Before the ribbon was cut.
Before the first child arrived.
Hope was already being built.
At the Refuge of Life Home in Pucallpa, Peru, preparation began long before children stepped foot through its doors. Haven of Hope International’s Orphan Care Training Institute (HOHI-OCTI) partnered with the new home to ensure staff were equipped with the tools, heart, and training needed to provide Christ-centered, trauma-informed care from day one.
The Peace Model – Laying the Groundwork
The foundational training began with The Peace Model, HOHI-OCTI’s scriptural approach to basic trauma-informed caregiving. Delivered virtually through Zoom, the weekly training introduced caregivers to essential principles of restoring hope and healing for children from hard places.
Staff walked through six interactive sessions that combined biblical truth with practical strategies. At the center of this training is the Five Steps to Behavior Change—a simple yet powerful framework designed to help children move from survival and fear toward healing, trust, and resilience.
Trauma-Informed Care with a Biblical Foundation
The 5-Steps equips staff to:
- Recognize the effects of trauma on children.
- Respond with compassion rather than reaction.
- Teach and model healthy behaviors.
- Practice consistency in care routines.
- Praise progress and encourage resilience.
This scriptural and trauma-informed foundation ensures that children arriving at Refuge of Life are welcomed into a safe, nurturing environment where healing can truly begin.
Preparing for the Next Level – Yearlong Certification
The Peace Model training was only the beginning. These sessions set the stage for Refuge of Life’s caregivers to begin a year-long Trauma Care Certification Program with HOHI-OCTI. This deeper training journey will further develop their skills, empower them with proven caregiving strategies, and strengthen their capacity to guide children toward lasting hope and transformation.
Hope Before Homes, Healing Before Walls
At Haven of Hope International, we believe that rescue is just the beginning. True transformation requires restoration—and restoration begins with trained caregivers. That’s why HOHI-OCTI invests in equipping homes like Refuge of Life with biblical, trauma-informed training before the first child ever arrives.
Because when caregivers are prepared, children find not just shelter, but a place of healing, love, and hope.