Empowering Foster Girls and Teens in Puerto Rico

Dear Supporters,

Happy Holidays and thank you for your support throughout this year. In Hogares Teresa Toda, we were able to serve 29 participants this past year providing a Home with a comprehensive program that gave us the structure to deliver evidence-based therapeutic services aimed at managing childhood trauma. Along with that, the participants received educational and recreational services creating a stable platform that helps them overcome trauma and stimulate their social mobility. The services were rendered by two certified trauma psychologists, two case managers, a registered nurse, one vocational counselor, one recreational leader, five tutors, and five care givers, among others.

During this year all participants attended the Home Tutoring program and successfully completed academic the year acquiring a general average of 93%. They also attended all therapeutically group activities aimed to promote teamwork and socialization skills. Teamwork was observed in both play therapies and academic activities in tutoring afternoons. There were no significant disciplinary incidents, and our reports indicate that 93% of the girls improved their social and daily living skills. Another important achievement is that as the result of the psychological therapies, 93% of the participants significantly reduced symptoms of PTSD, depression and/or anxiety.

2023 was the year with more training to the staff from Hogares Teresa Toda, nine more than last year, having three sessions focused on Trauma. The intent is to continue the accreditation standard of a Trauma informed-Center reason why two psychologists and the social workers successfully completed a certification in Complex Trauma and Dissociation.

During this Holiday season, the participants had the opportunity to have a Thanksgiving dinner and several Christmas celebrations. Among those, they were surprised with the visit of the Three Kings from Juana Díaz, a municipality known to host the largest celebration of the Three Kings on the Island since 1884. The Three Kings of Juana Díaz (represented by actors dressed in colorful ancient robes and sporting thick beards) carry out their traditional National Three Kings Caravan, touring all the towns of Puerto Rico and bringing gifts for the children.  This year, they visit our institution for the first time.

Thank you once again for your incredible support to the Hogares Teresa Toda through the GlobalGiving platform. Your generosity has made a significant impact on the lives of the children and families we serve. Your kindness and compassion have helped provide shelter, education, and a brighter future for those in need. We are truly grateful for your partnership and look forward to continuing this important work together.

Happy new year!

Links:

• http://www.hogaresteresatoda.org