Thanks to your faithful support, each year, Hope Program house parents can enjoy a week-long respite to rest, regroup, and recharge, ensuring they remain filled up to serve the teens in their care. While parents took time to renew, Hope students gathered on Back2Back’s campus for a retreat alongside youth from partnering homes and local Strong Families.

It was a focused time of devotion, worship, spiritual growth, emotional health, and learning new skills. This year, students discovered graphic design and printing, making mugs and t-shirts!

In Haiti, access to day camps, workshops, and skill-building opportunities like these can be scarce or unaffordable for many families. But for teens paving their own paths, this access exists because of generous donors and sponsors like you.

One highlight of the week was the first-ever “Miss Back2Back” contest, inviting young women to participate in activities centered on character, self-confidence, and self-discipline. “We want to celebrate our young adults being transformed, not conformed,” shared Back2Back staff. “While it felt pageant-like, our goal was for each girl to feel empowered as a future leader in her family and community.”

Staff and their spouses served as judges, emcees, and moderators. Each participant answered quiz questions on Bible knowledge, history, climate change, and stewardship. The event was a great success, and plans are already underway for a “Mr. Back2Back” contest later this year.

The retreat is highly anticipated by both teens and staff every year. In the midst of ongoing national challenges, higher education pressures, and the daily work of breaking cycles, this week of rest and renewal is cherished by all.

Thanks to faithful partners like you, teens in Haiti can simply enjoy being young, learning, and laughing with friends – an experience representing a hope that doesn’t stand still.