Program overview
The area of social work is an extension of the vision of FSM as it attempts to support change and growth from a holistic health perspective. We believe that it is important to address all areas of wellness in a person’s life in order to truly make a difference.
Case Management
Case management at the mission takes on many different forms including: assisting with referrals and references for government or social agencies who provide services and benefits, assisting with the immigration process, networking, phone calls, home visits, etc. In addition we provide some financial assistance in emergency situations for food, diapers, clothes, school supplies, utility bills, medical and dental expenses, etc.
Counseling/Life Skills Counseling Program
We offer counseling for individuals of all ages as well as Biblically based couples and family therapy. Many women in Bajo struggle with childhood trauma, anxiety, depression, domestic violence and parenting concerns, among other issues. We are also looking to implement a life skills counseling program to assist families in chronic financial crisis with budgeting, goal-setting, job readiness skills, etc. to help them overcome the barriers of generational poverty and gain stability in all areas of their lives.
Parenting Classes and Workshops
Over the years we have offered a variety of workshops on relevant topics in order to educate and encourage community members. Parenting classes provide information on discipline techniques, setting limits, improving parent/child relationships and how to handle the challenges of raising children. One of the best ways we can make a difference in the lives of the children of Bajo is by supporting their parents in making changes in the family dynamics.
MOPS International Program (Mothers of Preschoolers)
In 2020 we became affiliated with the MOPS International Program (Mothers of Preschoolers). We are the first official MOPS group to be started in Costa Rica. The vision of MOPS is to “encourage and equip moms of young children to realize their potential as mothers, women and leaders, in relationship with Jesus, and in partnership with the local church.” This initiative started with a small Bible study held the previous year on Tuesday mornings at the turquoise table with the moms who were waiting for their children while they attended pre-school classes at the mission. We are excited about the opportunity this ministry brings to reach out to the moms of the community and provide fun, fellowship and Biblical teaching.
To learn about the turquoise table please click https://theturquoisetable.com/frontyardpeople/
English Classes
Also in 2020 we began offering ESL classes for adults in the afternoons and evenings. We had more than 60 students enrolled in beginners, intermediate and advanced classes held on a weekly basis. It is fun to see their excitement when they can communicate with the volunteers and team members that visit from the United States. But more than an interest in relating to foreigners or helping their children with their English homework, this skill has become essential in Costa Rica when applying for a job.
SPECIAL CLASSES
In 2022 the mission began additional training classes based on an in-depth survey done in the community to determine needs and areas of interest. The first one was a sewing class to teach a skill that participants can use for personal needs or to potentially start a small business. In 2023 we added a baking class and a computer skills class. All of these training classes, as well as our English classes, require that participants pay a very nominal participation fee. These fees not only help offset costs for the classes but more importantly help insure commitment from those who register for them.