Hendrik (Henk) Wapstra
Director Emeritus and Founder
Henk was born in the Netherlands, immigrated to the USA with his
family as a 13 year-old, becoming a citizen in 1957. While in the
Netherlands, his older sister passed away from a disabling
condition. Henk is a Presbyterian clergy in good standing with his
denomination. He feels at home in all churches and faith
communities as well as in social service, medical and business
settings. Since 1965, Henk has served seven churches in the
Northwest in positions ranging from Director of Youth to Senior
Minister, all the while learning some of life's greatest lessons from
persons with disAbilities. In 1981, he was a part of the founding
team for a vocational training school for persons with physical
disAbilities. For two years, Henk also participated in a chaplain
program (CPE) at Fircrest School and Residential Center in Seattle
for persons with mental retardation.
Being with the residents at Fircrest became one of the highlights
and transforming experiences of his life.
In 1987, Henk felt called to work full-time alongside persons with
disAbilities, assisting them toward a higher quality of life and fuller
inclusion in all of society. This calling resulted in the founding of
Bridge Ministries for Disability Concerns, headquartered in King
County. Bridge developed into a highly successful ministry with
multiple staff members and many volunteers, serving several
thousand persons a year. Until his retirement in January 2000, Henk
served Bridge as its Executive Director and Chaplain for 13 years.
After moving to Marysville in Snohomish County, he researched the
unmet needs in the North Sound, came out of retirement, founded
Eagle Wings disAbility Ministries, and continues his work with and
on behalf of persons with disAbilities and their families. Although
Henk is fully retired, he volunteers a great deal of his time on behalf
of the people we serve. A passion he will carry with him forever.
Eagle Wings disAbility Ministries received its non-profit status in
January 2001 and continues to remain true to Henk's original vision
and ministry.