We just finished our new rollout of the Ambassadors of Peace Conflict Resiliency program at the Georgia Sheriffs Boys Ranch, and I’ve never seen a group of teens learn and apply so much in just one training day. These young people will kick off the new year with constructive communication skills that even many of us adults sometimes struggle to maintain.
This program was begun by our friends at the The Mediation Center of the Coastal Empire in Savannah, GA, and they graciously gave us the green light to revamp and redevelop it with tailored content for youth in foster care and their caregivers. It is the first step in our 3-part support system designed to help youth successfully leap the foster care chasm.
We added components that are specifically tailored to address the most common collision points between youth and the many potential points of conflict they face. When youth see adults as trusted allies instead of adversaries, they stay connected to their support systems longer. Even further, we added train-the-trainer modules to help keep conflict skillsets onsite after we’re gone.
My personal favorite element of Ambassadors of Peace is that it allows us, when a site is open to it, to introduce Christ--the source of all true peace. So far, no site has been opposed to my team sharing our testimony about how the Lord has filled our hearts with peace and enabled us to connect with youth throughout the world of foster care in our state. I take great joy in being a registered General Civil Mediator in Georgia, which gives me the rewarding experience of being a peacemaker, and using those skills to enhance programs like Ambassadors of Peace.
Thank you to the Greater Valdosta United Way for the Diversity Grant award supporting the Boys Ranch program, and to all the staff and youth for setting aside quality time during your break. This investment in peacemaking skills and culture in the world of foster care will yield a harvest for years to come.
This program needs supporters like you to keep going forward. As young people in care approach the age of 18, they stand in front of a critical fork in the road. Let's support them to find and stay on a path to success.
The Enay Foundation is a Qualified Foster Child Support Organization, and a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Your contribution is tax-deductible. Tax ID: 85-4217075
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