Last week, we celebrated the life of Becky Keena.

Becky was part of the David's House community as a resident for eight years. As I listened to stories shared at her funeral, I was reminded of what made her so special. Becky was one of the best bosses I've ever had. She was always willing to tell me what was going well, but she was just as willing to tell me what needed fixing. There was never any guessing where you stood with Becky. She cared enough to be honest.

I've been thinking about that a lot lately.

As we move into another election season, it seems like people are increasingly encouraged to pick sides. Disagreements can quickly turn into assumptions, and relationships can suffer.

At David's House, we've learned that meaningful change only happens through relationships. Over the years, we've worked with elected officials from both parties to advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Sometimes we've been frustrated by decisions that affect the people we serve. Right now, we're facing significant reductions in food assistance benefits that will impact many of our residents. Other times, we've been grateful for leaders who took the time to listen and help.

It's possible to disagree with someone on some issues and still be thankful when they listen, learn, and help. That's true in politics, and it's true in life.

David's House does not endorse political candidates, but we do believe in building relationships with those who represent us. Our responsibility is to advocate for the people we serve, regardless of who holds office.

The reason David's House is such a special place is because of the community that's been built here. Residents, families, staff, churches, volunteers, donors, and friends all play a role in making this a place where people belong.

My hope is that we continue extending that spirit beyond our homes. We don't have to agree on everything to care about one another. Becky taught me that honest relationships matter, and I think that's a lesson worth carrying forward.

Thank you for being part of the David's House community.

Casey Kuperus

President, David's House Ministries

A few weeks ago, we were blessed to enjoy the music and talents of some of our own staff members, who led an evening of praise and worship under the tent as part of our Summer Concert Series. Staff member Jean Claude led the evening, while fellow staff member Bonheur accompanied on the keyboard, joined by additional friends and family members who shared their musical gifts. Together, they created a memorable night filled with faith, music, and community, bringing residents, families, friends, and staff together in a truly special way.

There was something truly special about watching Jean Claude and his friends and colleagues lead an evening of praise and worship on a beautiful summer night. Surrounded by family, friends, staff, and residents, the music created a joyful and welcoming atmosphere where everyone could be present, connect, and simply enjoy the moment.

Hearing the songs in both English and Swahili made the evening even more meaningful. The familiar English lyrics connected us across cultures, while the beautiful sounds of Swahili offered a glimpse into a rich musical and cultural tradition. The joy, rhythm, and heartfelt singing were contagious.

The music became a bridge between different backgrounds and experiences. For a moment, we were not defined by our differences. Instead, we came together as colleagues, family, friends, and neighbors, sharing in an evening of uplifting worship, celebration, and community.

Thank you to Jean Claude, Bonheur, and everyone who shared their gifts with us. Their music reminded us of the power of faith, connection, and the universal language of praise.

Click below to watch a short highlight video from this special evening. As the night came to a close, Jean Claude invited everyone to come forward, dance, and worship together, creating a joyful finale that beautifully reflected the spirit of the evening and the sense of community shared by all.

Have you ever noticed that August is often recognized as "Make a Will Month"? I'll admit, my first reaction was always something like, "Do we really need a reminder that we've been putting this off?" 

For years, my wife and I talked about creating a will. We knew it was important. We even met with an attorney, gathered information, and started the process. Yet somehow, year after year, it remained unfinished. Ten years later, we still hadn't completed it. 

Does that sound familiar?

Like many people, we procrastinated because it meant having conversations we'd rather avoid. Thinking about what happens after we're gone isn't easy. But once we finally completed the process, we felt something unexpected: peace of mind. 

Creating a will isn't just about money or retirement. It's about caring for the people and causes that matter most to you. It's about ensuring your wishes are known and providing for those you love, whether that's your family, your pets, your church, or the ministries that have touched your life. 

For our family, one of the resources that helped was the Barnabas Foundation. As a friend of David's House Ministries, you have access to their services at no cost. Looking back, I'm only sorry we didn't take advantage of this opportunity sooner. 

No matter where you are in the process, I encourage you to take the first step. A simple conversation today can create lasting peace and impact for tomorrow. 

If you'd like to learn more about creating a will or including David's House Ministries in your legacy plans, I'd be happy to connect you with helpful resources. Please contact me, Greg Vander Goot, at gvandergoot@dhmin.org or 616.284.4383.  As someone passionate about the future of David’s House Ministries, I hope you’ll consider leaving a legacy gift that helps provide a place to call home for future residents.  But first and foremost, I hope you’ve taken the steps necessary to care for yourself and those you love.  Having a plan in place is one of the greatest gifts you can leave behind.   

Your legacy is more than what you leave behind. It's the impact you choose to make for generations to come. 

The 2026 Walk Ride Run is underway! There’s still time to get involved by creating your own team, making a gift, or supporting a resident team.

Visit dhmin.org/walk to learn more. When donating, you can support a resident by searching for their team using their first name and last initial.

Everyone is invited to join us for our community celebration on September 12 at 10:00 AM. We can't wait to celebrate with you! 

David's House Ministries exists to extend God's love and foster a community of care to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

You are being sent this email because you are a subscriber.

If you wish to update your Email Preferences or Unsubscribe, click *{{Unsubscribe}}*