How caring mentors are helping our children grow, heal, and feel deeply loved
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7
God has a way of bringing the right people into our lives at just the right time. We’ve seen that happen again and again as He provides for our children in ways we could never plan ourselves. One of our greatest hopes is that every child in our care has the opportunity to grow into the person God created them to be. Sometimes that happens through unexpected connections.
A few years ago, Reforma Church reached out to us with a mentoring program for children living in residential care. The volunteers didn’t simply sign up to visit. They committed to becoming Trauma Competent Caregivers, a year long training that equips them to better understand and support children who have experienced trauma. Since then, these mentors have become an important part of many of our children’s lives.
Our director, Alejandra, shared one story that shows just how meaningful these relationships can become. “Elizabeth and Jimena’s mentor already knew us before joining the mentoring program. She had been a teacher at Shaddai School, where some of our children are enrolled, so when she came here, she recognized several of the children. Over time, she built a wonderful relationship with the girls. She’s studying special education, so during her mentoring visits she also supports Elizabeth with learning. A couple of years ago, she even helped us with language therapy exercises. That’s one of the ways our mentors become involved in the children’s lives.”
Each mentor brings different gifts, but they all share the same goal: to remind our children that they are loved. Ingrid, who has been Josué’s mentor for the past three years, explained what first led her to join the program. “My desire was for it to be centered on Christ, to be a source of support and a consistent presence in the life of someone who needs a familiar face. Someone who visits, asks how they’re doing, and reminds them that, beyond having people who care for them on earth, they also have a Heavenly Father who loves them. We’ve continued walking alongside them for the past five years.”
For children who have experienced loss and uncertainty, having a trusted adult outside the organization can make a lasting difference. Mentors spend time talking with the children, asking about their interests, celebrating their accomplishments, and sometimes bringing along their favorite snacks to enjoy together. These simple moments help build trust and remind our children that someone is thinking about them. When we asked Josué what it means to have a mentor, he smiled and said: “At first, I didn’t know what a mentor was. Then I met her, we started talking, and now we’ve been talking for three years.” Sometimes the greatest gift isn’t having all the answers. It’s simply having someone who keeps showing up.
We’re incredibly thankful for every mentor who chooses to walk alongside our children and teenagers. Most of all, we’re grateful to God for the countless ways He continues to care for every detail of their lives.
Thank you for praying for our children. Your prayers, along with the faithful presence of these mentors, remind them that they are deeply loved, and that many people are cheering them on as they grow.