Back2Back Nigeria’s trauma-informed school was short-staffed in their daycare recently, and Caleb Crotts, Back2Back staff, reached out to other staff members asking if Transition to Independence students would be interested in helping out. “At the time, most of the young adults were in school, but two young ladies were available and readily went to help,” the staff shared.

A young woman named Theresa* was one of the two helping and each day after she completed her work, staff would ask how it was going. “She was always very positive, even if she was tired from the day,” shared Back2Back staff. One particular child in the daycare really took to Theresa and wherever she was, the baby was also. She enjoyed her time with the children and loved the food provided at the school for staff. She was excited to be a part of something at the school and make a difference.

When she’d been helping for a little over a month, she found out she would be receiving a small stipend for her dedicated work. When she finally received it, she called Back2Back staff repeatedly until they answered. “Aunty Commy,” she said in an excited rush over the phone. “They sent my money, and do you know how much it was for?!” 

Theresa had no expectations and was sincerely grateful for the financial support. She kept half of her payment in her savings account, purchased some fabrics to sew new church dresses, and got herself something sweet to eat as a treat. Through example, mentorship, and life skills classes, young adults in the Transition to Independence Program are learning Back2Back’s cultural values in real time as she stewards her resources with excellence and loves others as Jesus does.