June 17, 2025

Safe Haven Updates Summer 2025

WHAT IS SAFE HAVEN?

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 are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance.” – Psalm 32:7

Guatemala Safe Haven Updates

How are you experiencing God's goodness in your life?

Adrianna*, age 17, shared that being at Oasis has helped her grow emotionally. She now feels that her life has purpose and believes God placed her at Oasis to heal and learn. Through devotionals and intentional care, she’s developed a deep sense of faith, emotional clarity, and inner peace. Similarly, Emilia*, 16, said her time at Oasis has significantly improved her emotional and physical well-being. She now feels strong, hopeful, and physically healthy, and is surrounded by safe relationships and a supportive community.

How is the love of God impacting your life?

Adrianna no longer carries the hatred and emotional weight she once did. She’s learning to control her thoughts and emotions and has noticed a complete shift in how she sees herself and others. Emilia, once overwhelmed with resentment, now radiates hope. She says God has made her a new person—teaching her how to forgive, love, and be emotionally open. Her healing journey is ongoing, but she now feels transformed from the inside out.

Praise & Prayer
  • Praise God for a joyful and restorative Semana Santa (Holy Week) filled with activities, fun, and peace.
  • We celebrate two legal convictions in Escuintla against perpetrators of sexual violence—justice in motion.
  • Pray for the new girls at Oasis—especially those who are pregnant or raising babies. May they find safety, belonging, and healing.
  • Pray for the 10 girls currently leading devotionals, that they would grow in leadership and be lights to their peers.
"She now feels that her life has purpose and believes God placed her at Oasis to heal and learn."

Peru Safe Haven Updates

How are you experiencing God's goodness in your life?

Adeline*, age 17, shared that she maintains emotional and physical balance by staying active, eating a healthy diet, sleeping well, organizing her time, and focusing on her academic and personal growth. She also practices gratitude and invests in meaningful relationships, which helps her feel centered and grounded. Mariela*, also 17, is adjusting to the demands of university life. With encouragement from her caregivers, she remains committed to her self-care while navigating this important life transition.

How is the love of God impacting your life?

Adeline says she now feels more responsible and in control of her life. Her intentional routines have brought her inner peace and joy, and she feels more present in each moment. Mariela, despite the challenges of adapting to university, is motivated and committed to doing her best in her studies. The support she receives empowers her to keep progressing and remain hopeful about her future.

Praise & Prayer
  • We are deeply thankful for the Go! Teams visiting Peru. Their presence brings joy and encouragement, along with the truth and hope of God’s Word.
  • Pray for increased support from churches and businesses so we can expand our programs and reach more children and families with care, healing, and opportunity.
  • Give thanks for current partners, and ask God to multiply their impact through new supporters and advocates.
"She now feels more responsible and in control of her life."

Haiti Safe Haven Updates

How are you experiencing God's goodness in your life?

Naomie*, 16, says she experiences emotional wellness by talking with friends, reading, and getting restful sleep. She’s also learning how to stay calm and manage stress. Physically, she feels healthy and confident thanks to consistent hygiene, a well balanced diet, and daily movement through running, dancing, and play. Similarly, Maya*, age 14, finds joy in staying clean, wearing fresh clothes, and showering regularly. She stays active through physical education and dancing, and finds emotional strength in drawing, friendship, and faith.

How is the love of God impacting your life?

Naomie shared that she now feels peaceful and in control of her emotions, which has helped her respond better to situations that used to bother her. Her physical and emotional health have helped her feel more confident and at ease in her daily life. Maya has learned to prioritize rest and manage her emotions in healthy ways. She’s developed a strong sense of respect for herself and others and is grateful for how much her outlook and lifestyle have improved.

Praise & Prayer
  • Praise God that three out of four school terms have been successfully completed this year—despite the difficult national climate.
  • We’re grateful for the protection and health of our children and staff during a time of instability.
  • Please pray for Haiti’s severe insecurity to lift, and for God’s continued protection over children, staff, and families.
  • Pray that the final school term can be completed without disruption so students can continue learning and progressing.
"She now feels peaceful and in control of her emotions, which has helped her respond better to situations that used to bother her."

Dominican Republic Safe Haven Updates

How are you experiencing God's goodness in your life?

Lucas*, a 14-year-old in our residential program, shared that he feels healthier both physically and emotionally since joining Kids Alive. He now participates in regular activities like soccer, eats balanced meals, and practices communication instead of reacting with aggression. These physical rhythms and emotional tools have helped him stay calm, think more clearly, and build stronger relationships with others—especially his siblings.

How is the love of God impacting your life?

Lucas used to respond to frustration with anger and violence. But through the nurturing care of his house dad and ongoing support from our multidisciplinary team, he’s developed emotional control and confidence. He now communicates with words rather than aggression and says he’s thinking more clearly than ever. These changes have improved his relationships and outlook on life, creating a new foundation for healing, growth, and leadership.

Praise & Prayer
  • We thank God for the joyful success of “Tiempo de Familia,” a week of shared devotion, meals, and fun across all three residential programs—a powerful time of unity and healing.
  • We celebrate renovations at Casa Monte Plata and the completion of a new soccer field at The Ark Jarabacoa, expanding space for play and community engagement.
  • Pray for God to raise up faith-filled house parents to care for more children in need.
  • Pray for youth transitioning into the Independence Program and for those preparing to be reunited with biological families.
  • Pray for the continued provision of financial partners to sustain and expand our ministry.
"He now participates in regular activities like soccer, eats balanced meals, and practices communication instead of reacting with aggression."

Zambia Safe Haven Updates

How are you experiencing God's goodness in your life?

Chingyite*, age 14, shared that her sense of safety and well-being has grown significantly since joining Kids Alive. She no longer experiences verbal abuse and now enjoys the warmth of close friendships that feel like family. She appreciates the stability of regular, nourishing meals and the comfort of knowing she doesn’t have to worry about her next one. Prince*, age 13, has learned to manage and express his emotions in healthy ways. He’s developed strong interpersonal relationships, adopted healthy eating habits, and finds joy in physical activities like soccer and long jump, which help him relax and stay fit.

How is the love of God impacting your life?

Chingyite says her life has changed drastically. She now feels safe and loved, and her understanding of God’s love has deepened through daily and weekly devotions. She’s also gained practical life skills like cooking, cleaning, and hairstyling—things that make her feel responsible and capable. For Prince, the transformation has been emotional and physical. Once withdrawn and prone to violence due to a lack of support, he now forms positive relationships, manages stress effectively, and embraces the value of staying active. He feels healthier, happier, and hopeful for the future.

Praise & Prayer
  • Praise God for the joyful hearts and precious memories created with the children in our care.
  • We’re thankful for a better rainy season, which has led to a stronger harvest and reduced fears of a hunger crisis.
  • Pray for the continued emotional healing of our children, that they may experience Jesus on a personal level.
  • Pray for academic success, that our children would continue to grow in knowledge and love while under our care.
"She now feels safe and loved, and her understanding of God’s love has deepened through daily and weekly devotions."

Kenya Safe Haven Updates

How are you experiencing God's goodness in your life?

Millie*, age 17, maintains her physical health through daily movement—especially jogging after class—which helps her stay relaxed and focused for evening studies. She eats a balanced diet and has developed habits that keep her strong and resilient. Emotionally, she uses simple strategies like deep breathing and taking breaks to stay calm in high-pressure environments. Kaicey*, age 15, enjoys taking walks with her sister and prioritizes rest when school is not in session. She also finds comfort in singing and connecting with trusted friends in her school’s peer counseling club.

How is the love of God impacting your life?

Millie is proud of her personal growth—she feels physically prepared to handle her busy academic life and emotionally equipped to navigate challenges without frustration. She’s more confident in group settings and has developed healthier relationships.

Kaicey says walking and singing help her calm down and process difficult emotions. She has learned to communicate openly and finds joy in helping others through peer support. Most of all, she says, “I have found courage to face my fears.”

Praise & Prayer
  • Praise God for the reopening of the Karundas Dispensary, now serving local families with much-needed healthcare access after nearly a decade of closure.
  • We thank God for two new staff members in Nairobi whose expertise has already improved family support services.
  • Please pray for children affected by abandonment due to economic hardship and generational trauma.
  • Pray for the development of safe, sustainable foster care solutions.
  • Lift up our dedicated staff as they continue serving faithfully in challenging environments—may they be renewed and encouraged.
"Most of all, she has found the courage to face her fears."

Lebanon Safe Haven Updates

How are you experiencing God's goodness in your life?

Zeph*, age 9, says he feels happy at Dar El Awlad (DEA). He enjoys playing on the outdoor playground, eating delicious food—especially hamburgers—and resting in a peaceful environment. These simple, consistent comforts have brought him joy and a sense of stability. Charbel*, age 11, echoed this sentiment, saying he feels deeply cared for by the teachers. He appreciates the healthy homemade meals and comfortable beds and especially enjoys dishes like chicken and spinach stew.

How is the love of God impacting your life?

Zeph shared that life at DEA has brought him joy and gratitude. “Life is nice here,” he said, expressing his thankfulness to God for being placed in such a nurturing environment. Charbel says being at DEA has given him the chance to study, and he’s proud of his academic success. He now feels smart, supported, and excited about continuing his education in a setting where he feels truly valued.

Praise & Prayer
  • We praise God that two of our older boys in the residential program have recently accepted Christ as their Savior and committed to living godly lives.
  • Please pray for all of our children to come to know Christ personally.
  • Pray for each child’s educational success—that they would pass their classes and continue on to complete their schooling.
"'Life is nice here,' he said, expressing his thankfulness to God for being placed in such a nurturing environment."

*Pseudonym for safety

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