The sun was shining brightly at 12 Stones Resource Center as families gathered in small groups for different workshops. The newly installed soccer field held a physical education class where families moved their bodies together; in the kitchen, flour particles clung to countertops and hands as a family baked; outside, Adam Gellenbeck, Back2Back staff, led… Read more
The Back2Back Transitions Program is designed to provide life skills training and support for teens transitioning from one level of education to another, or from college to independent living. It is a key part of the holistic care provided to each child served as they pursue dependence on Jesus, interdependence in their communities, and independent… Read more
The children stood in a line behind Rick and Lisa Bursey as they waited to cross the road. Their eyes were wide, taking in the busy street, the different colors of cars, and the random stray dogs that sauntered past them. “Look!” “Check this out!” “Oh, wow!” bursted from their mouths as they waited, as… Read more
“It is more blessed to give than receive” was a recent launch pad for two Hope Education Program students and the knowledge they’ve gained through school. Two young men studying Sports Science put their skills to the test, leading a lesson on the importance of flexibility in children and teens for a local children’s home…. Read more
I am Luna, 10-years old and for a long time, I lived in a children’s home. It was loud, and we shared everything, from clothes to rooms. I felt safe, but sometimes overwhelmed by all the noise. Now, I live in a quiet home with my foster parents. There’s a soccer goal in the backyard,… Read more
Rick Bursey, Back2Back staff, saw three boys gathered in a circle. They are the youngest in the home at nine, 10, and 11-years old, and their heads were bent down as they discussed something quietly by the chicken coop. “This particular group of boys is always looking for ways to improve processes and space at… Read more
Five young adults gathered around a table at the Community Center of Tres Reyes. There were five cardboard boxes on the table, and each student stood in front of one, full of anticipation. Nearby, Back2Back staff smiled as they told the students to open them. Recently, five young adults in the Strong Families Program graduated… Read more
“I feel like a chef! I feel so fancy!” Her face was alight with joy as she cooked her first meal on her new eco-friendly stove. For years, the moms in the Strong Families Program in Cancun have been cooking over wood fires right by their homes. This type of cooking meant they were bent… Read more
For many people around the world, February 14th is a day earmarked to celebrate those you love – whether it be romantic love or platonic. People celebrate by sending cards, flowers, candy, and remind those closest to them they are loved and seen. For a children’s home in Mazatlan, Mexico, it also marks a day… Read more
The stone arch at The Community Center of Tres Reyes was a welcome sight to the children and families as they entered for the first time after almost a year of being apart. Over the course of ten months, children and families received food and hygiene packs from staff, but remained separate from their peers… Read more