Gender Equality Puerto Rico Project #36503

Empowering Foster Girls and Teens in Puerto Rico

by Hogares Teresa Toda

Summary

We seek to heal the traumatic wounds suffered by girls and teens ages 6 to 17 victims of abuse neglect and/or abandonment. A multi-disciplinary team approach assures that our girls receive particular attention to their needs. When residents age-out of foster care we provide assistance with higher education and related materials, room/board, nutrition, transportation, personal/career planning counseling and jobs placement. Our girls and teens grow into independent and empowered women.

$125,000
total goal

$44,456
remaining

213
donors

2
monthly donors

1
fundraiser

6
years

Challenge

Abused children cannot express emotions safely. Thus, the emotions get stuffed down, coming out in unexpected ways. All types of child abuse and neglect leave lasting scars. Some of these scars might be physical, but emotional scarring has long lasting effects throughout life, damaging a child's sense of self, ability to have healthy relationships, and ability to function at home, at work and at school. When residents age-out of foster care services they are left at risk and vulnerable.

Solution

Our psychosocial services include, individual and group therapy, emotional intelligence formation sessions and social case work. A nutritionist creates personal nutrition plans for residents in need and a nurse/health educator provides primary health care prevention and workshops. Our recreational and fitness program offers exercise and recreational activities as an integral dimension of wellbeing. Continued supportive services are provided to needy residents who age-out of foster care.

Long-Term Impact

1. Improve self-esteem and sense of wellness. 2. Increase knowledge related to conflict resolution, and emotional intelligence by 15%. 3. Increase knowledge related to healthy nutrition, eating habits and disorders by 10%. 4: Increase knowledge related to health awareness and healthy lifestyles by 15%. 5. Increase knowledge and practice related to exercising and physical fitness by 10%. 6. Obtain gainful employment or enroll in Institution of Higher Ed. 7. Develop socio-economic stability.