This Disability Employment Awareness Month, we would like to highlight Jasmine Duckworth, the Community Development Manager in the East District.

George has the kind of smile that makes you want to smile too. He was born in Kisinsi village, Uganda, on a lush and vibrant nature reserve most easily accessible by boat.

The constant and reliable support of our global programs has let Hermmy dream further into her future, setting long-term goals for herself and her family that she is able to achieve through education.

In inclusive classrooms, children with disabilities learn together with their peers while receiving the support they need to succeed.

In Arsi Robe, Ethiopia, just off the main road, there is an enclosed yard that contains beautiful gardens, a playground, and a school. The entire place is full of children laughing and playing together. This is the Robe Campus of Horizons Academy, an inclusive education school.

Sam-Steve was so excited to be able to go back to school with a wheelchair and the ability to move around by himself. “My prayers have been answered when I didn’t expect to have them answered. Thank you for being the answer to my prayers,” Sam-Steve said when he received his new wheelchair.

On a typical day, to catch the motorcycle taxi heading into Tabou, Shenaicka walks through Cite Soleil in Haiti, the place where she grew up. Cite Soleil is a huge city made up of 23 areas. There’s still ongoing construction from the earthquake last August and the people living here are experiencing extreme poverty.

Irma’s home is the last remaining group home in Christian Horizons Global. Through the group home, she has found a safe environment where she can use her gifts to serve others. She was able to go to school and she now lives with a sense of purpose within the group home. Irma loves to help around her home, take care of the dogs, and support Johanna to move around the house using her wheelchair.

Jethro is an eight-year-old boy living in Central Uganda. Jethro and his family, like so many others, are facing significant financial hardships because of the pandemic. Through generous donations, we are able to provide food and other necessities.

Christian Horizons Global met Beza in 2007 when she was referred to us by local community leaders who identified her needs. She had lost a parent, and her family was struggling. Our child sponsorship program has an education component so families receiving support can prioritize school and its benefits to their child and their community.

Geralda is a woman with a quick wit and an infectious laugh. She has found belonging and the ability to be herself and contribute her gifts at her local church in Archahaie, Haiti. If you stopped by one Sunday, you would find her talking and laughing with the teachers or the pastor.

Bizunesh received the goats, sheep, and chickens from donors who gave through last year’s Christmas Gift Catalogue. Bizunesh is a local entrepreneur in Bekoji, Ethiopia. She is so thankful to be able to sell her vegetables and livestock to provide for her daughter.

Samitha and Dhana are two sisters whose lives were changed through sponsorship. Read more about the impact sponsorship had on helping them live through the challenges they faced growing up.

30 years ago, Christian Horizons Global began our work. That year, Rudy and Sully Rojas said their wedding vows, joined our organization and embarked on their journey supporting children with developmental disabilities in a group home in Guatemala City.

In our winter newsletter, we shared a story about Degefa and how he persevered to get an education despite the challenges of living with a visual impairment. Read his inspiring story to learn how your donations helped Degefa and his family achieve their goals.

Judy is an integral part of the Priory Park Baptist Church community in Guelph, providing a rich welcome to those who enter the church’s doors. Judy finds “family” and friendship at Priory Park and experiences belonging in her community.

Updates from Guatemala and Ethiopia, thanks to your donations our teams have been able to provide much-needed food and sanitation supplies to vulnerable families.

In our spring newsletter, we shared a story about Elias. We thought we would share this update with you as an example of how our team comes alongside sponsored children even during this time of COVID.

We are grateful that our Christian Horizons Global teams in Ethiopia, Guatemala, Nicaragua and Haiti have been able to remain active in providing needed nutritional and educational resources.

It costs just $26 a month to help students like Esteven and his classmates be part of important inclusive education programs.

Read about how Mehuba and her families lives have changed in the last year after being connected with the right supports.

Here’s a follow up on how support from donors like you have continued to make a difference in Elias’s life and the life of his family and community.

From a young age, Michelle had big dreams for her future. Michelle’s determination led her to join Christian Horizons’ culinary program partnership with Humber College for people with disabilities, and she worked hard to make her dreams come true. Watch to hear about Michelle’s career, friends, and growing independence as she now volunteers in serving her community.

Casey and Dzidra share their story of finding intimacy and love – overcoming barriers as they advocate for their rights and the rights of other people with intellectual disabilities. Learn how people like Casey and Dzidra help shape the future of Christian Horizons through the Our Voice Matters advocacy movement.

After living with his family for several decades, David’s transition away from home brought about a mental health crisis just as he hit middle age. Be encouraged by David’s story of resilience and learn how he bounced back from depression and is now a vital part of his community.

Vic loves animals. His love and care for dogs has led to a flourishing dog-walking business in his neighbourhood in Warman, Saskatchewan. Vic processes things differently than most people, but his gifts and entrepreneurship make a real difference in his community. Watch to the end to hear how his career helped a dream come true.

Cerebral palsy means that Daniel experiences certain mobility challenges. Thanks to Daniel’s dedication and commitment, together with innovative solutions from Christian Horizons and Daniel’s network of support, Daniel’s dream of playing hockey with the Kitchener Ice Pirates is now a reality.

Justin works hard toward his goals, from building independence and life skills to writing a resume and pursuing a career. Kevin is a vibrant part of his church and community. Learn more about their journeys with Christian Horizons.

Kevin was a part of institutional living for many years before seeking support with Christian Horizons. In Cobourg, Ontario, he now lives semi-independently. Watch to discover how Kevin both figuratively and literally lights up his community.

Discrimination, bullying, anxiety and depression are all part of Liz’s journey of living with a developmental disability. She has faced and overcome many barriers. Christian Horizons has been a source of hope and support as she pursues her goals of freedom – keeping her own space and finding belonging with the people around her.

In Burk’s Falls, Patricia is building confidence and autonomy as she participates in her church and community. It required skill-building and growing self-awareness for Patricia to get to where she is today, and Christian Horizons has been thrilled to be a meaningful part of her story.