Teenagers 14-17

In Warsaw and Lodz we support more than 100 young people aged 14-17. They are staying in orphanages or foster families.

Behind each number is the story of a young person who, thanks to our joint actions, has a chance for a better start in adult life!

PERSONAL GUARDIAN ANGEL

Most of the kids who end up at the Foundation have trouble forming relationships. The difficult experience of growing up in a dysfunctional environment causes the young person to erect a defensive wall against anyone who wants to get close to them. That’s why each of our charges works every day with an independence assistant, his own personal Guardian Angel, who helps him lower his guard, trust himself and other people!

Tomek came to the Foundation as a teenager who experienced many moments of rejection in his life – not only by loved ones, but also by peers. He could not find his place in a group, and had few people around him who accepted and liked him. Arrogance became his way of communicating with other people.

At this point, the foundation’s Guardian Angel stepped in, with whom Tom could always talk about his problems, helped look for solutions and create a plan of action. Each person working with the kids is a qualified and experienced educator who skillfully selects resources to best support them.

Tom’s assistant convinced him to take part in Social Skills Training, thanks to which he learned cooperation and communication, and how to control his impulsive reactions. Now Tom is doing well in company and, most importantly, has learned how to establish healthy, nice and friendly relationships.

WORKING ON STRENGTHS

Ania is in foster care. She came to the Foundation at the age of 14 and for most of her life felt invisible and unnecessary. At home she could not count on positive and supportive comments, on the contrary, she often felt a lack of acceptance from those close to her. The educators with whom the kids work every day at the Foundation help them learn about their strengths and talents, and support their personal and professional development.

Like every new ward of the Foundation, Ania took part in the Meet Your Strengths trip. It’s a few days filled with workshops that help young people discover their potentials and talents. Ania had the opportunity to “spread her wings.” She got to know herself better and for the first time in her life heard that she was good at something! It was thanks to the work done with specialists that Ania had the chance to convince herself that she is a fantastic and valuable person who deserves what is good.

SUPPORT OF SPECIALISTS

Michał is an outgrowth of an orphanage. When he came to the Foundation he was a withdrawn boy who saw every person as a potential threat. He preferred to shut himself away to avoid feeling hurt. He didn’t believe in himself or his abilities and saw no future for himself.

Michał’s guardian angel offered him the support of a psychologist and tutoring – individual meetings with a qualified educator, during which mentees discover their goals, work to achieve them and receive support in their daily problems.

Thanks to the work with the tutor and the independence assistant, Michal decided to take tutoring, thanks to which he improved his grades, and to participate in “Skills for future” workshops, which are aimed at building relationships with peers and developing a range of social competencies: from planning a household budget and looking for a job, to communication and savoir vivre, to dietary issues and Internet safety.

Thanks to the specialized support and workshops, Michał began to believe in his proficiency and gave others a chance – now, instead of hiding under the hood, he actively participates in group meetings, trips to the pool or cinema, and outings.

With your support, kids like Tomek, Ania and Michał can develop their skills, see their good points and believe in their abilities!

Start supporting our teenage charges today!