What Does Success Look Like for Casa de Gracia?

Recently, during our weekly team meetings we have been working through this question.

We realized that putting this to pen and paper, so to speak, will not only be a good exercise for us in this current stage we are in but will also serve as guide rails for us each month and year going forward.

So here is a what we came up with!

Spiritual Disciplship

• Share the Gospel clearly and frequently.

• Teach that their identity is in Christ

• Actively demonstrate how to be a follower of Jesus

Share the Gospel clearly and frequently

This is fundamental because the Gospel is the main message that we want to share with the

young ladies who are residents of Casa de Gracia: the good news of salvation through Jesus.

Sharing the Gospel clearly allows others to understand God’s love and his redemptive plan.

Doing this frequently reflects obedience to God’s command to “Go and make disciples.”

(Matthew 28:19). Additionally, our consistency in making this known keeps our faith alive and it

daily reminds us of the purpose of our lives in Christ: be light to others.

Teach that their identity is in Christ

This point is vital because many believers will face confusion about who they are and where

their value lies. Teaching that our identity is in Christ helps us to understand that we are not

defined by our mistakes, the past or our circumstances, but by God’s love and grace. To know

who we are in Him strengthens our faith, our spiritual self-esteem and our security in difficult

moments. In Christ we find purpose, dignity and clear direction to live in His will.

Actively demonstrate how to be a follower of Jesus

The Christian faith is not only proclaimed through words alone, but is shown through actions.

Showing with our actions and behavior how to follow Jesus inspires others to do it as well. It

means reflecting the character of Christ through love, humility, forgiveness and service. The

coherency between what we “preach” and how we live gives a true testimony of the

transforming power of the Gospel. In a world full of contradictions, being a living example of

faith is one of the most powerful ways to evangelize.

Lifeskills

• Direct them to identify and overcome unhealthy cycles

• Train them to have healthy habits

• Create an environment that encourages an independent life

Direct them to identify and overcome unhealthy cycles

This is fundamental because many times, people repeat negative patterns without even

realizing it - whether it be in their relationships, emotions or lifestyle. Helping them to recognize

these cycles allows them to be conscious of their behaviors and find strategies to make

changes. This contributes greatly to their personal growth, improves their emotional well-being

and gives them tools to build a more positive and well balanced life.

Train them to have healthy habits

The development of healthy habits is key to maintain positive physical, mental and emotional

wellbeing long term. By training others to consistently practice good habits, like, healthy

eating, exercise, stress management and how to rest strengthens their independence and

ability to care for themselves. This not only prevents sickness, but also improves quality of life

and self-esteem.

Create an environment that encourages an independent life

An environment that encourages independence allows people to develop self confidence and

helps them to make responsible decisions. This type of environment motivates them to take on

their own challenges, problem solve and be self reliant. Additionally, it strengthens their senseof dignity and autonomy, two of which are essential factors for complete development and

active participation in society.

Educational / Occupational

• Provide opportunities and educational support to achieve a minimum of a high

school degree.

• Prepare them to be employees of character and skill.

• Provide trainings and opportunity for connection for occupational development

Provide support and opportunities to finish a minimum high school education degree.

For many young people who grew up in protective care systems, education can be constantly

interrupted because of changes in placement, lack of resources, and the absence of consistent

accompaniment. Guaranteeing a high school degree is key because it allows:

· An increase in work opportunities. The majority of formal jobs require a high school

degree· Breaking cycles of poverty and vulnerability: Education is one of the most powerful tools

to change the economic and social situation of a person.

· Strengthening of self esteem and capability: Finishing education shows young people that

they are capable of achieving important goals

· Opening of doors for further education or technical degrees: This increases their

probability of finding well paid and decent jobs.

Prepare them to be well-rounded and competent employees of character.

Young people who have recently left children’s homes will face the significant challenge of not

having a family to guide them in their transition from students to professionals - many won’t

even know how to conduct themselves in a professional environment. This is why it’s

fundamental to prepare them to be trustworthy and competent workers:

· Workplace integrity opens doors: Employers deeply value responsibility, honesty, and

good ethics; qualities that make a young person a trustworthy candidate

· Develop technical skills, principles and values: Punctuality, time management,

communication, and problem solving skills will make their transition to the workplace

much easier

· Provides economic independence: Being competent employees allows them to access

stable jobs, improve their salaries, and assure their well-being.

· Reinforces their identity and purpose: A worthy job helps young people to build a life that

has direction, independence, and self esteem.

Without this kind of workplace preparation, many will be trapped in informal jobs that are poorly

paid and temporary, therefore creating cycles of vulnerability.

Provide training and opportunities for personal development.

Personal development often gets overlooked, but it is fundamental for youth. Emotional, social,

and psychological growth directly influences their decision making and their ability to live

independently.

· Strengthens lifeskills: managing emotions, personal finances, self care, communication,

and decision making

· Helps heal trauma: Many have lived through abandonment, violence and broken families.

Personal development gives tools to face their emotions in a healthy way

· Creates resilience: It prepares them for challenges with a strong and adaptable mindset· Reveals interests: Allows them to discover talents and skills, which can become small

businesses or careers

· Fosters interpersonal growth: Promotes healthy relationships and support networks,

which are important for adult life.

Personal development provides internal tools to sustain external opportunitie