Back2Back was thrilled to welcome Sra. Gretta Salinas de Medina, President of the Board of the State DIF (the National System for Integral Family Development) and wife of Nuevo Leon’s governor, Rodrigo Medina. She visited the Monterrey, Mexico campus to see firsthand Back2Back’s programs for vulnerable children.
Monterrey has always been at the heart of change for the country of Mexico. Often times initiatives, policy, and change originating in Monterrey will flow to other areas of the country. It was a privilege to receive a visit from the highest authority of the State of Nuevo León and discuss her interest in Back2Back’s holistic orphan care model.
One of her motivations for visiting the campus was to observe the Hope Education Program in action. Through this program, now in existence for over 12 years, adolescents from children’s homes have a place where they can live in a family, attend high school and college and form healthy, lasting relationships. At the urging of her staff, Mrs. Medina planned a one-hour visit to tour the Hope Program and Monterrey, Mexico campus. There are few Mexican organizations like Back2Back who provide in-depth holistic orphan care. After meeting with Juan Porto, Back2Back Hope Education Program Director and Antonio Garcia, Back2Back Monterrey Director, Mrs. Medina was so impressed by Back2Back’s holistic care model, she extended her visit, staying for several hours, even meeting girls and house parents in the Hope Program and the psychologist on staff.
The visit concluded with the directors of Back2Back communicating the work they do in the children’s homes to support the overall growth of children and adolescents. It was a great visit with learning, feedback and commitments by both parties to continue working and supporting projects for the country’s most vulnerable children.
“As a result of the meeting, there is now momentum for Back2Back and other like-minded organizations to continue to partner with the government to pursue in-depth orphan care. Back2Back is honored to join hands with others in such a valuable work,” says Todd Guckenberger, Back2Back Ministries, Executive Director.