Exploitation and abuse impart lasting trauma on survivors and their families. The children of survivors are subjected to extreme stressors, often requiring intensive support and therapy to recover and thrive. Such was the case for Ada* and her children, Valentina* and Feliciano*.

Valentina, who struggled with severe insecurities and disordered eating habits after her family left an abusive environment, was enrolled in our Children’s Program where she received life-changing support. Through therapy, she was able to improve her grades in school and connect with her peers. She is now in her senior year of high school, where she maintains solid, supportive friendships.

As part of a recent outing with the Children’s Program, Valentina participated in a strenuous climb that tested her fortitude and resilience. Though she was very afraid and almost abandoned the climb, she pushed on and made it to the summit. (What a metaphor!)

Feliciano was shy, insecure, and struggled with verbal communication and learning challenges. Through therapy and support he was able to grow in his confidence, overcoming many obstacles and eventually graduating from high school. He went on to study Computer Science at university, and even began serving as a volunteer with the Children’s Program!

Upon graduation from his Computer Science program, Feliciano knew his learning journey wasn’t over. Once a youngster who struggled with math and needed extra tutoring, he is now in his second semester studying public accounting.

Feliciano, like his mother, is an entrepreneur. He fixes cell phones for extra income, and dreams of having his own cell phone repair shop one day.

Ada’s family has come a long way in the time we’ve known them. They have inspired us at every milestone they’ve reached and achieved success on many levels. They have created a new family dynamic, enabling the next generation to follow the path they’ve forged and thrive.

At home, Valentina and Feliciano are committed to working as a team. They share equally in household chores and other tasks, breaking cultural stereotypes and cycles of machismo in the family. They are working hard to “be the change” in their generation.

They are also actively working to end cycles of violence and advocate for change in their community. Last year, Valentina participated in a campaign against human trafficking, joining her peers in using their voices to fight exploitation.