Clara* looked at the group of girls sitting in the circle with her. They had become her safe space. They understood one another, leaned on each other, but the caregivers at their group home were always trying to separate them, and she didn’t understand why. So, she fled, knowing she couldn’t handle the group setting… Read more
In a neighborhood about five miles from the Back2Back Cincinnati site, 25 children call an apartment building with a rundown playground home. Those children recently took part in social, emotional, and educational activities with Back2Back staff over the summer. Staff took effective and often used strategies, implemented them with the children there, and left an… Read more
Back2Back newest Trauma-informed school is flourishing and continually welcoming in new students. Recently, staff members visited the school to see the students at work and ask how everything is going in the new environment. “The children look so grown up and beautiful in their new uniforms and shoes,” shared Patience Dimka, Back2Back staff. “It feels… Read more
The local volunteer initiative in Mexico is one of the most thriving areas of the work being done in-country. Recently, current volunteers attended the film premiere for Sound of Freedom at a local theater. They passed out flyers about an informational meeting to become a volunteer. As a result of their service, several people showed… Read more
In the last month, local psychiatrist Dr. Carlos Garcia Espinoza has provided several trainings for around 55 people affiliated with Back2Back, including Strong Families parents, 12 Stones staff, and Rancho de los Niños children’s home staff. Dr. Garcia Espinoza is a medical professional and psychiatrist trained in several types of therapies; he came highly recommended… Read more
When she lost her brother last year, Anika* felt adrift. Generally a happy young woman, she experienced anger and struggled to listen to the safe adults she had come to trust. Her normally cheerful demeanor turned sarcastic and cold, and her daily patterns changed drastically. The safe adults in the 17-year old’s life remained consistent… Read more
One of the Hope Homes in Nigeria is a safe haven for young women in the Hope Education Program. In February of this year, the home opened its doors for another promising young adult with much ahead of her. Dayo* is the daughter of a Reverend who served at a local church in the community… Read more
Rick Bursey’s phone lit up with an alert. He immediately recognized a familiar face, though it was older now, as he opened the message. It was of a young man in a nursing uniform with a small message below: I wanted to thank you – you’re the only one who believed in my future. In… Read more
The puzzle pieces laid across the tables in front of the four young men. Their house parents stood in before them, speaking words of encouragement and life, telling them the puzzle is a reminder that all the answers to the puzzles of life are found in God and their Bibles. The young men smiled gratefully… Read more
Recently, children at a Nigeria partnering children’s home attended a week-long camp together. The camp allowed space for children to connect, take part in activities, listen to motivational talks, and had time to explore their Bibles during quiet time. The captain of the home, Swanta Zakka, works diligently to create enabling environments for the children… Read more