Help HOPE Live for Sofia Carpenter
My name is Sofia Carpenter, I am outgoing, high spirited, enjoy adventure to seize the moment kind of person! I am an ambitious woman of God. My faith is what keeps me going, I have dreamed, lived and loved in my life. I seek opportunities like driving my own handicap accessible van.
My old van died 3 and half years ago, but the cost is high. Thanks to Help Hope Live, I can fundraise while I keep my medical insurance.
Updates (32)
August 16, 2026
Help Me Raise $20,000 Toward an Accessible VanThis Van Represents More Than Transportation. It Represents Independence.Fourteen years ago, an incredible community of people helped provide something that changed my life: an accessible van.To everyone who contributed to making that possible, thank you.Your support gave me years of independence and allowed me to serve others in ways that would not have been possible otherwise.Through those years, I served youth through ministry, transportation and childcare, including youth involved in the foster care system.Today, that mission has grown.I have built a business and ministry serving high-driven women who have experienced the devastating loss of a loved one, helping them rebuild their lives, rediscover purpose, and begin living again.Now, after 14 years, I need my community's help again.What Happened to My Van?My current accessible van has reached the point where critical accessibility equipment is no longer reliably repairable.The powered wheelchair ramp is no longer repairable, which means I am currently using a manual folding ramp to get in and out of the vehicle.The airbag suspension system is also no longer raising properly, creating an extremely bumpy ride.We have researched alternatives, contacted resources, and explored repair options.Then we received another piece of difficult news: the manufacturer responsible for the van's conversion has gone out of business.At this point, continuing to repair the existing system is no longer a realistic long-term solution.Our Goal: $20,000 in Two MonthsI'm raising $20,000 over the next two months toward another accessible van.The overall cost of the van is approximately $30,000.Funds will help cover the vehicle, shipping, accessibility modifications, and specialized equipment necessary for me to drive independently, including:- EZ LOCK wheelchair securement- Hand controls- Accessibility modifications- Shipping and transportation costs- Additional equipment required for safe, independent drivingWhy This Means So Much to MeFor many people, a vehicle is transportation.For me, it's independence.There are many things in life I cannot control. Being able to get into my van, secure my wheelchair, start the vehicle, and drive myself where I need to go gives me a freedom that is difficult to describe.And there's an even deeper meaning behind it.I survived a devastating car accident as a child.Being able to eventually get behind the wheel and drive independently became a symbol of something much bigger:Freedom. Courage. Independence. And the decision to keep moving forward.That's what we're fighting to preserve.You Can Be Part of the TeamYou don't have to make a large donation to make a large impact.Become a Team SupporterShare this campaign with your friends, family, social media community, church, workplace, local businesses, organizations, and news outlets.One share could reach the person who helps us change everything.Become an InnovatorDo you have fundraising experience, creative ideas, community connections, marketing skills, media relationships, or simply love solving problems?We need you.Help us think bigger about how we can reach this $20,000 goal.Businesses, Churches & OrganizationsIf you own a business, lead an organization, belong to a church, or know someone who does, please consider sharing this campaign or exploring ways to support it.Make a ContributionEvery contribution matters.$10 matters.$25 matters.$100 matters.$500 matters.And every person who shares the campaign helps us reach someone new.Contributions made through Help Hope Live may be tax-deductible for the donor, subject to applicable tax rules. Please consult Help Hope Live's guidance or your tax professional regarding your individual circumstances.You Might Be the Connection We NeedMaybe you can't personally make a large contribution.That's okay.You may know the person who knows the person who can.That's how community works.That's how seemingly impossible goals become possible.And that's why I'm asking you to join me.Share. Donate. Connect. Advocate. Pray.Together, we're working toward $20,000 in two months and getting an accessible van back on the road.Help Me Get Back on the RoadGoal: $20,000Timeline: 2 monthsEvery contribution and every share moves us one step closer.Thank you for believing in me, supporting this mission, and helping me continue living, serving, working, and leading with independence.
July 25, 2026
Hello everyone friends and family I appreciate all your help over the years in fundraising. The last fundraising gave me 15 years years with my last van. And would have lasted me more time. The ramp motor went out. It's the part that pulls the ramp up and and lowers it. Making it hard for me to go anywhere alone and therefore takes a huge part of my independence.With the vendor going out of business and the company who bought out the business couldn't locate the part so finding the parts is like finding a needle in a haystack. It has been very hard. And boy have we tried to track down another business who specializes in parts for vans.Now I made the decision that a new van is now needed. And I have brought it to God and I most certainly can't do it without my community. It requires all three. A plan, God and my community. This is a God kind of miracle. And that includes you all. I will keep you updated. We have about $4,000. From the previous fundraiser. Van picked out. And a plan. This is a the plan. 20K in 2 months. Last thing if you know of a business who is willing to donate, all donations are tax deductible!!! Yay. I appreciate you.
Photo Galleries (4)
Guestbook
March 25, 2022
You are such an amazing person and I can’t wait to see the impact that you will make in this world. May all of your prayers be answered. xoxo
Anonymous
November 30, 2021
Best of luck
Felicia R6
October 17, 2020
This donation is possible by Kelly. Thank you so much for your support.
Sofia Carpenter
