Beth had goals: get a job, move into an apartment on her own and become independent. Donald is also seeking independence while attending Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) part-time.

Since the age of 3, Gunner has been living with optic nerve glioma, a form of brain tumor that forms around the optic nerve, which connects the eyes to the brain. It causes significant vision impairment and other challenges.

Sometimes the right experience, in the right environment, can lead to a breathtaking outcome. Meet Amber. When we first welcomed her into the Discovery School preschool program for 2017-2018, she seemed withdrawn, uncommunicative and reluctant to try new things. She’d spend a typical day watching and playing alone, pointing at things when she had a need, but otherwise just drifting.

An ambitious young man, Latroy has goals––and two of them involve the food service industry. According to Jan Ward, Job Developer at Hope Haven, Latroy wants to become a chef and own his own restaurant someday. This is not idle dreaming. He’s working hard to learn the business, and he’s making serious progress.

J.R. is a June 2014 graduate of Hope Academy – Project SEARCH. Based on J.R.’s skills and personality, Hope Academy staff helped J.R. get a job with Big Chief Tire. Through Hope Academy – Project SEARCH interns like J.R. learn employability and job skills in three, 9-week internships at a host business.

When Hannah was diagnosed with Down syndrome and fetal hydrops in utero, her parents were told she would not survive. Miraculously, against the odds, Hannah lived. As she grew, it became difficult for her parents to find a facility that offered all the services this special little girl required. That is, until they were referred to our Down Syndrome Center. Thanks to Hope Haven, today Hannah is a happy, thriving toddler.

What do you say to your eight-year-old child who has lost the ability to walk or stand? How do you create hope for him, and for your family, when there are few answers to help you formulate a realistic plan for his future?

When Will first came to Hope Haven Children’s Clinic and Family Center four years ago, his parents Bill and Blake were looking for just that—a plan. Not a magic wand or even a cure. Just a realistic plan to help their son, Will, live a happy, confident, loving and secure life.

Ema Zapata was born on September 4, 2014 with Down syndrome. Her parents, Ramόn and MailÍn have been steadfast in their determination to give Ema the best life possible.

The Zapatas, like more than 5,000 other families in our community, rely on the services provided by Hope Haven. Please be a part of their plan for a brighter future by giving generously at the link below today. With your generosity, we will ensure that every child or young adult has a rich life; unrestricted by whatever physical or developmental barriers they may face.