Soaring Beyond for Children in Out-of-Home Care

At Agape Children’s Home, care is never only about providing children with a safe place to stay. For many teenagers in out-of-home care, one of the biggest questions is: what happens next?

When a child reaches adulthood or is deemed ready to leave care, they must begin navigating life independently. For youth with limited family support or unstable home environments, that transition can be overwhelming. That’s why helping teenagers discover their strengths, build practical skills, and develop a clear sense of direction before leaving care is such an important part of the work at Agape Children’s Home.

This year, two graduating seniors—Xiao Jie and Lynn—are preparing for that next chapter in very different, but equally inspiring ways.

Xiao Jie’s Path Through Professional Certification

Xiao Jie discovered her passion through baking. Since coming to the children’s home, she has often volunteered to help make cookies and desserts. As her interest grew, she chose to study culinary arts at a vocational high school and worked hard to earn multiple Level C culinary certifications. She also participated in community showcase events, where she sold handmade baked goods and shared the fruits of her learning with others.

In her final year of high school, Xiao Jie decided to push herself further by enrolling in a Level B baking certification training program to strengthen her future education and employment opportunities. The training was intense, and the long hours and repeated assessments brought on emotional pressure that sometimes strained her relationships with caregivers. But with continued encouragement from social workers and residential staff, she persevered.

By the end of the program, Xiao Jie successfully earned three Level B baking certifications. Opening more pathways for both higher education and future employment after leaving care.

Lynn’s Road to NTU

Lynn’s journey took a different path. Known for her self-discipline and quick thinking, she consistently performed well academically and actively explored a wide range of interests, including guitar, piano, cajón, and computer programming. Her steady dedication also earned her many recognitions from teachers throughout the years.

Encouraged by her teachers, Lynn applied to the College of Engineering at National Taiwan University through a special admissions pathway designed for students with disadvantaged backgrounds. Last Christmas, she received the exciting news that she had been accepted.

The news was not only of great encouragement to Lynn but also deeply meaningful for the staff, counselors, and teachers who had accompanied her over the years. The achievement itself was remarkable, but what made it even more moving was what it represented: the confidence, stability, and direction Lynn had built for her future.

The key to a better future

Xiao Jie and Lynn’s stories reflect an important belief at Agape Children’s Home: education and skill-building can become powerful tools for changing the direction of a young person’s life.

But behind every certificate, acceptance letter, and milestone is something less visible—years of steady support, guidance, and encouragement from adults walking alongside them.

As young people continue to enter and leave care at different stages of their journey, the support remains critical. With the right opportunities and consistent accompaniment, young people leaving care can step into adulthood with practical skills, hope, confidence, and a vision for their future.

Give today and support Agape Children’s Home and help more youth build a path toward independence.

For friends in Taiwan: https://pse.is/8nynp3

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To someone on the outside, Cai’s progress might look like small steps —saying hello, completing a task, speaking in full sentences. But if you saw the boy 6 years ago, then you will understand how far he has come.

A Quiet Beginning

Now 15 and in his first year of vocational high school studying auto mechanics, Cai has been living at the Agape Children's Home for six years. By the time he arrived, he had already faced a difficult start. Diagnosed with developmental delay, especially in language organization, he struggled to keep up in school and connect with peers. At home, long-term financial instability and a lack of parental care stripped him of the sense of stability and security, crucial for youth development. Cai felt alone, ignored, and unable to express his needs.

Confidence Built Through Daily Practice

Following professional evaluation, Cai was placed in the children’s home. Here, everything started small. He was given a nurturing environment and well-rounded care, designed to meet him where he was with daily guidance, emotional counseling, and social skills training. Cai slowly began to open up, gaining confidence in the small, everyday wins.

Weekly activities such as rollerblading and life skills sessions helped him gradually improve physical coordination, emotional regulation, and problem-solving abilities. During summer and winter breaks, Cai also spent time at Trinity Agri-Food Dream Base. There, he learned not only how to care for animals and crops, but also how to focus, communicate with mentors, and feel capable in his work.

He also participated in baking classes and local fundraising events, where he practiced patience and precision. Eventually, he surprised everyone by speaking to customers—answering questions, introducing products, and even initiating conversations. A major breakthrough for a child who once chose silence in almost every group setting.

Small Start to Steady Growth

Cai’s growth did not stop there. Through self- guided travel activities and admin helper tasks, he learned to better manage time, collaborate with others, and be independent. All this improvement also strengthened his confidence and self-belief.

At school, the change became visible as well. Once disengaged and hesitant, Cai now shows interest and determination in his auto mechanics courses. He asks teachers for help when he encounters difficulties, participates in group activities, and proudly shares his completed work with others.

Moving Forward, in His Own Time

Today, Cai still moves at his own pace. But he moves forward, with greater emotional regulation, growing self-confidence, and a readiness to try. One of his social workers put it best: “When I first met Cai, he was extremely quiet—almost afraid to speak…Now, he carries hope in his heart and works toward his dreams. His journey shows us that when children are given the right support and opportunities, it’s only a matter of time before they begin to shine.”

Time Matters

In an age where quick results are often prioritized, Cai reminds us that real growth takes time. He is proof that even when progress appears slow, what matters is that it continues. When children are given space, patience, and consistent care, they will move forward at their own pace.

Cai is not the only child who deserves this grace. With your support, we can continue providing care for more children like him, creating a space where Taiwan’s next generation can grow—perhaps on a different timeline, but never left behind.

For friends in Taiwan: https://pse.is/8nynp3

Support us via GlobalGiving: https://pse.is/8nynqb

Corporate Giving via Benevity: https://pse.is/86jrw9