A Season of Miracles: How Your Support Transforms Lives at ZOE’s Home for Youth
Why We Do What We Do
At ZOE’s Home for Youth, we believe in second chances and the power of unwavering love to bring hope to human trafficking survivors. Lawrence Franklin, LCSW and ZOE’s Western USA Clinical Director, often reminds us, “It’s not just about the youth in our home but about all the youth who are struggling across the country. We’re here to stand in the gap and show them a better way.”
Every day, your support helps us serve young teens who have experienced profound pain and broken trust. These courageous individuals are navigating their healing, and because of your prayers and support, we’re able to journey alongside them, providing the safety and compassion they need to rebuild their lives.
A Glimpse Into Their Journey
Last fall, we welcomed three new girls into our care, each bringing with them their challenges and stories of trauma and survival. “Imagine learning to trust staff, trust the system, and trust the girl across the hall,” Lawrence shared. “It’s not easy when trauma shapes how you see the world. But God has called us to hold space for them during this critical time.”
One of the girls who initially struggled to connect would lash out, unsure if she could trust anyone. “She was angry, yelling, and even throwing rocks,” Lawrence recounted. “But I just held space. I let her know we are here for her, and that seemed to break something open.”
She later shared a heartfelt revelation: “In other group homes, it’s always kids versus adults. Here, it feels different. Why would someone be kind to me after everything I’ve done?”
The Secret Sauce
What sets ZOE apart is a relentless commitment to love—no matter what. Lawrence calls it “AP love,” explaining, “It’s advanced, patient, and consistent love. It’s the kind of love that confuses people because they’ve never experienced it before. But it’s also the kind of love that transforms them.” This mirrors the truth of 1 Corinthians 13:7: “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” At ZOE, this enduring and faithful love expressed by our staff is what paves the way for healing and transformation. This is the secret sauce.
“Last week, three girls in our home sat together and apologized to one another, set boundaries, and made a plan to get along. It was a miracle answer to prayer,” Lawrence said. “These girls, who had been at odds, showed maturity and insight beyond their years. It’s proof that love and faithfulness can change hearts.”
Goals and Victories
In 2024, we’ve celebrated remarkable milestones that show how your support is changing lives:
- Medication Refusal: Down an incredible 89%.
- Psychiatric Hospitalizations: ZERO over the past year—a milestone that speaks volumes about the stability and care in our home.
- Critical Incidents: Reduced by 44%.
- Emergency Room Visits: Down 53%.
- 2 youths graduated (1 last year) and reunified with their families
Your Role in The Story
Every gift you give, every prayer you pray, and every ounce of encouragement you send equips our teams to pour out love and create an atmosphere of transformation at our ZOE Home for Youth.
“We can’t promise these kids won’t have struggles tomorrow, but for today, they’ve seen something different—something life-changing. And that’s because of our donors, partners, and amazing staff,” said Lawrence.
Thank you for making ZOE’s Home for Youth a place where miracles happen every day.
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9