The young man processed the words in his mind and felt his chin quiver. He ran his hand over his face, but it didn’t stop the tears from building in his eyes and racing down his cheeks. I want to pay for Jed* to attend any private university he wants. They reverberated in his mind… Read more
On July 9th, all across the world, each Back2Back site celebrated the ministry’s 25th anniversary. From Mason, Ohio to Hyderabad, India – and every site in between – staff, ministry partners, child sponsors, and local advocates gathered together, celebrating all that has been accomplished through providing holistic care to vulnerable populations. Back2Back’s Nigeria site celebrated… Read more
In classrooms full of children all around the world there are those who are studious, eagerly raising their hands, excited to learn, and remaining focused with ease. In those same classrooms, there are children overstimulated by what they see outside, who missed breakfast, or who didn’t sleep well the night before. One classroom, 25 different… Read more
Bako’s* smile lights up every room he walks into. He is always grinning, but for a long time, behind his cheerfulness was a quiet struggle with self-confidence. He is a young man who struggles to express himself, especially around new people. His lack of confidence has also led to difficulty asking for help in school…. Read more
Fara* sat in the hospital bed, weakened, but resolute. She looked at the team of doctors around her. “You have to help me get better fast!” She pleaded. “I have an exam to take, and I need to do well.” This determination is a hallmark of Fara, a senior in high school who has grown… Read more
For over 13 years, Nigeria staff have dreamt of opening a trauma-informed, Back2Back-run school for the children they serve. The hindrance to making this a reality has been a lack of relationship and resources. In early May, staff, U.S.-based site Director, and community members gathered as ground was broken and construction commenced on Nigeria’s very… Read more
Sade* stood in front of the kindergarten class, speaking clearly to her students. The teacher she assists had to leave, but trusted Sade completely with the class they led together. Sade asked a question, and the students answered enthusiastically. She smiled to herself, thinking of how far she’d come and how, if someone had asked… Read more
A common practice Back2Back supports is making positive deposits into a child’s belief system. Children and teens from hard places often have belief systems that reflect abuse, neglect, and harsh words from their history. In providing holistic care, dedicated caregivers see the hurt a child or teen has experienced and work to help repair the… Read more
A partnering children’s home in Nigeria is unique in many ways. The home is small, the environment warm, the caregivers loving, encouraging, and diligent in providing family-style care to the teens and children in their home. They know they are safe, loved, and that their interests will be nurtured. Oni* has a passion for learning…. Read more
At Back2Back sites around the world, when asked what they want to be when they grow up, children often give similar answers. No matter their location, doctor, teacher, engineer, and soccer player are common responses. It is an important question to ask vulnerable children, especially, to remind them their choices are wide and their dreams… Read more