our mission
Shelter
Bolivian Youth Ministries receives girls from many different situations, including abandonment, abuse, orphanhood, and other high-risk circumstances. Our goal is to provide these girls with a home environment that is as close to a loving family setting as possible.
To help achieve this, our two houses each accommodate a maximum of twelve girls, with a house mom in charge of each home. The house mom essentially does what a mother in a healthy, functioning home would do. She makes sure chores get done, resolves conflicts, leads devotions, serves meals, and shows love and care to the girls.
The girls attend a local school located three blocks away. In the afternoons, tutors come in to help them complete school projects and homework. During the week, the girls also participate in workshops and classes that teach important life skills, such as cooking, gardening, and other practical skills taught by volunteers.
We also strive to make this a place where the girls can experience a joyful childhood. In addition to celebrating birthdays, holidays, and special occasions, the girls enjoy a park, plenty of green space, a trampoline, bikes, and sports equipment.
Our staff also includes a doctor, psychologist, social worker, and cook. Through all of this, we hope to provide the girls with the best childhood possible.
Shepherd
The main purpose of BYM is to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. We partner with a local church where the girls attend services every Sunday. The older girls also participate in the church’s youth group, and members of the church body are actively involved in the girls’ lives.
Our house moms lead evening devotions with the girls, and the tutors begin each homework session with a devotional as well. We also welcome groups from our church and other churches who come to lead activities and share the gospel with the girls.
In addition, as funds allow, we provide opportunities for the girls to attend Christian camps. Our social worker and psychiatrist are also Christians and work alongside the girls to help bring healing to their hearts and minds.
There are also individuals and churches in the United States who faithfully pray for the girls, both personally and collectively.
Send
Our work with the girls does not end when they turn 18 and legally become adults. Some require additional support and are welcome to stay longer. For those who are ready, we also have an onsite separate house and program called Next Step.
Through Next Step, young women have the opportunity to become independent while still remaining under our care and protection. They are allowed to stay in the house for up to five years while they complete university or establish a stable career. While living there, they are required to either attend school or work, and most expenses are covered.
The young women are also very involved in the church and often serve as Sunday school teachers for the younger girls. A mentor and mother figure lives in the home with them to provide guidance and support. This home is sponsored by a church in New Zealand.
BYM also assists the girls with job placement and university enrollment. Many young women have graduated from this program and gone on to build successful careers and lives. Some have even returned to work with us and invest in the next generation of girls!
How It Started
Use this space to tell the story of how and why BYM started.
