Our Journey: From Vision to Impact

Two Mothers, One Vision: The Inspiring Journey Behind Kids on the Move

The story of Kids on the Move (KOTM) begins with the extraordinary vision of two mothers, Karen Hahne and Brenda Winegar, whose love, determination, and belief in the power of children with special needs sparked a movement that would change the lives of countless families

In the mid-1980s, Karen and Brenda were at a crossroads that many parents of children with disabilities face: they loved their children deeply but were met with a lack of resources and support. Both women were the proud mothers of children with Down syndrome—Reed and Becca—and like so many parents at the time, they were told to "lower their expectations" for their children's potential. But Karen and Brenda didn't accept that message. They believed deeply in the boundless potential of their children, as well as all children with special needs.

They knew that every child deserved the chance to grow, learn, and achieve, and they refused to let society's limitations define what was possible. Their mission was clear: they would create something better, something that would help their children—and others—thrive. And that's exactly what they did.

A Movement Begins in the Living Room

In the beginning, there were no existing programs to support children with disabilities in the way Karen and Brenda envisioned. So, they started small—meeting in living rooms, borrowing office spaces, and gathering in church gyms. What began as a handful of parents coming together to share experiences and find support quickly grew into something much larger. The grassroots initiative was fueled by hope and a belief that every child had the potential to succeed with the right resources, guidance, and community.

It was through these meetings that the foundation of Kids on the Move was born. Parents, once isolated by the challenges of raising children with disabilities, found connection, encouragement, and strength in one another. These early gatherings were not just about sharing stories—they were about learning together. One simple core belief continued to drive the women forward: if you empower the parents and offer support to the families, the kids will have the chance they deserve at a bright future. The belief laid the groundwork for everything KOTM would become.

From Volunteers to Nonprofit

As the movement gained momentum, the impact was clear. But it wasn't until a pivotal moment—when Karen and Brenda received their first state grant—that their vision began to take formal shape. This grant allowed them to take the next step: from a volunteer-led group to a recognized nonprofit organization.

In 1984, Kids on the Move officially became a beacon of hope and change for families facing the same challenges that Karen and Brenda had faced. The name itself reflected the organization's core belief that no child, no matter their challenges, should ever be told they couldn't move forward. Every child, in their eyes, was capable of moving toward a brighter future.

The Hope Lives On

While Karen and Brenda retired in the early 2000s, their legacy continues to inspire and guide KOTM today. What started as a vision shared between two mothers has grown into a nationwide movement that continues to impact the lives of children, families, and communities. From their humble beginnings, KOTM has evolved into an organization offering programs that empower children with special needs to learn, grow, and succeed.

Karen and Brenda didn't wait for someone else to create change—they rolled up their sleeves and made it happen. They gave families more than just hope; they provided the tools, resources, and confidence necessary to build brighter futures for their children. Their vision has impacted thousands, creating a world where children are not limited by labels but empowered to achieve the impossible.

Today, we continue to honor Karen and Brenda's vision, standing on the foundation they built with unwavering dedication. The Hope in Motion movement is more than a name—it's a promise to keep pushing forward, together. It's about creating a future where every child can reach their full potential, no matter the challenges they face.