Brogan and Sarah have been friends since they were babies.
Sarah Halversen and Brogan Baker wobbled together as toddlers while their siblings and parents grew in friendship. Baker and Halversen followed in their sibling’s footsteps by attending Tualatin Valley Academy and Portland Adventist Academy.
As they grew older, Baker began struggling with problems that affected his ability to succeed in every-day life. “After much research, soul-searching, prayer and tears,” said Kim Baker, Brogan’s mother, “we felt God lead us to an intensive therapeutic environment designed to meet Brogan’s complex needs.”
A year ago, with the support of family, friends, and PAA staff, Baker enrolled at an out of state school centered on outdoor education, therapeutic mentorship, and long-term success.
The specialized education came at a cost and the financial investment was more than the family could bear alone.
“Brogan is like another big brother to me,” said Halversen, a Junior at PAA. “It was sad to see what he and his family have gone through. I felt like helping them financially was the best thing we could do besides being there for them and praying. I wanted to do more.” Halversen’s hope to help her friend was perfectly timed with a PAA Bible class. At PAA, students complete Change Agent Projects (CAP). They organize service projects of their choosing that must challenge them to impact God’s Kingdom.
Ryan, Sarah, and Nick Halversen
Through careful planning, Halversen, with the help of her athletic older brothers Ryan and Nick, organized a basketball camp for first through eighth graders. Halverson’s CAP turned into a collaborative effort from an entire community. Tualatin Valley Academy supported the project with the use of their gymnasium and equipment while more than 20 children enrolled in the camp. Each child’s parents gave a donation to the Baker family as their enrollment fee. “We’re so proud of Sarah and her brothers,” said Kim Baker. “The support from everyone has meant so much to our family.” Brogan’s success story is still being written. In less than a year, he earned his high school diploma and raised his overall GPA. “He is planning to begin some college coursework through distance learning and study for the SAT,” said Kim Baker. The Baker family hopes he’ll be home this spring in time to attend and possibly participate in PAA graduation ceremonies with his classmates. “We are grateful for all that Brogan is gaining,” wrote Kim Baker in a letter she wrote to the PAA staff. “We’re so grateful that he had the foundation of such an extended family through PAA and TVA.”
To help Brogan’s continued success, please visit the family’s Go Fund Me page: www.gofundme.com/BroganHoH.
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