Four years ago, Esther joined Kids Alive International with a clear sense of calling. With a background in narrative therapy and a deep desire to help children and families grow stronger, she believed her skills could bring light into difficult places. What began as a career step soon became a mission—walking alongside vulnerable children, empowering them to heal, and watching hope take root. Her social support at the Karundas Hope Center has been a blessing on countless lives.
Strength for Heavy Burdens
While rewarding, the work isn't always easy. Handling deeply rooted trauma and carrying the emotional toll of hearing difficult stories requires wisdom and resilience. “I set goals and boundaries early,” Esther says. “I practice self-care and engage in debriefing after intense cases.” These rhythms allow her to continue pouring into others without running dry, modeling what holistic healing looks like.
Sharon’s Story: From Loss to Leadership
Among the many young people whose lives have been transformed is Sharon, who entered the program at age ten after the loss of her parents. She stayed under Kids Alive’s protective care until adulthood, where she began to blossom into a determined and hope-filled young woman.
Sharon’s faith was evident in her daily life, her courage inspiring those around her. With mentorship and support, her leadership skills flourished, and she gained confidence in her dream to pursue law. By the age of twenty-one, she reunited with her older sister, enrolled in university, and completed her law degree in 2022. Today, Sharon is living out her dream as she prepares for a life of independence and service—a living example of how love and guidance can shape a brighter future.
Wisdom for the Next Generation
Esther’s advice to those considering nonprofit work? “Know your why. Whether it’s passion for the cause, a desire to give back, or building skills. Be resourceful, bring your unique skills to amplify the mission, and stay professional—be reliable, meet deadlines, and communicate clearly.”
Justice That Heals, Bonds That Mend
For Esther, KAI’s tagline is more than just words. “It means justice should not only correct wrongs but also contribute to personal healing. Healing doesn’t happen in isolation; it happens through repair, reconnection, and empowered relationships.”
And every day, through her work and the stories of young people like Sharon, that vision of justice and healing is becoming reality.
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