Back in 2005, the orphanages began asking for help with caring for children with special needs. Prior to this time, the numbers of children with special needs were relatively small and the caregivers felt comfortable providing for the abundant non special needs population. As the orphanage system began to change with the arrival of greater numbers of children with medical and special needs, there was great need for education to assist with being able to properly care for them.

Our first few trips were spent developing the necessary trust to be able to effectively work together with orphanage staff to make change. We went prepared to listen. We heard the concerns and questions, and committed to partnering together with them. Over the years, word spread and our trips were filled to capacity with orphanage staff representing orphanages from around the entire province. We were invited to work in places which were previously closed. The focus continued to be on meeting all the needs of children, with particular emphasis upon caring for the whole child, not just the disability part.

It was not too long before we were given access into orphanage rooms where children lived. With this experience came more needs. Some children were very, very sick. Some orphanages have nurses, but some kids needs were beyond the scope general nursing care. The need for palliative and hospice care became apparent to us as well as the orphanage staff. Orphanages were getting children with cancer diagnoses. One 2 year old arrived after treatment for neuroblastoma had failed. Orphanages were receiving children with other life threatening diagnoses such as biliary atresia. These children needed hope and extra special care to help them through, regardless of how long his or her life span would be.

The past few years have brought some exciting changes in that families in the community were coming to our teachings, and even bringing their biological children with special needs. Recognizing that more children with special needs were remaining with their families brings the need for further support for educational and therapeutic strategies. In addition, there are families who show the need to access appropriate medical services for their children in order for the family to remain intact. We are hopeful that by supporting these needs, families will know the hope and joy that their children embody.

In 2016, Knowing Hope Inc became an official 501 (c) 3 organization to continue to help address the needs seen over the past 11 years. We recognize that people are able to do better when they have the resources and support to enable this to happen. We are excited to continue this partnership with the children and caregivers we love.

Knowing Hope, one life at a time