Hope Unlimited is a Christian Organization that rescues and cares for kids from about age seven to 18 who were living on the streets of Brazil and are in situations of imminent risk.Many of our kids are former thieves, glue sniffers, drug dealers, and prostitutes--yes--even at seven years old. All our kids go to school.We have our own public school system with teachers donated from City Hall.However, if a child is at an age-appropriate level, and is not disruptive in the classroom, he/she is mainstreamed into one of the local public schools.We have over 17 different vocational training courses.Each child goes through a year of introductory courses before choosing a profession of focus.When he/she is 18, they receive all the tools they need to help them start out in their new career.
First Campus—The City of Youth
The main campus ranch, which was donated, is called "The City of Youth." Is where our 150 boys live, go to school and receive vocational training.We also disciple the kids and many--even most accept Christ and are baptized. Some fall away, but many become transformed into happy, loving students who eventually become contributing members to society instead of the throwaways they once were considered.But let me tell you, we need to pray for these kids every day.There are temptations for normal teens to turn away from God.Imagine how hard it is to understand the concept of a loving God when all you have ever known is hate and abuse.I spend a little time each day with one child or another who is struggling with reconciling their life.I work mostly with our youth who are getting ready to graduate from our program.
Second Campus—"Ranch of Hope"
Our second campus, which we acquired about five years ago, is called "Ranch of Hope." This is where the girls live.They are close enough to attend school at the main campus, but it is far enough away so there is no temptation for rendezvous late at night with the boys from the City of Youth. Right now we have about 70 girls and a waiting list.
Third Campus—Graduate House
Our third site is a graduate house for 17 to 18 years-old boys, who are making the transition away from the ranch and back into the community.We guarantee them their first job, help them find a church and eventually another place to live.Imagine how hard it is to go from living in a dormitory far away from the struggles of life, to being expected to save money, write checks, use the bus system, etc.Before they leave the graduate house, each student has completed their internship and has a job.We give them some basic furniture for their first apartment; a bed, a desk, and a lamp.However, in Brazil, you are required to supply your own refrigerator, stove, even light fixtures and showerheads.We have not reached the level where we can provide these things to each graduate.
Most importantly, they need to break away from the close-knit structure of a church made up of all street kids.We try to get them integrated into a community church that will love and care for them as they transition into being a contributing, productive member of the Brazilian society that once hated and discarded them.We hope by this time each student has developed a very personal relationship with Christ, which will be instrumental in helping them integrate back into the community and make it on their own.