The problem:
Millions of kids around the world—OUR world—are growing up in orphanages, and they are not growing into successful adults.
Please don’t stop reading.
Most of them are failing by any social measure, and their children often end up in the same alternative care system that failed them.
At Hope Unlimited for Children, our graduates aren’t failing.
In fact, our numbers show that (2 years after graduation) 93% of our graduates are meaningfully employed, contributing members of society. They are making homes vastly different than the ones they grew up in—and the next generation is benefiting from broken cycles of poverty, abuse, exploitation, abandonment.
BROKEN cycles
Shouldn’t that be the goal?
Obviously, 25 years of experience with orphans and vulnerable children in Brazil is worth something. The investment is paying off. The model is working.
So how does one best handle success? Savor—or share?
We’ve chosen to share.
Click on the picture for a brief overview.
There are three major distinctives in the Hope model:
- From a child’s first day with us, we’re intentionally planning ahead for graduation and independent living.
- Vocational training is always linked to a need in the marketplace; skills must result in employment.
- We don’t “drop” kids when they turn 18; we’re family for life and do whatever it takes to help them transition into successful adulthood.
It’s easy for well-meaning orphan-care programs to get bogged down in the “everyday” of providing shelter, food, clothing, and education; those things are certainly admirable. But, if after years of investing time and money in a child—if the outcome is NOT successful adulthood—was it a good investment? Was it fair to provide false hope to a child if their future holds repeated cycles of pain?
There’s a better approach.
Over the past two years, Renaissance Man and a very small staff have been creating Hope Institute.
ADVOCACY
Giving a voice to that small subset of children for whom residential care is best through organizations such as Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO).
RESEARCH
Working with researchers to identify best practices in residential orphan care.
TRAINING
An established orphanage in El Salvador found their missing link in Hope’s graduate transition model—and is already seeing improved success with graduates. A 30-year-old program in Guatemala had a “light bulb moment” in the area of vocational training and made immediate changes to their program.
And this week, two orphanages in the Philippines will have the benefit of assessment and training by Hope staff. Prayers appreciated for all involved as they work to create the ideal model of care for yet another culture.
At least ten more programs have requested training. They are literally all over the world, but Hope’s staff of two can only take on so much . . .
To whom much is given, much is required.
The staff at Hope Unlimited for Children is working hard to be responsible as the Hope Institute training arm stretches worldwide. I believe this could be a game-changer for orphans and vulnerable children in as little as a decade. Please pray for
- investors with a heart for children—and broken cycles
- additional training staff for Hope Institute
- good health, stamina, protection, and creativity for current staff
And a personal prayer request of mine: an opportunity for Hope Institute to have an impact on the U.S. foster care system. Although it’s not orphanage-style residential care, there is so much they could learn from the Hope model because . . . Guess what “adulthood” looks like for many former foster kids . . .
So what’s the answer?
We are. You and me.
