. Jonah needed a team of people to support him before he could live his life to the fullest. Before Hope, no residential program seemed to fit. 

“Other programs felt stiff, clinical. Like a hospital,” according to Kandra, Jonah’s mother. Around 7:00 one evening Kandra received a call from Hope, and everything changed. According to her, “That night, Jonah found a Home. The core staff at Hope are amazing. They’re doing their job with such big hearts, and they love Jonah as much as we do”. 

COVID-19 has disproportionately affected children with disabilities. Children like Jonah need structure and routine, and the pandemic has stripped that away. During the pandemic, Hope stepped up with remote learning activities, and Jonah has excelled. Teachers provided educational materials to residential homes and visited homes daily to provide instructional assistance. 

“I see so much growth in Jonah. Hope staff help Jonah and his peers enjoy life,” says Kandra. 

Our children need your help now more than ever. Please consider donating so that Jonah and his peers can continue to flourish at Hope—through the pandemic and well beyond.