10 Ways Back2Back Staff have Stayed in the Fight
In May of last year, I was praying and honestly feeling a little discouraged about how COVID-19 was impacting the ability to directly meet the needs of children and families. During my time in prayer, I felt like God told me, “stay in the fight, even now more than ever.” This is exactly what the Back2Back staff have done. In spite of lockdowns, government restrictions, and quarantines, they have found innovative solutions and creative ideas driven by their commitment to do whatever it takes to stay connected to vulnerable children and families. These are just ten of the many ways we have stayed connected and stayed in the fight.
- Prayer – In Cancun, staff meet virtually each morning to pray for families they serve, and Monterrey staff gather Friday mornings under the palapa to lift up their city in prayer.
- Phone and Video calls – In India, each child received a tablet and now has weekly video check-ins with staff members. Every children’s home director in Haiti receives a daily call from staff asking how we can help while reminding them they aren’t alone.
- Celebrations – Nigeria couldn’t celebrate Children’s Day with a traditional party, so instead hand-delivered videos of their favorite staff members wishing them a happy day. In Cancun, graduation party kits were delivered to families empowering them to celebrate their graduates at home.
- Food deliveries – In Cincinnati, Back2Back staff delivered over 2,700 food packs filled with meals and snacks for children and teens who typically would have two meals at school. In Nigeria, our staff fought for special permissions from the government to deliver critical food supplies to partnering children’s homes.
- Educational Support – A Facebook group in Cancun was created to provide classes and virtual tutoring sessions, and an outdoor, socially distanced summer reading program included 60 children in Cincinnati.
- Connection at Home – In Mazatlán, caregivers at Rancho de los Niños organized games and activities to keep children engaged and entertained during lockdown. In Monterrey, staff stepped in to provide respite to house parents by organizing English class, morning workouts, and volleyball tournaments.
- Reallocating Funds – When families in India were in desperate need of clean water, staff members shifted financial resources to meet the most urgent needs. In Haiti, resources originally planned for connection activities were shifted to cover the increased food costs during the pandemic.
- Staff Learning & Growth – Staff from the Dominican Republic received in-depth training in the Strong Families Program, equipping them with knowledge and skills needed to transform communities. In Mazatlán, staff members made the most of time at home by reading books on leadership together.
- Health & Hygiene Lessons – In Monterrey, staff used glitter to teach critical lessons about germs and the importance of handwashing. In Mazatlan, Back2Back staff shared critical donations of masks and gloves with local hospitals.
- Parent Coaching – Cincinnati staff visited families and coached parents through the complex process of device pick-ups and remote learning. In Nigeria, caregivers in the village were coached on how to maintain a routine and schooling at home.
When faced with the challenges of COVID-19, the Back2Back staff did not give up. They stayed in the fight, they used their creativity, and I know for a fact, we won’t stop until every child is known and loved.