You all helped us speed to the finish line! We absolutely have the BEST supporters and because of you, we are in OVERDRIVE with WHEELS OF HOPE. Yes, our goal has not only been met, but surpassed and the donations continue to come in. THANK YOU! We will be able to purchase the large passenger van but your continued gifts towards Wheels of Hope, will allow us to add-on important features including seat covers, seat organizers, a travel first aid kit, a roadside hazards safety kit, funds for fuel and on-going vehicle maintenance. Help us see how far we can drive past our goal!

Transporting our youth to recreational therapy activities, such as volleyball, soccer and softball games, as well as field trips to destinations like Clinton Lake and Kickapoo State Park, has become challenging as we've been operating without a large passenger van for quite some time. These activities are vital for the wellbeing and development of our kids and mirror experiences families provide for their children. So, when the opportunity arose to purchase a used Chevy Express Passenger Van from Kinmundy United Methodist Church at the incredible price of $24,000, we stepped on the gas! We invite you to join us in WHEELS OF HOPE, our journey to making this a reality.

Last summer, when a group of our youth were coming back from Clinton Lake, a situation arose that disrupted the trip. PJ, who was sitting in the back of the minivan, became progressively upset to the point that he was bullying his peers and getting physically aggressive toward a staff member, whipping him in the face with his wet swimsuit.  They had to stop on the side of the road and get all the kids, 10 to 12 years of age, out of the minivan for their safety. The Special Therapies intern stayed with the other kids, making sure they weren’t getting too close to the road, while the rest of the staff climbed over seats to get to PJ and diffuse the situation.

Because of the past trauma our youth have experienced, the smallest of things can set them off. In this instance, PJ was upset with his seat assignment. He didn’t want to sit next to any of his peers but with the size of the group they had, it was crowded and there were few options. Asking our kids to maintain themselves, their boundaries, their emotions and stay regulated for a long ride—that can be a lot for them especially when they’re feeling confined.

In the Chevy Express, the driver can just drive with the rest of the van maintaining a safe one staff to three youth radio. Staff can always be sitting with the kids, keeping them engaged in card games, conversation and jokes to help control a situation before it becomes unsafe. And the center aisle will allow much easier access to the youth seated in the back without disrupting others.

With a generous lead gift of $5,000 from Champaign Faith United Methodist Church, we now aim to raise the remaining $19,000. Starting now during National Transportation Week (May 12-18), and continuing through June 11, your contributions can help us reach our target.

Please donate now or start a Travel Team to contribute to WHEELS OF HOPE. Contact Ginger Mills at gmills@cunninghamhome.org if you have questions about Wheels of Hope or starting your own Travel Team.