At 15, Denise* had experienced difficulties no young lady should. She is the second of four children raised by a single mother, often exposed to situations impacting her social and emotional growth. Multiple moves between family members to children’s homes and back to family made it clear Denise needed a consistent home front and safe adults to help guide her. Back2Back staff connected her with a Hope Home, and she moved in. Esther and Hosanna, the house parents of an all-girls Hope Home, were introduced to Denise and immediately worked to transition her into their home and lives as seamlessly as possible.

Today, she has been living in the Hope Home for almost a year, and the transformation in Denise is marvelous. Within two months of arriving, she accepted Jesus into her life during a camping experience. She has since demonstrated her desire to grow through reading the Bible, asking questions, and focusing on her academics and social/emotional healing.  Her time within safe and consistent care, alongside other young ladies walking similar paths, has allowed Denise to grow. She expresses herself clearly and respectfully, always considering those around her. 

Denise has clearly stated her affection for her biological family and that she misses them, and her Hope parents have facilitated avenues for Denise to remain connected with her eldest sister and newborn niece. As she grows in her faith, Denise prays for protection over her biological family, asking God to help keep the rest of them together. Esther and Hosanna feel great pride and humility in listening to Denise pray for her family, as it is a clear sign of her healing. 

Denise’s arrival at the home wasn’t without hiccups, but she truly feels comfortable and at home with her Hope family. Her natural sense of humor has come out, and she finds great joy in spending time with each of her hope parents individually, calling the time “dinner with daddy” and “dinner with mummy.” 

As Denise and so many other young adults like her grow in their comfort levels around safe adults, Back2Back staff can see a true revealing of the heart and compassion of the children and teens they serve. Please join us in prayer that young adults in Nigeria and around the world would understand better each day they are safe, known, & loved.