Recently, a group of five new children transitioned into a partnering children’s home in Haiti. Moving and adjusting to new living arrangements with new expectations can be difficult for anyone, but for children from hard places, there are additional layers of support needed.
“The children were very upset when they arrived,” shared one of the caregivers at the home. “They cried more often than not, inconsolable and unable to express their needs; it was difficult and tiring, but I knew with the help of our training, we could help them grow comfortable.”
Nurture Groups, small groups led by safe adults in the home, help children manage their emotions, express their needs, and learn their voices are valuable. Caregivers and the older children in the home immediately incorporated the children into nurture groups. Caregivers were patient and led with love while the older children stepped up, spurred on by the needs of the younger children and helping them acclimate.
Staff psychologist, Stephanie Pierre, recently went from part time to full-time and is now spending significantly more time at the partnering home. Her time involves helping with nurture groups, facilitating group activities, and understanding the needs of each child while helping them use their voices to express them.
“My hope is to increase my one-on-one time with each of the children and help them incorporate into the family-style environment of the home as seamlessly as possible,” Stephanie shared.
Each time she visits, Stephanie sees the newer children more comfortable and displaying their felt-safety around their housemates. Nurture Groups, consistency, and access to emotional and social growth tools are making these positive changes possible.
Prayer, advocacy, and sponsorship allow trained staff to come alongside every child in their care, no matter their previous circumstance, and foster an environment of healing and growth. For this, Back2Back is grateful.