Baby Update - Kennedy

Sweet boy, Kennedy. Kennedy came to Haven of Hope at the end of May, seven months old. He recently turned one year old.

Kennedy came to HOH via the Children's Department. His mother took him there as she was no longer able to care for him. In and out of various mental healthcare institutions, Kennedy's mother realized in a moment of mental clarity that he was not, and would not be safe in her care. After investigating the situation, tracing the family, and verifying her story with the mental care institutions, it was clear to us that Kennedy's life and wellbeing was truly at risk while in his mother's care. Since that time, Kennedy has been safe at home, in this haven, with a new hope for his future.

Also since that time, it has become clear that Kennedy is on the autism spectrum with some degree of autism. Please pray that I will know how best to help this little one and how to provide the needed care and instruction that he is due. At this time, he is receiving occupational therapy and the staff is being trained in to continue that therapy in a home program in the baby house, just as they do with Lizzy. The staff will begin more training on basic sign language communication when I return in December. We are VERY blessed to have a staff who loves these little ones and is beyond willing to do whatever it takes and learn whatever they can to help these babies grow and develop.

Thank you, HCO family, for making a difference in Kennedy's life!