What do formerly abandoned children need to become independent young adults?
Comunidad Girasoles works with youth and young adults transitioning out of orphanages and residential care centers, including Casa Girasoles Homes.The Community ensures continuity within the residential programs and provides support for young adults as they learn to be self-reliant and independent.
The youth and young adults in the Community go through psychological counseling and join peer mentoring sessions. Every counselor has years of experience and has been trained in addressing the specific issues faced by transition-age youth; many of the peer mentors have also been in residential programs themselves and understand what participants are going through. The participants also learn to tap services offered by the government, NGOs, and faith-based organizations. With self-advocacy skills and knowledge in navigating the support system, they become young citizens driving their own progress and eager to become productive members of society.
Impact
55
youth (2020)
Increased resilience and relationship permanence
Increased connectivity to a supportive network of medical professionals
Meet Manny.
It’s a heavy weight when death comes to the children and the communities we serve. Despite knowing that our chosen mission can bring us face to face with loss, it doesn’t make it any easier. When Manny*, barely in his twenties, passed away due to medical complications, our team felt deep grief amid the joy of having known such an engaging young man.
We saw Manny grow up in Casa Girasoles and how much he enjoyed sharing meals with the family he found around that table. He also took charge of his mental, physical, and emotional health with all home activities, as well as opportunities to learn new things in different ways.
When he graduated from Casa Girasoles, he bravely took to independent living. He was an eager learner – curious and charming – and his loss made us see more clearly the deep importance of building effective systems in healthcare. But as we work towards a future where safety nets for kids like Manny exist, it’s crucial for boys like him to know they are not alone, and that there will always be a place where they belong – no matter where they’re from.
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Manny showed us more clearly how roadblocks and barriers to systematic support and medical resources have real consequences. While our team did everything we possibly can to save his life, we also know that while he was under our care, he knew a life that he didn’t think was possible after all the trauma he’s experienced. Today, his journey with HBI continually reminds us why the work we do is crucial – no matter the circumstances and outcome, we will remain committed to all the young people we are honored to meet, grow with, and want to see succeed.
*Names changed to maintain privacy.
What’s Ahead
Within the next few years, our goal is to extend the network and services of Comunidad Girasoles to more young adults, including adolescent girls.
Have questions about Comunidad Girasoles?
Please get in touch with Srta. Jocabeth: jocabeth@hbint.org
