Repeated Abuse to a Prosperous Future

Meet April. When April first arrived at our Home of Love, she was only 16 years old. She came carrying wounds no child should ever have to bear—pain from repeated abuse, uncertainty about her future, and the heavy responsibility of caring for her baby. Though her heart was burdened, her arrival marked the beginning of a new chapter, one where safety, compassion, and hope could slowly take root.

     Due to the generosity of our mission partners and sponsors, April found more than shelter. She found a nurturing home where she could begin to heal. At our Home of Love, she received education, healthcare, psychosocial support, spiritual formation, and life-skills training. Day by day, she learned practical skills such as parenting, decision-making, emotional management, leadership, cooking, sewing, and other livelihood skills. Even more importantly, she began to understand her own strength. With patient guidance, she learned to cope with her trauma, rebuild her confidence, and make positive choices for herself and her child. Turning your life around is so hard, especially when you have much to overcome.

     So, the road was not easy, but over the years, April moved forward with courage and determination. Her remarkable maturity and resilience became clear to everyone around her as time went by. She has grown into a responsible young mother, was a positive influence among her peers, and a willing participant in all Home of Love programs.

    Today, at 21 years old, April has reached a milestone that once may have seemed impossible to her. She successfully graduated with her high school degree just this past May and tearfully but joyously left us to reintegrate with her family, fulfilling one of our most important goals of childcare and protection—family reunification. April and her siblings are now reunited and together, making memories which had denied them for so long.

    April’s story reminds us that healing is possible when a caring environment surrounds those in need. Six years is quite a longtime and her journey with our Home of Love will never be forgotten. In collaboration with the local government and other social welfare agencies, we remain committed to providing follow-up support for her and her young son. This includes helping strengthen her family’s livelihood opportunities and preparing April to pursue a college education when she is ready, which is her plan.

    In our Mary Queen of Heaven Missionaries’ Home of Love, vulnerable children are surrounded by protection, guidance, opportunities and love. Because of your generosity, another young life has been rescued, restored, and renewed for a fabulous future.