Hope Walks Annual Report FY2025

Every Step CountsFY 2025

ANNUAL REPORT

“And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

MICAH 6:8 NIV

Every step counts.

For a child born with clubfoot, the journey to a life of mobility begins with a single, courageous step into a clinic. For Hope Walks, that journey is made possible by the thousands of steps you take alongside us.

As I look back on fiscal year 2025, my heart is overflowing with gratitude. This year, your prayers, your generosity, and your shared passion for this mission allowed us to witness miracles in motion. Because you chose to walk with us, we were able to serve nearly 20,000 children newly enrolled in treatment or returning for check-ups, each experiencing their own transformation from disability to hope.

But our mission has always been about more than just straight feet. It’s about the "every" in our theme this year. Every counseling session—more than 101,000 in FY25 alone—is an opportunity to share the love of Christ. Every one of the 200 partner clinics represents a community where hope is now rising. Every clinician trained is a legacy of care that will last for generations.

In this report, you will see the faces of children who are now running, playing and attending school—children whose futures you helped to rewrite because you believed that their steps mattered.

Thank you for being the hands and feet of Jesus to these families. Thank you for making sure that in FY25, no child had to walk their path alone. We move forward with bold anticipation, knowing that with God’s grace and your continued partnership, every step truly does count.

In Hope,

Scott Reichenbach

President and Co-Founder, HOPE WALKS

disability. From the moment a child is born with clubfoot, every step—or missed step—matters.

Each year, nearly 200,000 children are born with clubfoot worldwide. More than 20,000 of these children are born in the 14 countries where Hope Walks serves. Without access to timely care, children with clubfoot often face stigma, isolation, limited education and reduced economic opportunity. Children living with disability are significantly more vulnerable to neglect and abuse and are less likely to reach their God-given potential as adults.

Modern medicine does not yet know what causes clubfoot, and we cannot prevent it. However, we can safely and effectively correct clubfoot. The globally accepted Ponseti method, developed by

Dr. Ignacio Ponseti, uses gentle manipulation and casting to straighten the feet. When care starts within the first months after birth, each carefully guided step builds toward a lifetime of mobility.

Research increasingly confirms what Hope Walks has witnessed for decades: early intervention is critical. A study from the University of San Francisco and the University of Notre Dame shows that treatment initiated within the first six months of life leads to the strongest outcomes. Early care not only restores physical mobility but also supports a child’s long-term social inclusion, mental health, educational attainment, economic opportunity and spiritual well-being. In every sense, each early step sets the direction for the road ahead.

This is where Hope Walks comes in.

Hope Walks intentionally designed its model to ensure that every step counts— from early detection and referral to skilled casting and bracing to counseling and follow-up that help families stay the course. By working within national health systems, training local providers, and walking alongside families throughout the five-year treatment journey, Hope Walks helps ensure children receive the proper care at the right time.

In FY25, Hope Walks adopted its five-year strategic plan, Rooted in Hope, Rising in Impact, committing to Train, Treat, and Transform more lives by 2030. This strategy reflects a simple but powerful truth: when a child’s treatment begins early and continues faithfully, small steps lead to lasting change.

As you read on, you’ll see how donor partnership makes this journey possible. Every gift, every clinic visit, every cast changed, and every brace fitted is part of a larger story—one where children walk free from disability, and families step into hope, dignity and new opportunity.

Because when it comes to a child’s future, every step truly counts.

Rooted in Hope, Rising in Impact

In FY25, Hope Walks launched an ambitious five-year strategic plan focused on two outcomes that guide everything we do:

• Move closer to ending disability caused by clubfoot

• Lead more people to Jesus Christ.

We pursue these goals through our proven Program Model, built on six interconnected pillars that guide how we train providers, deliver care, and walk alongside families.

HOPE WALKS DESIGNED THIS MODEL TO BE:

SYSTEMATIC — with consistent standards and processes across all country programs

SCALABLE — expanding access to clubfoot care nationwide

Together, these elements ensure that every investment, every clinic, and every partnership contributes to lasting impact—because every step counts.

SUSTAINABLE — strengthening local systems so programs can operate with limited outside support

National Program Management

Data-driven Outcomes

Program Model

Christ-centered Holistic Care

Partnerships

Training & Awareness

Access to Early Quality Treatment

Train

When every step counts, the people guiding those steps matter deeply. Early diagnosis, skilled treatment and consistent encouragement all depend on trained, equipped local leaders.

IN FY25, HOPE WALKS:

Trained

288 clinicians in the Ponseti method, expanding access to high-quality clubfoot care

Equipped

56 parent advisors to support families throughout the fiveyear treatment journey

educated

821 church leaders to minister to and advocate for individuals with disabilities in their communities

Each person trained strengthens the path forward for children and families— multiplying impact far beyond a single clinic or country.

A PASTOR’S PERSISTENCE

Wendkouni in Burkina Faso

In a land riddled with terrorist attacks, a family in Burkina Faso was stigmatized and rejected by their neighbors due to their daughter Wendkouni’s clubfoot. Luckily, a local pastor who had attended a Hope Walks leader training session saw her condition and pressed her parents, Suzane and Noraogo, to seek free treatment.

Despite neighbors' skepticism about the cost, the family visited the clinic and was surprised to find that treatment and transport support were truly free. Now living in a refugee camp, the family is filled with joy as Wendkouni progresses through her healing. Their dream is for her to one day become a doctor and help other children.

“Truly, this is the work of those who really know God,” Suzane said.

INFORMATION FOR THE FUTURE

Khalifa

in Niger

Information is powerful, no matter when it is delivered. Months before little Khalifa was born, his parents visited the Regional Hospital because of a separate medical condition unrelated to the pregnancy. During their visit, they participated in a ceremony for World Clubfoot Day organized by Hope Walks. At this ceremony, they learned about the treatment of clubfoot using casts and braces.

At the time, the information they learned there did not seem important, but when Khalifa was born with clubfoot, they recognized the signs and, instead of panicking, could move forward with confidence. They knew there was a way to help their son, and the information they learned at World Clubfoot Day motivated them to seek treatment.

Khalifa is now in the bracing phase of his treatment and is learning to walk with his corrected feet. His parents are grateful that the grace of God has saved him from a life where he would have had to cope with the stigma around his clubfoot. For Khalifa’s parents, their son’s future is secure.

TREAT

Every child has a story. Every child has potential. And every step toward healing opens the door to a brighter future.

IN FY25, HOPE WALKS:

19,797 unique children, from first casts to final braces alongside families through every stage of the five-year treatment journey

more than half of all children born with clubfoot in Burundi (65%), Ethiopia (52%), Kenya (71%), Malawi (66%), the Dominican Republic (59%), and Rwanda (91%)

By meeting children early and staying with them consistently, Hope Walks helps ensure that treatment is not just started—but completed.

Transform

Healing goes beyond straight feet. Every conversation, every home visit, and every prayer is an opportunity to bring hope to families navigating fear, stigma and uncertainty.

IN FY25, HOPE WALKS:

Conducted

101,812 counseling sessions with children and caregivers

Made

2,065 home visits, strengthening trust and treatment adherence

Saw

876 people come to faith and facilitated 935 connections to local churches

By walking closely with families over time, Hope Walks creates space for both physical healing and spiritual transformation—one relationship, one step at a time.

HEALING SENT BY GOD

Ablakat in Ethiopia

Ablakat’s name means “sent by God,” but when her family returned home from the hospital, they noticed an unexpected deformity: clubfoot. They were panicked by what they discovered, but medical staff referred the family to a Hope Walks partner clinic where treatment was free.

Ablakat’s mother, Sara, was initially consumed by guilt, fearing her own stress during pregnancy had caused the condition. However, a parent advisor at the clinic offered life-changing support, reassuring Sara it wasn’t her fault. As the weeks passed, the impossible became reality as Ablakat’s feet began to straighten.

“I am so happy to see my child walk just like any other child—it was a dream come true,” Sara shared. Today, Ablakat is thriving, and Sara has transformed her past guilt into a mission, raising awareness in her community so no other parent suffers in silence.

Finances

FY 2025 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION JUNE 30, 2025 (INDEPENDENT AUDIT)

FY 2026 BUDGET

Walks is built on partnerships, and our finances

Lives you’ve impacted

Yasin in Ethiopia

When Baby Yasin was born, Hawa and her husband were filled with joy—until they noticed his clubfoot. Unsure where to turn, they quietly shared their concerns with close family while searching for answers. Hope came when their local health center connected them to treatment at Alert Hospital. A conversation with a Hope Walks parent advisor reassured Hawa that her son’s condition was treatable and that help could begin right away.

The journey was not easy. Watching Yasin undergo a tenotomy was one of the most challenging moments for Hawa, but with each weekly visit, she saw his tiny leg slowly straighten. The turning point came when the clinicians fitted Yasin for braces, and the nurse told her, “Your baby’s leg is in fine form.” Seeing her son begin to crawl filled Hawa with overwhelming joy and gratitude—a powerful reminder of what early, compassionate care can make possible.

“NEXT TO GOD, THE TREATMENT IS A SAVIOR FOR MY BABY.”

- HAWA -

Bertin in Burundi

Bertin was born into a farming family in Burundi as the eighth of nine children—and the only one with clubfoot. His parents feared what the diagnosis would mean for their son’s future and their already-fragile household. Months later, they learned treatment was possible. Despite long walks, weekly visits, and the challenges of casting, they remained committed. The day Bertin received his first brace, they saw his feet correcting—and their fear gave way to gratitude, hope and confidence in what lies ahead.

“WE FEEL VERY HAPPY AND COMFORTABLE BECAUSE OUR CHILD WAS ABLE TO FIND TREATMENT, AND WE ARE THANKFUL TO GOD, AS WELL, FOR THOSE WHO HELP IN TREATING OUR CHILDREN.”

Laicha in the Dominican Republic

Born with clubfoot, Laicha’s arrival brought fear and uncertainty to her family in the Dominican Republic. Just eight days later, medical staff referred her to Darío Contreras Hospital, where free treatment through Hope Walks brought immediate hope. After only three casts—and no surgery—Laicha’s foot began to straighten. What started as despair became joy, healing and faith. Today, Laicha walks without disability, and her family walks forward renewed in hope.

Vagheni in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

When baby Vagheni was born with clubfoot, her parents, Thahimba and Kanzodi, were overwhelmed with fear and guilt. Their first child had also been born with the condition, and once again they asked through tears, “Why is it always us?” Unsure of what they had done wrong, they carried the weight of shame—until they remembered Hope Walks.

They brought Vagheni to the Oicha clinic, where a parent advisor met them with compassion, prayer and truth. Through counseling, they learned their child’s condition was treatable—and not their fault. Though the casting process was painful to watch, they held on to hope they had seen before. Today, Vagheni is doing well in treatment, and her family has found healing that goes far beyond straight feet.

“HOPE WALKS’ SUPPORT WAS CRUCIAL IN OVERCOMING OUR GUILT. WE UNDERSTOOD IT WASN’T OUR FAULT.”

- Thahimba -

Why we support Hope Walks

JAN & GARY TOLMAN

Jan and Gary’s support of Hope Walks is closely connected to their love for their daughter, Sarah Elizabeth. Born with clubfoot in India, Sarah Elizabeth was not able to begin treatment until she was about 13 months old, which led to ongoing physical challenges throughout her life. She passed away from heart failure in 2021 at the age of 37. Jan finds comfort in knowing Sarah Elizabeth is now free from pain and with Jesus. Today, Jan and Gary honor her life by helping ensure other children can receive care as early as possible. As Jan shared, “Early intervention could make the difference in so many young lives.”

“In all your and he will make

“I had an opportunity and a huge blessing to travel to Kenya and experience the amazing work Hope Walks is doing firsthand. My experience alone could be a book, but here are just a few reasons I love Hope Walks: First, by helping suffering kids and families, this mission is building God’s kingdom here on Earth. Second, families receive amazing faith-based support services (e.g., counseling, mentorship) – spreading the gospel one family at a time. And third, we saw what it was like for an adult who did not receive the necessary help as a child, and we met various children throughout our Kenya adventures who received the casting treatment. By comparison, these kids are doing great and have amazing future plans, with multiple teenagers stating, “I plan on being a doctor,” – so cool!”

Long-time Hope Walks supporter

Kyle Heebner with his wife Alice (far right) and two sons, Keon and Kai (left to right), at the Hope Walks booth during Uprise Music Festival.

ways acknowledge him, make straight your paths.”

Proverbs 3:6

Global Footprint

“My wife and I decided almost immediately to start giving to Hope Walks. We love that they help children just like our son receive the care they need, and we also love that they share the gospel. Hope Walks is a nonprofit we will continue to support monthly.”

TREVOR & AMIE HUNT

Members of The Clubfoot Crew, Hope Walks monthly giving program

Trevor and Amie Hunt with their son Daniel, who was born with clubfoot

Notable Highlights

EVENING OF HOPE

A Night of Inspiration

In April 2025, Hope Walks hosted its annual Evening of Hope gala, spotlighting our work in Honduras. Nearly 150 guests gathered at the West Shore Country Club in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, for an evening of inspiration, generosity and impact. Honduras Program Manager Samanta Rosales shared firsthand stories from the field, bringing to life the hope made possible through faithful partnership. Guests also participated in painting clubfoot braces—transforming simple materials into tangible expressions of love for children beginning their healing journey.

BRACE PAINTING Painting the Future Bright

Throughout FY25, brace painting continued to grow as a meaningful way for supporters to engage in the mission. From intimate gatherings in homes to large-scale events hosted by churches and organizations, hundreds of individuals lent their creativity to encourage children born with clubfoot. Each painted brace represents care, dignity and hope. Anecdotal feedback from our teams also suggests that brightly painted braces help improve treatment adherence—supporting better long-term outcomes for children.

Hope Walks also participated in various events to raise awareness about clubfoot treatment and to engage broader audiences through brace painting, including at Uprise Festival, a Christian music event featuring top names in Christian music, MomCon, and the Mobilizing Medical Missions (M3) Conference.

CONTAINER CLINIC

From Hauling Goods to Providing Hope

Shipping containers are typically used to transport goods across oceans—but one extraordinary container has been transformed into a place of healing. Students from Texas A&M University’s BUILD initiative repurposed a standard shipping container into a fully equipped, state-of-the-art clubfoot clinic for Clubfoot Care for Kenya, a Hope Walks partner. Construction began in FY25, with the clinic completed and shipped to Kenya in FY26—expanding access to care for families who need it most.

Your Impact

FY25 - 9,187

FY24 - 8,701

FY23 - 8,436 New Children Enrolled

Children Receiving First Brace

FY 25 - 7,284

FY 24 - 6,878

FY 23 - 6,563

Home Visits

FY25 - 2,065

FY24 - 1,632

FY23 - 2,030

Clinic Visits

FY 25 - 113,882

FY 24 - 103,920

FY 23 - 102,823

ROOTED IN HOPE, RISING IN IMPACT

A Strategy of Healing

In FY25, Hope Walks launched its 2025–2030 strategic plan, Rooted in Hope, Rising in Impact. This forward-looking vision centers on expanding holistic clubfoot care by training more individuals, treating more children and transforming more lives—physically and spiritually. The plan positions Hope Walks to deepen national partnerships, strengthen sustainability, and extend eternal impact as more children and families encounter healing and hope.

PHONE CALLS

FY 25 - 63,597

LOCAL church connections

FY 25 - 935

Faith expressions

FY 25 - 876

All children served

FY 25 - 19,797

INVITATION TO Belonging

We are believers, donors, prayer warriors, and healthcare workers—restless in a world where children still suffer from clubfoot. We don’t settle for what is. We step in with what could be: free treatment, loving counsel, and the hope of the gospel. We are hope in motion.

Are you looking to make a real difference but don’t know how to help children in need? At Hope Walks, we provide proven, life-changing clubfoot treatment, so your support gives kids the ability to walk, run and thrive—transforming lives with hope.

FY 25 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Wendy Fisher, Treasurer

Tom Free

Joshua Gallo, Secretary

Eric Gokcen, MD

Leron Lehman, Chair

John Mitchell

Kevin Nderitu

Marlise Streitmatter

James Welch

ABOVE: (left to right) Kevin (5), Kenny (3) and Raphael (5) were all born with clubfoot in Rwanda. Today, they are running and playing on straight feet free from clubfoot. Kevin lives with his grandfather and is always smiling and loves to dance. Kenny enjoys soccer, singing and traditional dancing. Raphael attends school near his home and now has graduated from the clubfoot program. Follow us on social media at HopeWalksOrg.