Isha* opened his school journal to write down the day’s assignments. He finished, closed the book, and smiled to himself. It was almost time for his English class, and he couldn’t wait to dive into the next lesson. Isha is one of four children who live in the city and attend the community center run… Read more
The trauma-informed, Back2Back-run school in India was once just a dream. Long-time staff members prayed for opportunities to send children to schools with broad and usable educational curriculum. Conversational English is imperative for future success in India, and while Back2Back was able to find schools who offered English lessons daily, children still struggled in and… Read more
Adelina’s* mom took in the area around her. The palapa where she learns alongside other parents, the playground where her children play freely, and she felt peace. She felt a safety she’d not experienced before, because she knew her children also felt safe. When Back2Back staff first met Adelina, she was extremely backward. When she… Read more
“Is it time?” The young boy looked eagerly at his mom as she got her daughters ready for school. “Not just yet, Josue*,” she smiled, winking at him. She loved the eagerness he felt to be at school alongside his sisters. This exchange was a common one throughout weekday mornings at Josue’s house. His oldest… Read more
It was 2010, and Matt and Julie Cooper, long-time friends and staff members, joined us in Cancun to explore the possibility of a new site. We had some appointments to see children’s homes and were all praying God would make it clear where He wanted our next investment. We visited an all-girl’s children’s home and… Read more
Clara* looked at the group of girls sitting in the circle with her. They had become her safe space. They understood one another, leaned on each other, but the caregivers at their group home were always trying to separate them, and she didn’t understand why. So, she fled, knowing she couldn’t handle the group setting… Read more
In the last month, local psychiatrist Dr. Carlos Garcia Espinoza has provided several trainings for around 55 people affiliated with Back2Back, including Strong Families parents, 12 Stones staff, and Rancho de los Niños children’s home staff. Dr. Garcia Espinoza is a medical professional and psychiatrist trained in several types of therapies; he came highly recommended… Read more
Alan* smiles to himself as he sees the passing score on his admissions exam for university. Despite familial and personal challenges, he never questioned if he would pass, he knew his hard work would serve him well and lead him where he needed to go next. In the weeks before his admissions exam, he prepared… Read more
Delilah* was reflecting on her time following a trip to Tourism Congress. It is a time for students to attend forums where they learn about the tourism industry, and then spend a day within the industry working. Delilah’s role was to be a support for her peers, and she realized very quickly it wasn’t a… Read more
As Back2Back continues to grow in depth and breadth of their care for vulnerable populations in India, there are cultural expectations to consider as the best, most holistic approach is provided. One of the key lessons staff understand is that, if the children served in-country want the best opportunities for jobs after studying in university… Read more