THE REFUGE CENTER PARTNERS WITH THE HANDS AND FEET PROJECT TO MEET PSYCHOLOGICAL NEEDS OF HAITI’S ORPHANED AND ABANDONED CHILDREN
FRANKLIN, Tenn. – The Refuge Center for Counseling has announced a partnership with the Hands and Feet Project—a nonprofit offering long-term, family-style care for orphaned and abandoned children in Haiti—to help meet the psychological needs of the children served by the Hands and Feet Project.
Founded in 2004 by members of the Grammy Award-winning Christian music group Audio Adrenaline, the Hands and Feet Project currently serves more than 100 children at two sites in Haiti. Through the newly created partnership, The Refuge Center will develop an overall emotional care strategy, provide consultation and best practices to Hands and Feet Project staff, as well as develop and manage additional resources to help meet the overall mental health needs of the Hands and Feet family.
“Emotional care is one of the greatest things we can give to our children,” said Mark Stuart, executive director and co-founder of the Hands and Feet Project. “Unfortunately, many of the children under our care struggle with attachment and trauma issues. Our new partnership with The Refuge Center will provide ongoing, expert assistance in meeting the psychological needs of our children, creating a better opportunity for each boy and girl to reach their God-given potential.”
On Sept. 14, seven Refuge Center counselors will travel to Haiti to assess the needs of the children, as well as the adults that work with the Hands and Feet Project, so they can begin advising immediately on emotional care.
“In a world where mental health needs are often overlooked, we are so proud to partner with the Hands and Feet Project to expand The Refuge Center’s reach beyond our country’s borders,” said Amy Alexander, executive director and co-founder of The Refuge Center. “We look forward to traveling to Haiti and beginning the important work ahead.”
For more information on the Hands and Feet Project, visit handsandfeetproject.org. For more information on The Refuge Center for Counseling, visit refugecenter.org.
