Submitted by The Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services
Brock Kinsey with a deer he harvested with equipment provided by MDRS’ Traumatic Brain Injury/Spinal Cord Injury Trust Fund
“Oh, boy, this was like a dream come true for me and everyone here,” said hunter Brock Kinsey.
For the first time in his life, Brock was able to take the shot and harvest a deer, something he had always dreamed of. He had never been able to hunt before, due to a traumatic brain injury caused by a car accident when he was 5 years old.
Thanks to specialized hunting equipment supplied by Faith Hope Love Outdoor Ministry, now Brock and hundreds of other Mississippians with disabilities can hunt with great success.
The ministry purchased the equipment using a subgrant awarded by the Traumatic Brain Injury/Spinal Cord Injury Trust Fund administered by The Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS).
“They helped get us a lot of equipment that adapts to the needs of different types of disabilities. We have the equipment now where they can harvest the animal on their own,” said Ben Robison, founder of Faith Hope Love.
Ben said he sees the ministry as an easy way to love others and assist those who need a little help to get out and enjoy the outdoors.
The TBI/SCI Trust Fund provides direct services to clients and awards subgrants to Mississippi organizations for the awareness and prevention of traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries.
Faith Hope Love Outdoor Ministry submitted a request explaining their organization and what they intended to do with the funds if awarded. “And through the trust fund, we were able to support them by providing the help needed to purchase state-of-the-art adaptive hunting and fishing equipment,” stated Laura Jones, the TBI/SCI Trust Fund Coordinator at MDRS.
“These individuals who have just sustained an injury and their life has changed, they are able to go on a hunt and utilize this equipment that they might not otherwise have the opportunity to use, and they are able to engage in something that they love to do.”
Kevin Runnels, a Faith Hope Love volunteer, shared, “In addition to letting people experience things that they otherwise would not be able to, it gets them to be part of the community. They get to meet people who otherwise they would never meet. They get to make new friends. They get to be a valued contributing member. And it’s just a wonderful experience.
“Without that equipment, a lot of this would not have been possible. It has been a blessing.”
MDRS releases the new Requests For Proposals for the Trust Fund subgrants after each new calendar year. To submit a request for your organization, visit https://www.mdrs.ms.gov/special-disability-programs/btisci-trust-fund.
Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services is a state agency that provides resources to help Mississippians with disabilities find new careers, live more independently, overcome obstacles, and face new challenges. We are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of the people we serve. If you are a Mississippian with a disability and are interested in seeking assistance, call 1-800-443-1000 or visit mdrs.ms.gov.