Our homes house 150 children and young adults and are the core of the big family of AOGE. Our main office and our school are located in the same area of the city as all of our homes.
Each home has a normal behavior of an ordinary family. Staff are hired to help with cooking and cleaning, but all the girls and boys have contribution according to their age and developmental level. Each home has live-in leaders that function as the parents of the children. We developed a system where older children become big sisters or big brothers and help in caring for the younger ones.
The concept of a family home has been a wonderful resource in restoring a sense of belonging, dignity, and self-worth. With simplicity and fellowship, in the rhythm of the home, everything happens. Care, restoration, and hope for a future are available to each individual.
As every family experiences struggles at times, so it is in our homes. Siblings do not always get along and tasks are not always completed in a timely manner. We see problems as opportunities to teach children respect, responsibility and how to have fun. We can see smiles and hear laughter as the children sing, dance and play together.