The Power Of Belonging
Anticipation of spring is rooted in hopefulness - for longer days, fresh starts, and newness of life. We put our coats, and unused sleds, and miscellaneous winter junk back into the attic and open up our windows to welcome in all the possibilities a new season brings. Or, at least, that sounds like something one of these opening letters would normally begin with.
If I’m being honest, though, while I do take part in the putting away of winter stuff each year, the whole anticipation of spring (or summer, or fall, or winter, for that matter) has never really been my thing. I’m an “enjoy the moment” kind of person, so I just embrace it while it’s there.
What I really look forward to is visiting the rescued kids particularly in the spring. I’ve now been to South Asia 30 times, but the wonder of watching the kids thrive in the community you’ve helped build for them is never lost on me. In fact, it seems to grow with every trip.
While our team visited this February, I soaked in the joy of seeing what community has done for the kids. It’s given them the support to work hard in school, to challenge themselves (and enjoy some healthy competition) in sports, to heal from trauma with the help of counselors and friends, and to develop true confidence that comes from belonging.
These children aren’t just free from slavery. They’re free, safe, and full of hope because of their community. That is thanks to you.
You’ve heard the saying, “it takes a village to raise a child,” and with 1,250 kids at The Children’s Home, it takes a large one. It takes The Coalition.
Our most recent trip to The Children’s Home was an incredible gift. So many happy kids, so many loving caretakers + support staff, and so many powerful stories that we now get to bring back home and share with the donors and friends who make it all possible.
Amy always knew she wanted to use video and media to make a positive impact on the world. After graduating from North Greenville University with a degree in Broadcast Media, she began working as a video editor at Let People See, a production company that worked with big brands but also helped nonprofits through pro-bono and discounted work. It was the perfect situation where Amy could work on projects that supported these organizations.
In 2019, Let People See began helping us with video editing, voiceover work, and even welcomed our team into their office. That’s when Amy first heard about the rescued kids. “I remember going through footage for that first CFC video, and I was overwhelmed by the joy on the kid’s faces,” Amy shared. “As I watched how full of life they were after going through so much, that was it for me. All I wanted to do was help them.”
Amy started out by sponsoring a child. Then she sponsored another. Then she bought a bed for the Patel Medical Clinic. Even as she moved onto a new full-time job, Amy’s dedication was unwavering. She volunteered her time and expertise in video editing and media work so we could show donors their impact and continue raising support for the kids.
Today, Amy works with us part-time (hopefully full-time soon), and her passion for our work has only grown. This February, she joined us in South Asia and finally met the kids and staff she’s supported for years. After a week of experiencing life at The Children’s Home with the kids and the staff and documenting all that donors have made possible, she came home on fire to share it.
“I know how much it meant for me to see videos of the kids when I wasn’t sure if I’d ever get to see them in person. There are so many people who love the kids like I do, but may never have the opportunity to meet them,” Amy said. “That’s why I’m so passionate about creating videos and media. I want to give people a glimpse of what they’ve made possible for the kids. It helps donors, and in turn, it helps the kids. It’s such a privilege to play a role in sharing their incredible stories.”
Amy’s commitment to helping the rescued kids is a testament to the power of storytelling and the impact people can make when they choose to use their skills and passion for good.
Finding each other here at The Children’s Home felt like puzzle pieces coming together. It was like we were destined to be best friends. I wish we’d had each other to rely on our whole lives, but I’m just happy we have each other now.
We go to all our classes together, which means we work as a team on homework and studying too. We talk about our dreams, our crushes, and our favorite music. We swap clothes and jewelry, and sometimes we try makeup out on each other. We work in the garden, hum along with Kaira’s constant singing, and usually end up laughing until we’re bent over catching our breath with aching cheeks and stomachs.
Life together is so happy. I don’t know what I’d ever do without my best friends.
ONI
“I love working in the garden because I want to be a farmer when I’m older.”
KAIRA
“I’ve always loved singing. My friends tell me I should try to be a singer one day”
PADMA
“I dream of being a teacher. When we study together, I love helping my friends.”
Rice is a staple ingredient in just about every meal at The Children’s Home, but this one is the kids’ favorite! The cooks make this recipe in huge batches to feed all 1,200+ kids, but scaled it down to a regular family portion to share with you.
We desire to do things uniquely better. To be lifelong learners, innovating where possible while also holding fast to time-honored traditions. To not be held back by fear of failure, and instead set our goals realistically high, adjusting when needed.
To view feedback as a gift that is key in helping us serve the rescued kids better. To communicate every story, email, social media post, financial decision, impact update, and booklet to the very best of our ability, showing you just how significant your support is. So we can end human trafficking forever.