“The issue of children separated from family is complex and our solutions must be multi-faceted and contextualized.”
Our model of Family Preservation + Foster Care creates a fluid and complete model of care. Our Family Preservation teams makes every effort to ensure that kids are not separated from family for preventable reasons (i.e. lack of resources) and supports vulnerable young adults on the path to independence.
When kids, unfortunately, do have to be separated from family, our Foster Care team places them with Guatemalan foster families. This is a temporary solution, of course, and we are always looking towards reunification as the primary goal and adoption as the alternative when necessary.
If and when a child is able to be reunified with biological family, that family automatically receives services via our Family Preservation team so as to avoid repeating the cycle. By marrying these two programs, we bridge the obvious gaps in service and ensure that our efforts have long-term, sustainable impact for real families.
Angelo is our Community Outreach Coordinator on the ground in Guatemala. He works to build connections between our team and local community, church, and business leaders. Angelo is also in charge of content creation for our Guatemalan social accounts, utilizing his photography, videography, and writing skills to help promote Story International in the community of Huehuetenango.
Levi has spent significant time collaborating with our team on the ground in Huehuetenango, and currently serves as our U.S. Development Coordinator. He works to raise funds, build relationships with donors and supporters, plan events, manage campaigns, and create and post content on our social media accounts. He communicates frequently with our team in Guatemala to bring you up to date stories!