Liz Wynne
- Apr 22, 2020
- 2 min read

STRATEGY UPDATE 2: Status of our Child Development Center

More about our new strategic direction... One Family – One Hope ...our transition from orphanage to child development center

Despite Coronavirus, the transition from an orphanage to a child development center continues! In fact, the Coronavirus has increased the needs of vulnerable families. Social support for children and parents, reunified over the past several months, is critical to their success as a family unit. We are so thankful that our Social Workers are continuing to support these families. Initially with in-home meetings, but now mainly by phone due to social distancing.

Family Reunification Is Just the Start

Family and child counseling and training are crucial steps towards reunification. After many sessions with social workers and our reunification staff, 222 children are now living with their families!

This doesn’t mean that ESPWA’s work with this group of children and families is finished. Quite the opposite! Families living in extreme poverty need support they can depend on in times of need. Espwa is committed to supporting families with an extensive care plan that will help them gain stability and succeed in their goal toward independence. When a family can be self-supporting, healthy child development is promoted.

ESPWA continues to provide excellent family-style homes for children in our crisis care residential program. Many of our remaining residents are planning to return home after the Coronavirus crisis has passed. Some will remain in our care due to other extreme circumstances to help them stay healthy and safe.

"222 children are now living with their families! But this doesn’t mean ESPWA’s work with this group of children and families is finished."

-Frank Irr, Executive Director

Child Development is the CENTER of Espwa's Programs

Primary Programs

1. EDUCATION

PreK – University Prep serving approx. 1,200 students

2. LIFE SKILLS & VOCATIONAL

After-school activities serving approx. 150 children and young adults

3. YOUNG ADULT EMPOWERMENT

Guiding approx. 50 youth each year to live independently and enter the workforce

4. FAMILY PRESERVATION

Helping more than 250 families to become self-supporting and

good role models in their homes

5. CRISIS CARE

Providing safe family-style homes for children in transition

Other Services

To meet the developmental needs for children, ESPWA also provides:

NUTRITION & COMMUNITY FARM PROGRAM - Hot meals served daily to students, residents, and disabled/elderly community members. Espwa welcomes community farmers to use Espwa’s farmland to expand the production of food.

MEDICAL CARE - On-site clinic for wellness checkups and acute illnesses

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION & PASTORAL ACTIVITIES – Religious education is incorporated in our school curriculum and additional pastoral programs are offered in our after-school activities