We have some of the most loving and dedicated sponsors in the world. You faithfully give donations to help us raise our children, visit our home, and even go above and beyond to help with big projects. Without donors, Dorie’s Promise wouldn’t exist.
We want to honor your commitment to our children and help you connect, create meaningful relationships, and love our children well.
Identifying the starting place
Our kids have all suffered trauma, including varying levels of abuse and neglect for many. They’re working hard to process what they experienced with their biological families. Our staff focuses on creating a home where they never doubt they are loved, safe, and free from abuse or neglect.
Healing is a slow and difficult process, and can only happen within each person’s closest relationships. For our kids, that means they only share their truest emotions and stories with our staff.
Our kids are also getting older. Just a few years ago, our house was full of high chairs and cribs. Now we have kids in high school and we’re making plans for universities, vocational schools, and careers. Adolescence is hard for all kids, no matter their situation. We’re creating a home where our kids can wrestle with adolescence freely and start making decisions for their future.
They’re becoming adults.
As they get older, our kids have an increased influence over their life choices, including how their stories are shared and who they build relationships with. They’ve been open about their desire to keep their hard stories private and we are working to guard their privacy. Just as you don’t want all of your story shared with the world, neither do they. They want people to know them for who they are today and who they will become. Their past influences them greatly, but they are focused on the future.
How to love our children well
Our psychologist, Ana Maria, shared these thoughts on how to love our children well.
- Listen closely. When interacting with our children, give them your attention. Don’t be distracted. Instead, show them you care by focusing on what they are sharing.
- Be respectful. Show our kids the same respect you would want. Don’t ask probing questions about their past. Don’t force conversation. Allow your interactions to be natural.
- Give without expectations. For children who are healing from trauma, the expectation of affection, attention, or connection with those other than their caregivers can be confusing and emotionally difficult. We value your support and are thankful that you demonstrate unconditional love to our kids without these expectations.
- Focus on quality time. When you visit us in Guatemala, teams spend their afternoons with our children. Choose interactive activities our children will enjoy. This is the perfect opportunity to show your interests and engage our children. Remember, not everyone has the same interests so don’t be disappointed if all our children are not excited about every activity.
- Embrace connections. Our kids are just like you. You won’t connect with everyone at Dorie’s Promise, but we encourage you to make the most of those you do connect with, even if it’s not your sponsored child. Remember, some of our children are very shy, but they need your support too.
- Become an encourager. Promote healthy relationships between our children and staff whenever you’re in our home. Support our Special Mothers and honor their role in our home. When you highlight the value of relationships between our staff and children, you support the most important people in our children’s lives. Your encouragement builds up our staff and reinforces their work.
You are an amazing part of the Dorie’s Promise village. Our children need you to support them, pray for them, and believe in them. We hope these tips help you love our children well and create meaningful relationships as a donor.