Why We Do What We Do
By Lisa Steele, FLM Executive Director
For 30 years, we have cared for vulnerable, abandoned, orphaned, and at-risk children in Honduras. As we have learned new and better ways to care for them, we have expanded our Family Preservation Program and added Foster Care. One way we try to preserve families is to reintegrate children who live at our residential home into their biological families. When a family member is located, our Holistic Care Team meets with them to determine if they have the physical, mental, and spiritual means to care for their child or children. If we see a possibility for reintegration, we begin a long and arduous process that includes supervised meetings on our campus, home visits, parenting classes, and spiritual guidance.
We also provide Foster Care for children under five years of age. A child is placed in a loving, Christian home after that family has undergone an extensive accreditation process where they learn about family dynamics, trauma and receive tools and resources as they welcome a child into their family. As one of two organizations that work with Honduran Children's Services, we are excited to see this work grow within the country. We are honored to be chosen to work with the government to provide training and resources to other organizations.
Our PLN Christian School now serves 90 children in pre-K through 8th grade. In reaching out to our community and offering quality Christian education, we can serve more families in the classroom and through our Parent's School. We know that when we reach families early and help provide educational tools, there is a better chance to preserve and grow that family.
Our Por Los Niños Residential Home is still a safe and secure place for children who have been abandoned, orphaned, or are at risk to live and grow within a family environment. Our caregivers provide a loving and warm home for these children. Our Holistic Care Center provides care for the children, and our Spiritual Coordinator works with each child individually in helping them to grow in their faith.
Placing the lonely in families is what God does as he guides us along the way. This verse from Psalm 68:6 is our mission, and it reminds us daily of what God has placed on our hearts. We believe that every child belongs in a family, and with your help, we strive to do this. When we see a family reunited, or help a family stay together and provide a loving, godly home, or walk with a child through his trauma and see his faith shine through, we are thankful. Our hearts are full as we know we are bringing God's love and provision to so many beautiful children and families in Honduras.
And that is why we do what we do at Family Life Missions.