A Month of Thanks – Day 21: Connection

We value connection above everything. For HBI, the relationship is central to running our programs and projects and the culture we instill in our team. The power of connection is essential for the boys in the Casa Girasoles program.

To help the boys better connect with themselves, one another, and their wider community – each Holiday Season, the Casa Girasoles programs participate in a community outreach project. The staff and boys work together to identify a community of need, build a relationship with that community, and then orchestrate a day-long activity.

The outreach projects often include some social benefit projects – one year; they helped to build a new fence for an impoverished school – and a Holiday component. The boys will pull toys, games, books, and clothes from the homes and bring them to the community for families with economic needs. In addition, they throw a Christmas party – complete with Santa Claus and a meal for the families.

The boys and staff do all the planning, organizing, and implementation. They are the bridges of connection. It is incredible to see the care the boys bring to these projects. It is powerful to watch them in the community, hear the stories after the activities, and know they take all the Holiday Outreach projects deeply personally.

We are thankful for the power of connection.