SPANISH FORT — For 11 years, a non-profit in Baldwin County has welcomed teenage girls to experience Christian living following traumatic events in their lives. Under His Wings, in Spanish Fort, equips the girls with the tools to connect with God and lead fulfilled lives.
Arcelia Miller, the executive director of Under His Wings, told 1819 News that the home is not a place for teens to go for immediate care but rather a more long-term solution to dealing with adverse experiences.
“So, it could be anything from a death in the family, abuse, physical, emotional or sexual abuse, abandonment,” Miller said. “A lot of them have feelings of abandonment. So, we come alongside the girls and their families to provide their space. We don't replace the parents or guardians, and it's not a drop-off, drop-out program. It's a program where we also do family ministry.”
The home has four rooms, and there is only one girl per room. The home has full-time house parents to demonstrate what a loving, Christian environment is like. While many of the girls come from loving homes, Miller says the facility offers consistency.
The children are homeschooled and can focus on their studies because they are given a quiet space.
Miller said it is important to help girls deal with trauma because as they grow into adults, they are at risk of developing life-long issues.
“If we do not deal with some of the things that have happened to us, we can become bitter, hardened, and angry people,” Miller explained. So, we come into the process beforehand, and in some cases, the girls are stuck and angry.”
“So, we just love on the girls, provide them counseling, individual counseling, group counseling,” she continued. “We want to build up that confidence and self-efficacy by providing them some goals.”
The program is designed in different phases, and each girl is given an individual care plan. Community partners are utilized to allow the girls to experience things they may be interested in pursuing as careers.
During their stay at Under His Wings, girls can have home visits, and they go home for holidays and special occasions.
“We want them to show that they have the ability to change the environment based on their own convictions and what they value,” Miller added.
Even during the graduation phase, the families are monitored, and Under His Wings remains available for coaching and counseling during the transition.
Miller said the program is an alternative to supervision programs such as a detention center or probationary program. She said the girls have to want to come to Under His Wings.
The program is free, although donations are appreciated. Under His Wings serves girls under the age of 19.
Under His Wings hopes to expand soon and offer assistance for girls ages 18 to 23.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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