New Development, Unexpected Blessings and the Power to Fulfill Dreams!

Genesis Hopeful Haven has just opened a new facility in Kendall. The program we offer at our Kendall location is for youth who have aged out of the foster care system. Once a child ages out of the foster system, they usually are left on their own with no support. Adolescents face a range of developmental issues. As teens approach adulthood, living independently becomes a significant goal. While youth with intact families may struggle to achieve self-reliance, youth in out-of-home care face formidable obstacles such as homelessness, substance abuse, crime and unemployment.

We’ve just started our interview process and are enjoying the chance to meet wonderful teenagers who are currently living in homeless shelters due to aging out of the system. We are looking for boys who fit the culture of our home and can benefit from living in a family-style environment and who truly desire to follow their dreams to success. We will be providing the boys with workshops on topics that they find interesting such as construction, mechanics, farming, technology, etc. We will also be introducing them to new things they might not have known about. We will be creating monthly goals and encouraging them to consider college as an option.

It’s funny how quickly this new home became a reality. My passion has always been helping little boys, which is what Genesis Hopeful Haven Redlands will still be used for. I feel that younger children are at the optimal age to plant seeds for success and make a strong impact on their lives. This opportunity in Kendall just came out of nowhere. A board member donated to us her fully furnished home all for housing teenage boys. As we’ve been waiting for one campus to open, we have now been blessed with two. There is a huge need for housing children who have aged out of the foster system and as these children have been abandoned most of their lives, our hope is that we can provide healing and restoration. Too often we focus on our own goals, our own dreams, and how we can get OUR miracle. But I’ve learned something that is more important: I can become someone’s miracle. There is healing in our voice. My vision has shifted from what I desire, to how can I encourage the discouraged, making time to wipe away tears and being willing to switch places with those who are hurting. Our goal is to have the boys moved in to the new home by March. We are so excited for this new opportunity and are hopeful that we can provide these services throughout Miami and maybe even bring them to Chicago, which is where I’m from originally. Continue to dream big my friends! Be patient and great things are in store for your future.