Shechem Newsletter 2022

NEWS FROM THE SHECHEM CHILDREN’S HOME During the most recent quarter, the Shechem Children’s Home hosted 14 children, including 13 girls and 1 boy. Read on for highlights from the assessment center, where child survivors of exploitation continue to receive Christ-centered and trauma-informed care.

Analyn Ablao, the house manager, shares Psalm 100:5: For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. (ESV)

GROWING IN SPIRIT, MIND, AND BODY This quarter, five girls, ranging in age from 3 to 17 years old, transitioned to facilities skilled in offering therapeutic intervention. The agencies will continue to search for a safe, long-term home for the girls as they continue to receive trauma-informed therapy. Shechem Home is also looking for a suitable organization that offers independent-readiness services for a girl in the program who will turn 18 this year.

All the children are improving physically due to the nutritional, medical, and dental care they receive while at Shechem. One child was prescribed corrective glasses after suffering with headaches. Three children who arrived to the home underweight have improved since receiving daily vitamins and nutritious meals. Dental attention for problems like toothaches and tooth sensitivity have also brought the children physical relief.

Education remains a priority at Shechem where children benefit from the assistance of tutors and house parents. Children also learn basic life skills such as proper hygiene, folding clothes and keeping their beds and cabinets tidy. Older children take turns helping cook while younger children perform simpler chores like setting the table. Behavioral coaching, through selfmanagement techniques and guided play, helps children learn to conduct themselves in constructive and healthy ways.

Children express appreciation for the emphasis on spiritual growth at Shechem. Workers at the home offer children time to participate in daily devotions, bible reading and prayer. They encourage the children to express thanksgiving, memorize scripture, and listen to Christian music. One child, age 17, shared with the psychologist, “Among those things that help me cope are the activities encouraged

by Shechem, such as devotional time.” She added further that her relationship with God helps her find meaning, especially when faced with situations that are not in her control.

HEALING AND RECOVERY This quarter, eight children were assessed psychologically to gain better understanding of their general cognitive capacity, inner states, and interpersonal functioning. These assessments are important for determining what kind of care and placement will be best for each child. The report confirmed that each of the children’s histories included complex trauma brought on by neglect, subjection to online sexual exploitation, physical harm, and exposure to various types of abuses.

Psychotherapy sessions help children cope with traumatic memories. Triggers can be brought on when children face an object they associate with pain, hear a tone of voice, or detect a facial expression.

Children learn to become aware of their emotions and body signals in response to these triggers by working with an emotional coach, expressing themselves in art, and practicing self-regulation skills.

GROWING THROUGH ACTIVITIES AND PLAY Indoor and outdoor activities continue to be a form of therapeutic intervention for the children. For this quarter, art and card making, dancing, and playing instruments and games were the most helpful means for coping. This period was a particularly difficult time for the children, since it covered the holiday season. They missed not being with their families during Christmas and the New Year. Shechem Home and other partners worked hard to create opportunities for the children to celebrate the season through gift giving and parties.

This quarter children participated in an online educational program conducted by medical doctors that explored subjects covering proper nutrition, the causes and effects of stress, HIV, and teenage pregnancy. The children appreciated the orientation, and were especially engaged in the session that taught about issues around HIV. A new mother also learned how to care for her infant, independent of her family’s assistance.

SUCCESS STORY Eleanor* was deeply troubled by the separation from her immediate family when she initially came to Shechem. The holidays were approaching and she faced her first Christmas away from home. Within a few weeks, however, Eleanor had come to call the staff and residents at Shechem her family. “The Shechem family allows us to experience a happy life despite the hardship of being away from home,” said Eleanor.

The staff and house parents at Shechem work heard to ensure children engage in healthy daily rhythms as well as seasonal festivities. They provide tutoring services that keep children current in their studies, devotional opportunities that open pathways for understanding themselves as children of God, and seasonal celebrations that focus on the qualities of a healthy home life.

Referring to her first Christmas away from home, Eleanor says, “It’s hard to be far away from my family but I’m thankful that we have the staff and house parents whom we can ask for guidance and serve as our lights into our lives while we are away from our family.” The social atmosphere at Shechem fortified Eleanor during her transition. She goes on to describe how workers in the home helped her navigate this emotional time in her life: “From the love and support of the staff and the house parents, I can enjoy and stay strong despite my sadness.”

LOOKING FORWARD IN PRAYER Prayer is an important part of the community of Christ that surrounds the Shechem Children’s Home. In addition to praying for the children and the staff, please remember the following needs in prayer.

Placement: An ongoing request remains finding the best placement for each child. Because Shechem is a short-term assessment center, this is a crucial piece of the puzzle.

Space: Due to the variety of services offered at Shechem—tutoring, therapy, conferencing/meetings, recreation/play, meals, etc.—the availability of rooms is limited. Some services had to be offered outside of the home to help children stay focused in one-on-one sessions. This is also a challenge when necessary to quarantine newly-arriving survivors.

Materials: Materials for therapy sessions and self-regulation—sensory materials, arts and crafts, music instruments—are of great help to the children to regulate their high emotions. Currently, the home is maximizing the available materials to use. *Children’s names are changed for protection.

The Shechem Children’s Home is made possible because of generous donors.

To learn how you can support Shechem, too, visit: NCM.org/Shechem