Author: Jessica Charles Abrams

A large group of people of varying ages and races standing inside in front of a projector screen.

From Kenya to the World: How Kupenda’s Expertise Is Shaping Global Disability Research

by Jessica Charles Abrams

  • Posted on March 9, 2026

When global researchers want to understand how to support children with developmental disabilities in African communities, they increasingly turn to Kupenda. In 2022, King’s College London and Aga Khan University invited Leonard Mbonani, Kupenda’s Kenyan director, to serve as an advisor on theĀ SPARKĀ project (Supporting African Communities to Increase Resilience and Mental Health of Kids with…



A person with very short, light blond curly hair stands facing away from the camera in a rural village with red dirt ground and small brick houses. They are wearing a green and blue patterned dress. Palm trees and leafy green trees rise behind the homes, and several children are visible in the background walking and playing between the houses under a clear blue sky.

She Survived Infanticide: A Woman with Albinism Tells Her Story

by Jessica Charles Abrams

  • Posted on February 15, 2026

Editor’s note:Ā We are sharing this story to illustrate the real, life-and-death consequences of disability stigma and why community-based education and advocacy are essential to protecting the dignity and lives of children. Content note:Ā This story includes discussion of violence related to childbirth and disability-based harm. Harmful beliefs about disability are not abstract ideas or distant traditions.…



“Why I Give Through My Donor-Advised Fund—And Why It Matters for Children With Disabilities”

by Jessica Charles Abrams

  • Posted on December 18, 2025

Many people don’t realize they already have access to a powerful charitable tool through places like Fidelity Charitable, Schwab Charitable, Vanguard Charitable, Thrivent, or their local community foundation. These organizations manage something called a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)—a special charitable account that offers significant tax benefits, allowing for immediate deductions on contributions (cash or appreciated assets),…



Learning to Love: Esther’s Journey to Inclusion Through Kupenda’s Running Club

by Veronicah Kuria, Jessica Charles Abrams

  • Posted on November 24, 2025

Kupenda’sĀ Inclusive Running Youth Clubs are creating spaces where children with and without disabilities can run, learn, and grow together. Through these clubs, participants build friendships, strengthen their confidence, and receive spiritual support that affirms the value of every child. The program is a collaboration with theĀ Micah 6:8 FoundationĀ andĀ We Run We Rise, and children are recruited…



Welcoming Kupenda to Duxbury: Advancing Inclusion & Accessibility Together

by Jessica Charles Abrams

Last week, I had the honor of hosting aĀ Kupenda gathering at my home in Duxbury. Having moved to this community just four years ago, it has been an incredible privilege to become part of a town so welcoming to efforts that advance inclusion and accessibility. The evening enabled me to introduceĀ Kupenda’s CEO and founder, Cynthia…



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