We walk alongside, so formerly abandoned youth can stand tall.

We know how devastating early childhood trauma and abandonment can be, and that these impacts don’t just automatically resolve over time. So, when we work with trauma survivors themselves, we focus on what research shows to be the most effective: body-based trauma healing interventions and long-term, stable relationships that survivors can depend on.

Building on a 12-year summer camp program in western Romania that supported the same group of kids year after year, we have committed ourselves to walk alongside this cohort of orphanage survivors throughout their lifespan. As they have aged out of the orphanage system, we have adapted programming to help them heal from early childhood trauma, to realize their full potential, and to become both independent and interdependent within their local communities.

A key component of what we have done over the years is to help these young people understand the role of trauma in ongoing difficulties they experience with behaviors and emotions, and then to develop a toolbox of skills to facilitate growth and healing.

Building on the assets of our young people, we have offered training in practical life skills, personal development, mindfulness, leadership, spiritual formation, healthy relationships, community service, and advocating for justice. Body-based trauma recovery modalities remain the foundation of our work with survivors.

As an extended family for these youth, we journey alongside them long-term - sharing in struggles, accomplishments and new discoveries. We listen. We support. We learn and grow from each other.