We all have external senses – vision, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. For a child with minimal trauma, sensory processing can be easy. They are able to act, and react appropriately and can learn through their senses. Adversely, for a child with significant trauma, their senses are negatively impacted and this creates issues with their… Read more
The pain Javier* had mentioned earlier to his Hope mom had intensified. He cradled his cheek in his hand and groaned loudly enough for her to notice. “It’s worse, Javier?” she asked with concern. He nodded slowly. She reached out to fellow staff member, Anna McCambridge, who helps with Back2Back’s medical program. Together, they made… Read more
Jose Luis watched Andres* slowly withdraw into himself. The usually vibrant, social young man grew quieter over the weeks of mandated quarantine. With each new cancellation of something he loved, Andres grew more despondent. Mazatlán was feeling the effects of the virus sweeping globally, leaving adults unemployed and children and teens idle. For Andres, music… Read more
After many weeks of sheltering in place, Samuel*, an only child in the Strong Families Program, wanted to plan an afternoon with his mom. He envisioned going with her to a place with views of the city and its mountains, and he wanted someone trustworthy to be their “driver” for the evening. Samuel and his… Read more
“If we get to be together, can we have one long table, with the turkey in the middle, like they do in the movies?!” The young boy’s brown eyes lit up as he made his earnest request. Back2Back staff quickly agreed and began planning the in-person holiday party. All celebrations have looked different for people… Read more
Hector* and Oscar* are twin brothers who have lived in a Back2Back-run Mexican children’s home for 11 years. They received holistic care, therapies to help them grow in capability and emotional health, and love by caregivers and staff. Reunification with biological families is always something Back2Back hopes for- if the timing is right and the… Read more
“They’ve forgotten how to be kids.” It was an assessment made by Back2Back’s staff psychologist, Lili, as she and other staff members watched the children and teens reorient themselves recently to the community centers. It has been almost a year since schools were shut down and all students in Cancun transitioned to virtual learning. “They… Read more
Back2Back wants children and teens to live in families- either family-style care or if is a healthy and safe option, reunited with extended family. It has been an exciting few months in Mazatlán, as the Foster Care Program has officially kicked off! Sadie* once lived in a former Back2Back-partner children’s home, but due to a… Read more
Anna* stood in her red graduation robe before adults and peers who have supported her for many years. She walked shyly to the wooden structure that held the celebration bell and tugged on the attached rope. Clangs echoed off the buildings in a song of triumph. As those gathered cheered loudly, Anna smiled, confident in… Read more
Maintaining connection between children and families is a top priority for Back2Back staff all over the world. Lockdowns, safely distancing, and potential hiccups with internet connections haven’t always made it easy. However, the staff is not easily kept down. As the holidays approached, the desire to remain connected grew stronger in Cancun, and Jenn Holden,… Read more