About Us | Impano Care

Early Challenges

Impano Care Foundation was created in honor of Mpano Franklin, whose life journey inspired a mission of hope, advocacy, and inclusion. Mpano means “Gift.” And Mpano truly is a gift. For the first five months of Mpano’s life, everything seemed normal. Like many new parents, our days were filled with feeding, changing diapers, and sleepless nights. But when Mpano was six months old, we noticed something was not right. He appeared to be in pain. Doctors initially thought it was milk intolerance and suggested diluting his milk. We trusted the advice, but deep down we knew something more was happening.

Medical Journey

As months passed, Mpano was not reaching milestones like other children. At 11 months, he was not speaking or sitting. At 16 months, the pain episodes became more intense. Eventually, a pediatric neurologist ordered an EEG test, which revealed that Mpano had been experiencing seizures for nearly six months. With treatment, the seizures reduced, and Mpano finally began standing and walking at the age of two. At 22 months, he underwent brain surgery in hopes of finding a solution. Unfortunately, the surgery did not bring answers. Our search for help took us across the world, including to New Zealand, where doctors suggested that Mpano likely had autism, although he was still young for a formal diagnosis.

Mpano Living with Autism

Like many parents, we entered a world we knew nothing about. Autism was rarely discussed where we lived, and resources were limited. We faced stigma, misunderstanding, and many closed doors. Some schools refused to accept Mpano. Others accepted him but had no resources to support him. We had to hire a helper just to ensure someone could follow him and keep him safe in the classroom. Mpano had difficulty interacting with other children. He preferred playing alone or with his parents. He lined up toys rather than playing with them and had strong sensory sensitivities to sound, touch, taste, and smell.

Reality and Strength

Despite all the challenges, Mpano continued to grow into the most joyful boy we know. Today, Mpano still does not speak or write. He has significant delays in cognitive development and language skills. But he is full of joy. He loves water, laughter, and the people around him. He communicates in his own beautiful way. He reminds us every day that life does not have to be perfect to be wonderful.

Hope and Purpose

His journey inspired the creation of Impano Care Foundation so that other families would not feel alone. Mpano’s journey became a source of strength—not only for our family, but for many others facing similar challenges. Through this foundation, we hope to create awareness, provide support, and build a community where every child is valued, understood, and included.

Mission Statement

The mission of I Mpano Care Foundation is to empower youth and adults living with disabilities by providing support, advocacy, and inclusive opportunities, while strengthening families and building a community where every person is valued, respected, and celebrated as a gift. I Mpano Care Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of youth and adults with disabilities by supporting families, increasing awareness, promoting inclusion, and creating opportunities for individuals to reach their full potential.

Vision Statement

To build inclusive communities where individuals with disabilities are recognized as gifts to society, empowered to reach their full potential, and supported by a compassionate network of families, professionals, and advocates.

Core Values

1️⃣ Dignity We believe every person, regardless of ability, deserves respect, compassion, and the opportunity to live with dignity. 2️⃣ Inclusion We promote communities where individuals with disabilities are welcomed, accepted, and able to fully participate in society. 3️⃣ Empowerment We support individuals and families with knowledge, resources, and opportunities that allow them to grow, thrive, and advocate for themselves. 4️⃣ Compassion We approach every family with understanding, empathy, and care because we know the challenges they face. 5️⃣ Hope We believe that every step forward matters and that even the smallest victories deserve to be celebrated.

Message to Parents

You Are Not Alone To the parents of children with autism and developmental disabilities: ❤️ To the mom running from therapy to therapy while others are going to soccer practice — you are not alone. ❤️ To the dad who celebrates when his child says a single word — every victory matters. ❤️ To the mom reading every book about autism late into the night — you are strong, and your dedication matters more than you know. ❤️ To the parents who feel judged when their child cries or screams in public — we understand, and we stand with you. ❤️ To the parents wondering if their child will ever speak — we share that hope with you, every single day. We know the challenges. We know the love. And we know the strength it takes to keep going. Even on the hardest days, your effort, your patience, and your love are shaping a beautiful journey. You are not alone. And you never will be.

Global Partnership with Rwanda

Impano Care Foundation believes that inclusion and dignity for people living with disabilities should be promoted worldwide. That’s why we have developed an international partnership with community leaders, churches, schools, and parents of autistic children organizations in Rwanda, who work directly within their communities to support people living with disabilities and their families. These local partners take the initiative to create a brighter future by developing solutions tailored to the realities of their communities.

Our Story