Why Caring for Kids’ Mental Health Matters | An Update from Bolivia
When Juan* and Jasiel* were young, their parents passed away from HIV.
Juan was just 3 years old as they repeatedly moved from one orphan-care facility to another. Eventually, the brothers were welcomed into the loving care of our team in Bolivia at Fundación Esperanza.
As soon as they arrived, our team advocated for them to stay together as siblings. They could have been separated into different foster institutions, but our team refused to let this happen. They knew Juan and Jasiel’s brotherly bond was important for their mental and emotional well-being.
With the support of someone they could count on for companionship,
Juan and Jasiel were better equipped to handle life’s challenges.
In 2020, Juan started to struggle with feelings of isolation, trouble in his interpersonal relationships, and a lack of impulse control. Because our team cares not only for the physical health of the children we serve, but for their mental, emotional, and spiritual health as well, they supported Juan in connecting with a doctor who could help.
Top: Juan as a child, under the care of our team in Bolivia.
At Lifesong, we stand by a 4-part pledge to the children we serve. The second part of the pledge affirms our commitment to providing holistic care to orphaned and vulnerable children so they don’t lack food, clothing, medical care, and shelter. For Juan, this meant receiving the medical care he needed to understand his thoughts and feelings.
Be taught the Gospel and how to live as a follower of Jesus Christ
Not want for food, clothing, medical care, or shelter
Receive a quality education to provide a foundation for their future
Experience continued love and support while transitioning into adult living
When Juan was diagnosed with ADHD,
the doctor prescribed a medication that helped him feel better. As he learned more about his diagnosis, he gained tools for adjusting to life with ADHD.
Three years later, during a follow-up appointment, there was considerable improvement in Juan’s behavior, so the doctor reduced the amount of medication he was taking. Now, Juan can verbalize his emotional state with ease and continues to improve his relational skills.
Juan is learning to live triumphantly with his ADHD diagnosis.
He has proven to be a responsible and creative young man and is on track to graduate from high school in a couple of years. He works at a restaurant where he continues to develop valuable social skills while interacting with customers.
Juan’s brother, Jasiel also plays a vital role in his continual improvement.
A leader on our team shares—
“Despite the difficulties, these two young men have found the strength to move forward and give each other affection and support. Their relationship is marked by closeness and mutual care, and they are an example of the importance of family connection in the development of a teenager.”
Affection, food, shelter, medical care, education, and other forms of holistic care are essential for the overall growth and development of every child. Through Christ-like love from our team and others, young people like Juan can find the strength and hope they need in God to move toward a future full of opportunity.
*Names have been changed to protect the identities of the children we serve.
Pray for Bolivia
- Praise God that Juan is responding well to treatment for ADHD.
- Praise God that the orphaned and vulnerable children we serve in Bolivia have access to mental health resources and care. Pray for continued access to Gospel-centered, trauma-informed care for the kids we serve.
- Praise God that the children we serve were recently able to celebrate Father’s Day. The children chose a staff member to accompany them to various Father’s Day activities at school.
- Praise God for Jesus’ resurrection and for the children getting to celebrate Good Friday and Easter by enjoying Bolivian dishes, like sponge cake, rice pudding, and more.
- Pray that more orphaned and vulnerable children in Bolivia would know God’s love for them.
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Will you help orphaned and vulnerable children in Bolivia experience the hope of the Gospel?
When you give to Lifesong, you show orphaned and vulnerable children they are seen, known, and loved through Gospel-centered holistic care. Thanks to TMG Foundation, 100% of your gift goes directly to helping orphaned and vulnerable children.