Time for a mid-year checkin! I’m so pleased to report to you that Hope Station’s Family Strengthening Program has served 21+ families so far this year. We’ve held 9 community events, and provided over 57 direct therapy sessions (and financially covered many more through our partner therapy centers). Our China staff team has walked closely with each family through all of these, and here are the stories they have to tell:
“Six-year-old MingBo was born with cerebral palsy. Because his family lives in a remote mountain area with very few medical resources, he had to stop therapy for several years. The first time we met him in XiChang, he was curled up shyly in his grandmother’s arms, his little eyes full of uneasiness and fear of strangers. He hardly spoke at all—it was heartbreaking to see. But through Hope Station’s support, MingBo was finally able to go back to therapy. At first, every movement was stiff and clumsy, and even a simple stretch took so much effort. Yet little by little, his body grew more flexible, and he began doing things he couldn’t manage before. Even more amazing was the change in his personality. The quiet boy who would once hide began to smile, laugh, and carry himself with new confidence. Now, whenever we visit his home, he rushes to the door to greet us, eyes shining with joy. The same child who once trembled in his grandmother’s arms now faces the world with courage and a bright smile.”
Shared by Margarete, China Director
“10 year old TaoTao has epilepsy, severe developmental delays, and is non-verbal. His mom has never given up on his progress, faithfully taking him to therapy every day—even when relatives didn’t fully support her. Still, at home she often felt helpless. She didn’t know how to connect with him, so she would hand him a phone while she sat alone, feeling anxious and discouraged. This year, everything changed. In March, TaoTao’s family joined our Family Strengthening Program. Not only did he get a personalized home therapy plan, but we also guided his mom step by step how to interact with him. She learned how to turn everyday household items into playful activities, how to encourage him to express himself through games, and how to better understand his behavior. They even turned chores into therapy exercises: washing dishes, picking vegetables, folding socks. TaoTao could practice fine motor skills, while Mom could relax and enjoy their time together. Slowly, their home transformed from a place of tension into a place of laughter and learning. Just three months later, Mom is more confident, and TaoTao is starting to express his needs with sounds. Their house, once heavy with silence, now rings with his happy laughter. The most beautiful part? Mom no longer sees therapy as a burden. She’s discovered she is not only his best teacher—but also his best playmate.”
Shared by Erica, Family Strengthening Program Manager
“I got to know sixteen-year-old JunJie (who has Down syndrome) in April this year when we started home therapy. At first, JunJie’s observation and imitative skills were quite low, and he would often give up after just one try. So, we designed activities around his interests, gave him more choices during sessions, and encouraged him every step of the way. Slowly, he began to grow in resilience and confidence. Today, JunJie looks forward to each session. He greets us warmly, sets up the chairs and lights before we arrive, and even when he faces challenges, he now tries two or three times before succeeding. Sometimes, when he gets to play ‘teacher,’ he even encourages us the same way we encourage him! We’re so happy seeing his progress. Every session is now filled with smiles and joy from his successes. But the change hasn’t been just in JunJie—his family has grown, too. At first, his grandmother often made negative remarks on the side. Over time, as she witnessed his progress, her words softened. Now, when we praise JunJie, she proudly joins in: ‘Yes, that’s JunJie!’ Their relationship is becoming more positive and encouraging, and we couldn’t be more grateful to witness it.”
Shared by Angela, Therapist
“When we first met RuiRui, a girl who is completely blind, she was quiet and withdrawn, always keeping her head down. Because of her disability, she was deeply afraid of strangers. She worried her cane might bump into someone, or that her difference would cause conflict. She had no friends outside of her familiar classmates, and even at family gatherings, she was often left out. Some relatives even told their children not to play with her, afraid she might get hurt. Over time, RuiRui’s world grew smaller, and negative thoughts began to grow. That’s when we matched her with a volunteer companion. Twice a week, RuiRui now connects online with her ‘big sister,’ who not only helps her with English, but also chats and listens. Week by week, she has blossomed. The girl who once hid in the shadows now walks steadily down the tactile paving paths, smiling and greeting neighbors along the way. From shutting herself away to opening her heart to the world, RuiRui is slowly—but surely—stepping into the light. And we’ve had the privilege of walking that journey alongside her.”
Shared by Jade, Family Care Specialist
The stories you’ve just read are about what’s possible when you choose to support children and their families. Thank you for walking alongside these families with us. We couldn’t do this without you!
