Bicyclists on route to raise awareness for special needs

Journey of Hope returns to Fairhaven

NILES -- It was in the summers of 1989 and 1990 when Dan Dawson of Cleveland rode his bike across the country with the Journey of Hope.

Now in 2023, his son Jack Dawson is a member of the bicycling group, which is traveling cross country and expected to arrive in Washington, D.C., at the Capitol Building on Saturday.

The group raises awareness and funds for those with special needs.

Twenty-five members of the Journey of Hope made a stop over the weekend at Fairhaven School in Niles, where they spent time with the young adults who attend the workshop and school.

Dan Dawson, who is considered an event alumni, said he was at Bowling Green University when he was a rider on the bike trip from San Francisco to Washington, D.C.

"The reason I joined a fraternity was to do this event. The first year the bike ride was held was in 1988. Now 35 years later, it is still ongoing," he said.

Dawson said at many places where the bicyclists stop, people say besides their birthday and Christmas, the Journey of Hope visit is one of the most anticipated days of the year.

The bicyclists travel each day and then stop at a location to spend the night, including Fairhaven School.

The Journey of Hope has two groups of 25 bicyclists, with one group traveling from Seattle to Washington, D.C. and the other from San Francisco to Washington, D.C. The trip, which began June 7, takes eight weeks.

"These young men go to different places and show empathy and share a message of appreciation for what God has given to each person," Dawson said.

He said the event was something he was always glad he took part in.

His son, Jack Dawson, was with the Seattle group, which took a different cross country route, stopping in Cincinnati. The group averages 75 to 100 miles per day of travel.

Dan Dawson said his mother, Rose Stockwell Dawson, was from the Trumbull County area.

Stephanie Champlin, executive director of the Fairhaven Foundation, said Fairhaven has hosted the Journey of Hope for 16 years. In addition to a friendship visit and dance at the school, the bicyclists are treated to dinner and a visit to the Scrappers game.

Ed Stark, superintendent of the Trumbull County Board of Developmental Disabilities, said the students look forward to the annual visit.

"As soon as this one is over, they start talking about the next visit. We are very glad to be able to host this every year and provide this opportunity not only for the cyclists but individuals receiving services here. It is a great way to meet new people and interact and have a good time," Stark said.

Jackson Escamilla of San Antonio, Texas, one of the bicyclists, said at each location where they stop, they get a chance to interact with people and share what helping others means.

Bicyclist Shaw Guidi of Farmington, Illinois, said they attend one or two gatherings per day at the visits.

He said the route took them through Denver, Chicago, Lake Tahoe and Carson City, Nevada.

Guidi said the group loves coming to Fairhaven and other similar places. She said the group has raised more than $350,0000 for different programs to help people with special needs.