Our Story

The journey to start Home Initiative began decades ago. Shauna grew up in Nairobi, Kenya, as a missionary kid. Her parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents were all missionaries in Africa, shaping her early understanding of faith, service, and compassion.

When she was 11, Shauna volunteered at an orphanage during the height of the AIDS epidemic in Africa. Families were being destroyed by this disease, and children were left vulnerable and alone.

It was there that she met Sammy, a 7-year-old boy who was frail, sick, and quiet. Shauna spent the day playing games with him, sharing lunch, and giving him a small gift, a comb and mirror inscribed with “Jesus loves you.” Before leaving, she prayed with him, unaware that he was seriously ill with double pneumonia. Weeks later, she learned that Sammy had passed away.

That moment changed her life forever. From her grief came a clear sense of purpose: every child deserves a family, and every child deserves to know Jesus.

Shauna later married her college sweetheart, Nathan, and together they felt called to care for vulnerable children. In 2016, they became foster parents and eventually adopted three children from the foster care system. Coupled with over 20 years of pastoral ministry, these experiences formed the foundation for Home Initiative.

Out of this journey, Home Initiative was born. The ministry mobilizes churches and communities to provide hope, healing, and family to vulnerable children, both locally in Indiana and globally through partnerships such as the Nyumbani Project. Programs such as Ready Set Home, church trainings, and the Best Weekend Ever Retreat equip families, churches, and communities to make a tangible difference in the lives of children.

The vision is simple yet profound: until every child is home. Every child is worth loving.

Every child deserves to know Jesus.