"I'm Ready to Change My Life"
Checking In On Our New Approach
Last month, we shared with you that we had begun smaller, more frequent rescues throughout the year, with the intention to rescue and reunite more boys with their families in 2020.
Now, a little more than a month into our new approach, we've been able to rescue 12 boys from the streets of Naivasha and Nakuru...12 boys who have committed to taking the first step in changing their lives.
When the boys arrive at Shelter, they immediately join the ongoing rehabilitation program that includes a variety of therapeutic, academic, and recreational development activities. During the 4 weeks they are participating in the program, they are also working with our social work team to think through the choices they made prior to going to the streets and start preparing themselves to return home.
Our first January arrivals are finishing up their rehabilitation program now, and we have started taking them on home visits to begin the process of family reunification. Each case will be looked at individually as we strive for a safe and successful reintegration for each boy in our care.
Boys enjoying a volleyball game during recreation time at Shelter
Patrick: A Fresh Start
Patrick came to Shelter in October 2019 after being rescued from the streets of Naivasha. For the past few years, Patrick had been running from home frequently and would often spend days, weeks, even months on the street. According to him, there were no major issues at home, but he was disinterested in school and feared punishment for his truancy and running away, so he generally stayed away from home.
After completing the rehabilitation program at Shelter, Patrick, accompanied by a Shelter social worker, traveled to his family's home. They were overjoyed to see him. His parents expressed that they loved him dearly, but felt helpless to control his behaviors. They were happy to hear that he was committed to changing his life and they promised to help him and receive him home whenever he was ready.
Patrick began short home visits, and his family was so proud of the progress he had made. He was no longer rebelling against his parent's rules or running to the streets. He was helpful around the house and loved playing with his siblings on visits.
Patrick and his family determined that they were all ready for him to come home for good, and in December 2019, he returned home to stay.
Since then, his family reports that he continues to do very well, both at home and at school, where he was re-enrolled in January. During our last follow-up visit, he shared that he was number 14 of 86 students in his class.
Patrick and his family are so grateful for a new beginning, and we are grateful that we were able to assist them.
Thanks to Kentalya Limited, for being one of our most faithful donors each year, and for helping us to set up our new beekeeping project and train our staff. This will provide us not only with delicious honey at Shelter, but will also teach our boys and staff more about protecting the bee population and how they help the environment.
Thank You!
Your support has given us the ability to rescue 12 boys in just one month, and provide frequent follow-up to families like Patrick's as they adjust to life back back together. Thank you for allowing us to do this extremely important work. If you aren't already, would you consider a one-time or recurring monthly gift to help support us?