We hope this newsletter finds you all well and in festive moods as you gear up for the holiday season and all the fun activities that are sure to occur. We thank God for you and your faithfulness to us through prayers and financial support for our work in Honduras.
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| Jhoselyn working at local daycare |
We recently completed the first year operating under the new Bridge House program. As you know, we have worked hard these last few years trying to develop changes to the program that will better prepare youth to make a smooth transition to independent adult life. We’ve had the chance to speak to many of you personally about our desires and plans to promote principles and activities that will lead to a smooth transition, and we are pleased to announce that after the first year, we have seen many very positive results.
The youth of the Bridge House are really getting a crash course in independent living as they work to support themselves, paying their own living expenses, monthly rent, and part of their medical costs. They had always been required to budget, keep track of expenses, and save; but now that they are working, they have a sincere motivation to manage well what they have worked so hard to get. As a result, we now see more mature, responsible decision making by the youth. Some less obvious, yet very real, effects are a feeling of empowerment, confidence, and improved attitudes toward accepting responsibility. Interpersonally, we have enjoyed our best year in the Bridge House so far, being able to better relate to the youth as they accept their roles as responsible adults.
A real test of the new Bridge House program came when two residents recently transitioned from the Bridge House and moved into their own apartment. They both had good jobs, enough money to begin life on their own, and a clear plan to continue their educational goals without outside assistance. They had both lived in the Bridge House for about 10 months, and already had gained enough confidence while positioning themselves to make a smooth transition.
Please rejoice with us in what God is doing to direct our paths as we try to encourage and promote principles that we are confident will help the WGO youth to advance successfully through their young adult lives. God is good!
Robert and Jennifer Butts
