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 operates like an ordinary family. Staff are hired to help with cooking and cleaning, but all the girls and boys also contribute according to their age and developmental level. Each home has live-in leaders that function as the parents. 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. The homes operate with a rhythm of simplicity and fellowship. Care, restoration, and hope for a future are available to everyone.
As all families do, our homes experience struggles at times with siblings not always getting along, and tasks not always being completed promptly. We see problems as opportunities to teach children respect, responsibility and how to have fun. We see smiles and hear laughter as the children sing, dance and play together.
