We met Noemi, her little sister, and two older brothers on the streets, where they worked to earn money for their family. We quickly discovered that their home was full of abuse, and for the children’s safety, they needed to be removed. The two brothers came to live in Kaya’s Boys’ Residential Program, but at that time, Kaya did not have a girls’ home and could not offer a safe place for Noemi and her little sister. There were no spaces available for girls in La Paz’s other residential programs, either. The girls were stuck.
Noemi and her sister attended the Kaya Center, a full-day program for at-risk children, but it was not enough. For years, our hearts broke for these two girls and the conditions in which they lived. We served the girls as best we could at the Kaya Center, but as we watched Noemi withdraw, we knew they needed more. They needed a safe home.
With the opening of Kaya’s Girls’ Residential Program in December of 2014, we felt a spark of hope. We finally had a home to offer Noemi and her sister. After many years of work and prayer, Kaya was able to welcome these two precious girls into a safe and loving home.
On the first day in their new home, the girls were joining the others for tea, and Noemi’s little sister took a piece of bread before the others had sat down. Noemi screamed, “Don’t touch that! We’re going to be hit!" Vicky, the house mom, responded, "Girls, you will never be hit in this house. Here we all learn with love.” The sisters looked at each other, and slowly the shock on their faces turned into smiles. Things were going to change. They were safe. They were loved.
This is why Kaya Children International exists. At Kaya, we depend on gifts from supporters to continue our work. We are able to provide a loving home for Noemi, her sister, and the other children at Kaya because of individuals like you who believe in the work we do and love the children we serve. I ask you to consider partnering with Kaya by making a gift. Your gift today, will help keep all of Kaya’s programs running strong to ensure that each child receives the care they need.
