Preschoolers Mark Culture Day with Colorful Pageantry and a Skit!
Preschoolers at Palo Blanco marked Dominican Republic's Culture Day with colorful skits to celebrate the country's diversity, reconciliation, and the arrival of Christopher Columbus. Kids dressed up as King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella and crew members of Columbus' ships -- Santa Maria, Pinta, and Nina -- to enact Columbus' first encounter with the local Taino people.
This month’s Alive Moments offer a window into the quiet, steady ways healing grows—through encouraging words, family-strengthening spaces, creative expression, and early-intervention support. Kids Alive teams are walking with children and families in ways that nurture safety, restore identity, and reinforce God’s hope for their futures. These stories remind us that when compassionate care meets consistent presence, lives begin to mend and communities move toward wholeness.
Celebrating Growth, Healing, & Bright Futures Across the Globe:
Lebanon: Staff embraced new “life declaration” cards—Scripture-rooted truths that speak worth and identity—using them to encourage one another and reinforce healing rhythms with children.
Kenya: Family training at Karundas Hope Center equipped parents with Trauma Healing tools, strengthening family bonds and building emotional wellness for the long term.
Zambia: After overcoming instability and persevering through long commutes to finish school, Mwenge received holistic support at Kids Alive, completed his exams, and was safely reunited with his family.
Dominican Republic: Early-intervention support at Park School is helping Sam grow in confidence, connection, and communication—pairing classroom routines with specialized therapies so he can thrive one steady step at a time.
Guatemala: At a regional gathering, our team equipped churches and child-protection partners with tools for trauma-informed foster care, raising awareness for safe families and healing-centered justice.
Haiti: Weekly gatherings are helping children practice respect, name big feelings, and build healthy relational rhythms—small steps that strengthen community and nurture hope.
Peru: Through art mentoring, one young creator found healing in color and imagination, discovering her identity and dreams in a safe, supportive space.
Lebanon
Kids Alive leaders Dan and Rachel visited our Lebanon team to introduce our “life declaration” cards. These contain simple, Scripture-rooted “I Am” statements. "I am Chosen," "I Am Clean," "I Am God’s Masterpiece," and "I Am God’s Child."
Staff members were challenged to speak these truths over their own lives first, then share them with the kids. The very next day, the office team began reflecting on the first card and connecting its truth to their own stories, healing that starts from the inside out.
Rachel spent time listening to children and encouraging our caregivers, reminding everyone that Kids Alive is about true holistic care—safety, belonging, and identity in Christ. As Dan shared how these cards are being used in other countries, our Lebanon staff caught the vision for daily rhythms that reinforce worth and hope. This is “education that heals” in action, helping children replace trauma with truth and step into God’s future for them.
Kenya
During a family training at the Karundas Hope Center in Kenya, parents learned about Trauma Healing. They shared how the session opened their eyes, and how God is restoring them as they learn to strengthen and nurture their families.
These monthly trainings are just one of the many ways Kids Alive is investing in communities for the long term, providing both a time of rest and lasting hope for a brighter future.
Thank you for helping to create and sustain spaces like Karundas Hope Center, where families gain tools for emotional wellness, form Bonds That Mend, and help their communities to become free from fear and violence.
Zambia
Despite significant challenges, Mwenge (pseudonym used for safety) never gave up on his education. When he was referred to Kids Alive Zambia's residential program for safety and stability, he stayed determined—taking two buses every day to keep attending school while receiving holistic support for his emotional, spiritual, and academic growth.
This year, his hard work led him to Grade 12.He recently completed his final exams and has now been safely reunited with hisfamily, returning to a stable home prepared for what comes next.
This is Education that Heals in action—steady,hopeful steps toward a future filled with dignity and possibility.
Dominican Republic
At Park School in the Dominican Republic, teachers noticed early that Sam (pseudonym used for safety) needed extra support with learning and behavior. Because these challenges were identified when Sam was just three, our multidisciplinary team could respond quickly, creating a holistic plan for his care. In Kids Alive classrooms, early intervention means starting with safety, predictable routines, and encouragement that helps children succeed.
Now in second grade, Sam is blossoming. He reads with growing confidence, participates in discussions, and is building a bigger vocabulary. Through speech therapy, he’s learning to hold conversations with teachers and friends, something that once felt out of reach. Our “education that heals” approach pairs classroom strategies with specialized support so kids can practice new skills in real time and feel the joy of progress.
Support doesn’t end at the school gate. Following our psychologist’s guidance, the boys attend outside therapy twice a week, and their dad shows up daily to share lunch, strengthening healthy habits and deepening family bonds. With coordinated care in general education, special education, and therapy sessions, Sam is learning to self-regulate, engage with peers, and face challenges with courage. This is the impact of holistic care in the DR: children growing in confidence and hope, one steady step at a time.
Donations from Student Champions make stories like this possible. When you walk with a student through their education journey, you invest in their future and help bring education that heals to life. Become a Student Champion today! Click here to learn more.
Guatemala
Children in Guatemala deserve safety, family, and a path to healing. That’s the heart behind our foster care work at Oasis and across Kids Alive Guatemala. At a regional gathering of child-protection leaders, our team shared how trauma-informed care and family-based solutions can protect children and restore hope. From table conversations to hallway introductions, we lifted up the vision of KAI so more churches and organizations could learn how foster families help kids belong again.
Our Country Director, Rosalva Alvarado, joined a panel to spotlight how Oasis pairs protective care with wraparound support, while staff served as “coaches” in breakout tables to help practitioners apply Justice that Heals in their own contexts. Escuintla Justice Center Coordinator Susana Escobedo led a hands-on workshop on building responses that bring accountability, safety, and compassion together. These moments let leaders see that healing justice is practical: it looks like trained caregivers, consistent therapy, safe reporting pathways, and partnerships that keep children first.
The impact is already growing. Our presence raised awareness of Kids Alive Guatemala’s foster family program, opened doors for collaboration with churches and ministries, and equipped our own staff with fresh skills and networks for the road ahead. As new partners explore next steps and our team brings home what they learned, more children can find safety in families, more caregivers can be supported, and more communities can take courageous steps toward healing and hope.
Haiti
Every child in residential care needs places to practice safety, belonging, and healthy choices. In Haiti, our social work team hosts a weekly Monday gathering at the Village—sometimes outside under the trees, sometimes inside one of our five homes—where children and teens explore a new theme each week. Through games, guided discussions, and simple routines, we build rhythms of mutual respect and individual responsibility that reflect Kids Alive’s holistic care.
The impact is growing: students are learning peaceful conflict resolution, naming big feelings, and cheering each other on, all small wins that add up to confidence, cooperation, and a stronger sense of family. This is hope rising in Haiti, creating a safe, harmonious space where character takes root and hope can flourish.
Donations from Safe Haven Champions make stories like this possible. When you make the choice to invest in residential homes and professional therapy for vulnerable children, you're working with us to pursue justice that heals and bonds that mend. Become a Safe Haven Champion today! Click here to learn more.
Peru
In Peru, one young artist found her voice through color and canvas. When sadness pressed in, painting helped her breathe again, quieting the world and lifting her spirit. In our Kids Alive community, mentors made space for weekly art times where she could process big feelings, explore identity, and name hope. “My favorite piece is a heart,” she shared. “It holds all our emotions—who we truly are.”
Now she dreams of studying interior design and growing as a kind, generous creator, trusting God to guide each step. This is Education That Heals in Peru: safe spaces, caring adults, and creative tools that build resilience and purpose. For girls still searching for hope, her message is simple: hold on to God, keep practicing your gifts, and watch good things grow.
You can find our downloadable PDF version of December Alive Moments here.
Because of you, healing is happening all around the world.
At Kids Alive, we walk alongside vulnerable children as they navigate the harsh realities of trauma such as abuse, sexual violence, and neglect. Our team is committed to providing a place of safety and protection—a safe haven—to heal those traumatic wounds and build communities where violence and trauma are reduced. As a Safe Haven Champion, you support our family strengthening, protective care, and justice advocacy programs. These programs involve residential homes, reunification, job skills, parent trainings, government collaboration, and victim advocacy and restoration.
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you” – Isaiah 26:3
Guatemala Safe Haven Updates
How is God helping you learn and grow?
Rebecca,* a sixteen-year-old at Oasis, says that God’s love has helped her feel safe and accepted after a difficult past. “Despite everything I’ve been through, God accepts me as I am,” she shares. “He tells me I am His beloved daughter.” Surrounded by caregivers and peers who reflect God’s compassion, Rebecca is learning that healing happens in relationship—with God and with others. Each day at Oasis, through devotionals, prayer, and encouragement from staff, she is growing in confidence that she is loved and never alone.
How does God's love influence how you treat others?
Rebecca says that experiencing God’s unconditional love has changed the way she relates to those around her. “Here at Oasis, I’m surrounded by people who love me even when I make mistakes,” she explains. “That helps me want to love others the same way.” She now looks for ways to offer kindness and understanding, choosing patience when it’s hard and forgiveness when it’s needed. As Rebecca continues to grow, she hopes her life will reflect the same love and grace that first made her feel safe.
Praise
Praise God for a new five-year partnership between Kids Alive Guatemala and the Guatemalan Supreme Court, strengthening justice system collaboration.
Give thanks for the completion of another school year, and for the many girls who have grown academically and spiritually.
Celebrate the vocational training graduates who completed courses in cupcake and basket making through the local municipality.
Praise God for the Church-Camp retreat, where 17 girls accepted Jesus or recommitted their lives to Him—evidence of the Holy Spirit’s powerful work.
Prayer
Pray for the Escuintla team as they begin a new community project focused on preventing sexual violence and strengthening community networks.
Pray for the Oasis girls during their vacation season, that they would rest, grow, and experience God’s presence in new ways.
Ask for God’s protection and peace to fill every corner of Oasis, so each girl feels truly safe and loved.
Pray for wisdom and unity as the Kids Alive Guatemala team enters a season of strategic planning.
Lift up the 17 girls who made decisions for Christ, that their faith would deepen and bear lasting fruit.
Peru Safe Haven Updates
How is God helping you learn and grow?
Sarita,* a nine-year-old at Juniper Tree Children’s Home, says she used to worry about what each day would bring. But now, she says, she feels peace knowing that God cares for her. “He gives me a place to sleep, food to eat, and I never lack anything,” she shares. Through the steady care of her house parents, teachers, and friends, Sarita is learning that God’s love isn’t just about having what she needs—it’s about being seen, known, and safe. In devotions and worship, she has found joy in singing and learning about Jesus, realizing that His presence can turn fear into peace and uncertainty into hope.
How does God's love influence how you treat others?
Sarita says that God’s love fills her home with peace and teaches her how to love those around her. “At home we are like a family, and we live with peace and love,” she explains. She enjoys helping others and being kind to her classmates, seeing God’s love in the way her teachers and friends support one another. “When I help or forgive,” she says, “it makes me happy because I know that’s what God wants me to do.”
Praise
Praise God for His faithfulness across Peru’s programs in Lima, Pucallpa, and Andahuaylas, and for the unity and strength of our dedicated teams.
Give thanks for new facilities that provide safer, more equipped spaces for psychological care and education.
Celebrate the spiritual growth of children, including one girl who accepted Jesus and two sisters soon to join a loving Christian foster family.
Rejoice for adolescents pursuing higher education and for new partnerships that help strengthen our impact.
Prayer
Pray for strength, health, and protection for all staff members as they serve children and families with faith and dedication.
Ask God to raise up more Christian foster families to provide stable, loving homes for children in need.
Pray for provision of transportation and safety equipment to reach more families and communities.
Pray that every child in Kids Alive Peru would continue to experience healing and transformation through Christ’s love.
Haiti Safe Haven Updates
How is God helping you learn and grow?
Rose,* an eleven-year-old at Kids Alive Haiti, remembers a time when fear and uncertainty filled her nights. “I used to be afraid,” she says quietly. “But now, when I close my eyes, I feel safe—because I know God is watching over me.” Through the love and consistency of her caregivers, Rose has begun to believe that her story can be different. Daily devotions, prayer, and the steady rhythm of school have helped her rebuild trust and discover that God’s love is not distant—it’s something she can feel in the peace that surrounds her each day.
How does God's love influence how you treat others?
Rose says God’s love guides how she behaves at home and school. “Because God loves me, I want to show that love to others,” she explains. She tries to stay calm when conflicts arise and chooses kindness over anger—asking adults for help rather than taking matters into her own hands. Rose believes that showing patience and forgiveness reflects God’s heart, and she hopes her gentle example helps others feel the same love and safety she’s found in Him.
Praise
Praise God for His constant presence and protection, allowing Kids Alive Haiti to begin the new school year on October 1.
Give thanks for our faithful donors, whose support brings hope and stability amid ongoing national challenges.
Celebrate the pastors and prayer leaders who continue guiding our community to grow in faith and understanding of God’s Word.
Prayer
Pray for peace and stability in Haiti, that violence would cease and communities would experience safety and hope.
Ask for God’s protection over staff and children as they continue serving faithfully in Cap-Haïtien.
Pray for spiritual transformation, unity, and genuine kindness among our community, that God’s justice and love would shine through every relationship.
Dominican Republic Safe Haven Updates
How is God helping you learn and grow?
Sara,* a seventeen-year-old who has lived at The Ark Constanza for eleven years, reflects on how God’s Word continues to guide her. Through daily life in a loving, family-style environment and discipleship from caring staff, she’s learned to love deeply, show respect, and trust God with her future. During school breaks, Sara stays with a foster family where her host mom helps her grow in faith. Her favorite verse, Psalm 119:105, reminds her that God’s Word is like a lamp lighting her path—teaching her that she doesn’t need to have everything figured out, only to keep walking with Him.
How does God's love influence how you treat others?
Sara says she’s learning that love and forgiveness are ways to obey God and guard her heart. “To love like God means to love without filters or limits,” she explains. Even when she feels tired or discouraged, she looks for ways to serve others—helping when someone needs it, speaking kindly, and extending grace as an act of worship. Her faith has become a daily practice of choosing love, just as God first loved her.
Praise
Praise God for the opportunity to extend intensive restorative care to children and youth at our three residential campuses—Ark Jarabacoa, Ark Constanza, and Casa Monte Plata.
Give thanks for foster families who provide connection and continued discipleship during school breaks.
Celebrate the spiritual growth and healing of youth like Sara, who are learning to trust God’s Word and live out His love each day.
Prayer
Caregivers (House Parents): Pray that God would raise up compassionate, qualified individuals to serve as caregivers in our residential homes.
Residential Directors: Ask God to strengthen our directors as they care for children, support families, and oversee daily operations.
Children’s Healing and Growth: Pray for continued restoration and that each child would thrive physically, emotionally, spiritually, and academically in God’s love and purpose.
Zambia Safe Haven Updates
How is God helping you learn and grow?
Goodson,* a ten-year-old at Kids Alive Zambia, shares that God’s love has helped him find peace and strength even through hard times. After losing his hand, he says he’s learned to trust that God is still with him in every moment. “God is always watching over me—both in good times and in sorrow,” he explains. Through prayer, Bible reading, and encouragement from his caregivers, Goodson is growing in faith and determination to keep studying and follow the plans God has for his life.
How does God's love influence how you treat others?
Goodson says that living in a home filled with God’s love has taught him to care for others and his surroundings. “Here we pray, read the Bible, and show love to one another,” he shares. “Our home is peaceful and free from violence because we learn to forgive and to live the way God wants us to.” He believes that kindness, respect, and caring for others are ways to show gratitude for all that God has done.
Praise
Praise God for His provision and protection over the children and families in Zambia.
Give thanks for the spiritual and emotional growth of youth like Goodson, who continue to find strength and peace through faith.
Celebrate the dedicated caregivers and staff who provide daily guidance and discipleship rooted in Christian values.
Thank God for the Kids Alive Zambia community, where children are nurtured in safety, love, and faith.
Prayer
Pray for academic success and opportunity for children like Goodson who are working hard to build bright futures.
Ask God to reunite families and open doors for long-term stability and connection.
Pray for resources and provision for continued education and holistic care for each child.
Lift up the Zambia team, asking for God’s strength, wisdom, and grace as they continue their mission to help children thrive.
Kenya Safe Haven Updates
How is God helping you learn and grow?
Mwangaza,* a seventeen-year-old at Kids Alive Kenya, shares that God’s love gives her strength and hope when life feels uncertain. “Even when I’m going through a lot, I’m reminded of His good plans for me,” she says. Through prayer and reading Scripture, she finds peace in knowing that God’s promises are true. His Word reminds her that no matter her background or struggles, she is seen, loved, and valued equally in His eyes. This growing faith has helped her face challenges with courage and trust that things will get better.
How does God's love influence how you treat others?
Mwangaza says that learning to rest in God’s love has changed the way she interacts with others. “At home, it’s easier to forgive when I’m wronged,” she explains. “God’s love makes our home peaceful.” At school, she’s learning to treat classmates with respect and kindness, knowing that everyone is created equal. As she continues to grow in faith, she hopes her words and actions will reflect the same compassion and grace that God has shown her.
Praise
Praise God for the new Kids Alive trauma-informed care partnership with Kiwanja Primary & Junior School in Nairobi, reaching over 1,000 children and 30 teachers.
Give thanks for the 15 teen mothers who were reintegrated into school through the partnership between Lily of Hope CBO and the Nairobi Hope Centre.
Celebrate the continued impact of Kids Alive Kenya programs that bring hope, healing, and education to children and families.
Prayer
Pray for God’s protection and presence during the upcoming Connections Camp in November, that children would experience His love and understand the message shared.
Pray for comfort and strength for staff who have lost loved ones this year, that God would surround them with peace and renew their hope.
Ask God to continue blessing the Kenya team with unity, resilience, and faith as they walk alongside children and families in their care.
Lebanon Safe Haven Updates
How is God helping you learn and grow?
Ramy,* a ten-year-old at Dar El Awlad, says he used to struggle with feeling alone and unsure of his worth. “When I first came here, I didn’t know what love really was,” he shares. “Now I see it every day.” Over time, through the patience and care of his house parents and teachers, Ramy began to believe that God’s love is steady and real. “God loves me, so He sent me here,” he says with confidence. At school and during devotion time, he’s learning that God’s love isn’t just words—it’s what makes him feel safe, valued, and ready to dream again.
How does God's love influence how you treat others?
Ramy says that as he has experienced love and kindness, he’s learning how to give it back. “When I see my house mom care for me when I’m sick or sad, it makes me want to help others too,” he explains. Now, instead of hiding when he feels hurt, Ramy reaches out to others with compassion. He helps younger boys with homework, plays fairly, and tries to listen first. “God’s love teaches me that we are all family here,” he says. “I want people to feel the same care that has helped me here.
Praise
Praise God that all programs resumed after the summer break with renewed strength and vision.
Give thanks for new opportunities in the South, where 16 children from a Dom community enrolled at New Horizons Center—expanding access to education and the Gospel.
Celebrate the hiring of a part-time psychomotor therapist who is providing specialized follow-up care for residential boys.
Thank God for the five residential boys now studying at university, including two new graduates continuing their education.
Rejoice that one residential boy from a Muslim background gave his life to Christ and was baptized this October—a powerful testimony of God’s transforming grace.
Prayer
Pray for the boys who have experienced trauma, that they would find healing, love, and peace through Jesus.
Ask God to provide for tuition and living expenses for all boys continuing their education, especially those in university.
Pray that every child in our care would experience a personal, life-changing encounter with Jesus and continue to grow in faith.
Want to learn more about getting involved? Become a Safe Haven Champion today.
Thank You!
We are deeply grateful to supporters like you. Your generosity makes it possible to bring hope, healing, and justice into the lives of vulnerable children and families all around the world. Your partnership equips us to walk alongside them, giving them every chance to flourish in their community and thrive in their relationship with God.
This month’s Alive Moments reveal how faith in action brings lasting change—medical care that restores dignity, mentoring that shapes character, and education that opens doors to new futures. Across the world, Kids Alive teams are helping children and families take courageous steps toward healing. These stories reflect what happens when compassion meets opportunity: lives are restored, communities are renewed, and hope begins to multiply.
Celebrating Growth, Healing, & Bright Futures Across the Globe:
Lebanon: A medical team led by Dr. Ray Hachem provided consultations and medications, protecting children’s health and strengthening families with care rooted in compassion.
Kenya: Saturday mentorship sessions at Karundas Hope Center helped children grow in empathy, self-control, and confidence through Christ-centered guidance and community.
Zambia: More than 100 children attended Vacation Bible School, discovering refuge and joy in God’s Word—and 13 gave their lives to Christ!
Dominican Republic: Kids Alive graduates celebrated university success in medicine, dentistry, and psychology, becoming mentors for the next generation.
Guatemala: The AVES healing group marked one year of joy, courage, hope, and wisdom as survivors began leading activities that multiply safety and strength.
Haiti: Twin sisters Oscarline and Oscarmene continue their education with Kids Alive’s support, proving that steady love and holistic care can rewrite a child’s story.
Peru: Mary’s journey from crisis to calling continues as she now leads programs that strengthen families and nurture healing at the Oasis Center.
Lebanon
In Lebanon, where families face rising health needs, a compassionate medical team led by Dr. Ray Hachem spent the day providing consultations and much-needed medications to the community.
This is Kids Alive’s care in action: practical love that protects children’s health, strengthens families, and keeps kids in school. Because of these partners, parents left with answers and treatment, and children left safer against preventable disease, small steps that add up to an impact that heals and a future with dignity and hope.
Kenya
At the Karundas Hope Center in Kenya, Saturdays during the school term look a little brighter. Kids ages 6–12 join a Mentorship Program that blends short morning devotions, a warm cup of tea and snack, and practical tools for emotional regulation—helping little hearts steady big feelings. During school breaks, the program expands to a full week, shaping character and confidence in a safe, Christ-centered space.
After devotions, “Oasis” group sessions introduce life skills students can use at home and school: sharing chores, practicing teamwork, and building habits that lead to independence and service. These rhythms reflect Kids Alive’s Global Goals for family strengthening and community wellbeing, where children learn to live peacefully and safely. It’s everyday discipleship that prepares Kenya’s young people for tomorrow’s responsibilities and opportunities.
Families are seeing the difference. Caregivers report heart-level change—children moving from aggression to empathy, choosing self-control, and showing respect for teachers—resulting in fewer discipline cases at home and in class. We’re grateful for God’s provision and for the KAI teams whose prayer, funding, and faithful presence make these alive moments possible. Together, we’re raising focused, resilient learners who are equipped for a life of independence and service in Kenya.
Zambia
When life feels unfair or scary, children in Zambia need places that are safe, joyful, and anchored in God’s love. That’s why our Kids Alive team created a welcoming space where kids could bring big feelings and real questions and be met with hope. In a community where families face daily hardship, Vacation Bible School became a steady refuge where little hearts could breathe, laugh, and learn.
With trained volunteers and Kids Alive staff leading the way, more than 100 children from our surrounding neighborhoods gathered for music, crafts, games, and a daily 45-minute Bible lesson on God’s goodness. Kids sang songs, learned Scripture like “The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes,” shared meals together, and even received T-shirts! The hall filled with worship, dancing, and the sound of beanbags and jump ropes, simple moments that stitched belonging and dignity into each day.
The impact was beautiful: 13 children chose to put their trust in Jesus, and many more walked away with courage, knowing God is close. Smiles spread, friendships grew, and children practiced teamwork and kindness that carry into family life and school. This what alive moments look like in Zambia—every snack shared, every verse learned, every prayer whispered, adding up to impact that heals, one child at a time.
Dominican Republic
In the Dominican Republic, many children face barriers that make higher education feel out of reach. Kids Alive walks into that gap with stable love, strong academics, mentoring, and education that heals so kids can thrive. These are the alive moments that keep us going.
Glory Luz first joined Kids Alive at ANIJA school and, with perseverance and support, earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology. Now she serves on staff at Palo Blanco, pouring back into students with the same steady care she received and becoming the first in her family to graduate from university.
Ana Carolina grew up in our Constanza ministry and completed her degree in Medicine, preparing to specialize in obstetrics and gynecology to care for mothers and babies. Fraylin, an ANIJA alum, earned his Dentistry degree while learning alongside our ministry dentists and is now ready to bring dignifying care to children and families.
Through Kids Alive’s Independence Program scholarships, these graduates received mentoring, spiritual care, and a clear pathway from school to vocation. Their success opens doors for siblings, neighbors, and future leaders across the DR, proof that God’s provision for this mission is creating generational change.
Donations from Student Champions make stories like this possible. When you walk with a student through their education journey, you invest in their future and help bring education that heals to life. Become a Student Champion today! Click here to learn more.
Guatemala
In Escuintla, Guatemala, many girls and women carry the hidden wounds of violence, pain that isolates families and frays community bonds. Kids Alive Guatemala stepped in to build a healing circle called AVES, an acronym that stands for alegría (joy), valiente (courage), esperanza (hope), and sabiduría (wisdom).
Over the past year, AVES became a trusted space where survivors could breathe, speak truth, and discover they are not alone. With trauma-informed care, mentoring, and family inclusion, girls and moms formed healthy relationships, practiced boundaries, and learned tools for everyday resilience. This is justice that heals in action, restoring what violence tried to steal: connection, confidence, and hope.
To celebrate year one, the group took a joy-filled field trip to a safari car-park. For many, it was their very first time seeing lions, hippos, giraffes, and zebras! Between pool time, a lake boat ride, and lots of laughter, they paused to reflect: What changed in me? Where do I feel braver today? Those shared memories knit deeper trust and friendships, the kind of alive moments that quietly transform a community.
What’s next? Survivor leadership. Members are beginning to plan, welcome, and guide activities, multiplying safety and support across Escuintla. Kids Alive will keep walking alongside with mentoring and family strengthening so survivors and their families can flourish and lead change. Joy, courage, hope, and wisdom are taking root, and a brighter future is growing, together.
Haiti
At six years old, twin sisters Oscarline and Oscarmene arrived at Kids Alive Haiti malnourished and with no prior schooling. They began preschool with Kids Alive, grew in our residential home, and advanced through grade 9, steady steps toward healing and hope.
In August 2023, they were reunited with family and moved in with their uncle; slowly, they began to find stability and confidence.
Now in their final year of high school, the sisters are dreaming forward with courage. Kids Alive continues to walk with them—providing counseling, food, transportation, and health support—so they can focus on learning and life. This holistic care in Haiti is education that heals lived out, day by day, through our programs. Hope is taking root, and the future is bright.
Donations from Safe Haven Champions make stories like this possible. When you make the choice to invest in residential homes and professional therapy for vulnerable children, you're working with us to pursue justice that heals and bonds that mend. Become a Safe Haven Champion today! Click here to learn more.
Peru
Mary grew up in Peru, carrying wounds of abandonment and abuse. One day, she found herself without work, food, or support. In the midst of that pain, she encountered Christian women who told her about God. She accepted Christ that Sunday, and God answered her prayers for a job when she met the founder of Kids Alive Peru. She discovered both a home for her daughter and a mission for her heart.
At El Oasis Center in Manchay—an “oasis” for vulnerable families—Mary has served as caregiver, teacher, and facilitator, walking with parents and teens through faith-rooted programs that restore relationships, strengthen homes, and protect children. Side by side with her daughter, Milagros, she helps create safe spaces where healing can begin, reflecting faith that heals with everyday practical support. “None of this would be possible without God,” she says.
The impact is pouring over generations. Former participants return as adults to say, “This place changed my life.” Mary now dreams of a specialized center for children recovering from sexual abuse, a place of dignity, safety, and renewed joy. Her story shows how God can take a life sown in love and multiply it into hope for Peru!
You can find our downloadable PDF version of November Alive Moments here.
Because of you, healing is happening all around the world.
