Beliefs

A teenage boy in a brown shirt standing outside and smiling.

Feedback from the Children You Support

by Jessica Charles Abrams

  • Posted on May 9, 2022

Dear friends, June marks the end of our fiscal year, and we are so grateful for the ways you helped us get through these trying times. We thought you would like to hear from some of the children you are supporting themselves. “I used to cry when taken to school. I could [not] write and…



A selfie taken of about 15 individuals

“The Deepest Darkest Magic We Have”: A Conversation On Disability, Employment and Expectations

by Jessica Charles Abrams

  • Posted on May 4, 2022

Last month I had the pleasure of interviewing disability justice advocate and Kupenda Board member, Jeff Gentry. For the past 15 years, Jeff has committed his life and career to increasing workforce engagement for people with disabilities. As part of this work, Jeff and his colleagues have equipped over 1,000 youth and adults with disabilities…



A woman smiling and pushing a young boy in a wheelchair.

“She helps with her spirit, even before her hands”: Thanks to Hawa, our Occupational Therapist

by Kupenda

  • Posted on May 3, 2022

Four years ago a generous philanthropist named Maurizio Beghelli noticed that many of the children in our programs were in need of occupational therapy. Although some children were receiving these services at Gede Special School (GSS), there were many children waiting for care. Their parents and caregivers were also eager to be trained on how…



Adult with 2 children

Meet Our Moms and Honor Yours for Mother’s Day!

by Jessica Charles Abrams

  • Posted on April 28, 2022

In Kenya, mothers of children with disabilities often face the same, or worse stigma, as their children. Most are told the child’s disability is their fault. They are accused of infidelity, witchcraft, demon possession, sin, and more. Their husbands often feel too ashamed to remain in the marriage and abandon them – leaving them with…



Cindy presenting

Kupenda in the Classroom

by Lauren Blair

  • Posted on April 27, 2022

When I was in my early 20s, a presentation by Kupenda’s founder and Executive Director, Cynthia Bauer, changed the trajectory of my life. My close friend (and now husband), Pat, heard Cynthia give a speech about the organization’s work. Hearing her discuss how helping a handful of children with disabilities had turned into an organization…



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