Since 2019, Back2Back D.R. has partnered with existing organizations that serve urban populations. Through educational assistance, trauma-competent care training, and designated meeting times for parents, staff pursue each child and adult with a holistic approach of breaking cycles and building up families for sustainability.
Staff invested deeply with one organization, and a relationship flourished through after-school programming, connection groups, and trauma training. This relationship strengthened over the years until, unexpectedly, at the end of 2023, leadership changed. The focus shifted away from education, leaving families wondering how their children would receive access to the assistance they needed and deserved.
“It was a shock,” shared Hope Garcia, Back2Back D.R. Co-Director. “And we spent a lot of time readjusting and praying. We wanted to remain connected with the families and discern how to serve them best.” Staff met with families, assessing their needs and determining the best way to meet them. Parents unanimously expressed the impact on their kids and their gratitude for a safe space to learn.
“We need this,” many of the parents shared. “They’re struggling in school and still need help.” They prayed, asking God to lead them, to open doors in place of the ones being closed, and as He always does, He answered in an unexpected way.
Cheque Garcia, Back2Back D.R. Co-Director, was visiting with families one afternoon when they told him of a group of local leaders who might be able to help with finding a space. Cheque met with them and learned of a building in the area that was not in use. He presented a vision of breathing life back into the community building. For years, the building sat empty, devoid of programming or activity, but a vision was cast for all the ways children and families would benefit.
They were enthusiastic about what this could mean for the community, but knew they didn’t have all the necessary supplies. “We have chairs, but no tables. And we don’t have water or electricity at the moment, but we want this space to be one where children and families learn to flourish,” they shared.
They all dug in, getting more tables, chairs, and connecting the water and electricity. The site’s first visiting mission team arrived later in the year; the center filled with eager hands and joyful hearts as they worked. The once dimly lit, run-down building was transformed with several coats of paint and a clean-up crew. Afterwards, they spent time praying over each space.
Classes started a few weeks later, and as children attend classes, neighborhood moms enjoy coffee and conversation. Children also take part in connection groups, which allow them to better understand and verbalize their emotions. Together, a community is being built within the center, and it is a consistently safe space for children and adults to gather.
A young boy named Juan*, who is 13 years old, has been attending educational classes for the last year with Back2Back. He has long struggled academically and was often bullied as a result. When staff first met him, his reactions were frequently volatile in group settings, so teachers worked with him one-on-one. In the time since then, they’ve seen significant growth in Juan*, specifically in his social/emotional development, and he will be returning to group classes soon!
“This is home base for the children and families,” explained Hope. “The gift is that it’s a place where they are known.” Visiting mission teams will continue to improve the space, and together with staff, the Back2Back community will serve all those who enter, because hope doesn’t stand still.
