In a world where vulnerable children often require specialized support and care, Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) emerges as an essential tool for volunteers and professionals alike. This holistic, research-based approach is designed to enhance relationships and support the harmonious development of traumatized children. By training volunteers in TBRI, we ensure that these interventions are successful and that children receive the adequate support they need.

What is TBRI?

Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) is a methodology developed by Dr. Karyn Purvis and Dr. David Cross at the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development at Texas Christian University. TBRI is grounded in three fundamental principles:

1. Connecting: Establishing safe and trusting relationships.
2. Empowering: Providing strategies to support the child’s physical and emotional needs.
3. Correcting: Implementing discipline techniques that are trauma-sensitive and promote self-regulation.

Why is TBRI Training Important for Volunteers?

Volunteers play a crucial role in the lives of vulnerable children. Without adequate training, they might not fully understand the complex needs of these children or be equipped to respond effectively. TBRI training offers volunteers:

• Knowledge about Trauma and Its Impact: Volunteers learn about the effects of trauma on cognitive and emotional development.
• Practical Intervention Strategies: They are equipped with tools and techniques to create a safe and predictable environment.
• Empathic Communication Skills: Volunteers learn to communicate effectively and empathetically, facilitating the creation of strong and trusting bonds.

Our TBRI Training Experience

For two weeks, our volunteers immersed themselves in a comprehensive TBRI training course, covering both theoretical concepts and practical applications. They engaged in role-playing, therapeutic drawings, deep discussions, and various other interactive activities. This intensive training equipped them with the skills needed to support and nurture vulnerable children effectively.

The Long-Term Impact

TBRI training for volunteers not only improves the lives of vulnerable children but also contributes to the creation of a more informed and empathetic community. Volunteers trained in TBRI become agents of change, spreading knowledge and positively influencing care and education practices in various contexts. Through TBRI, we pave the way for a world where every child has the chance to develop to their fullest potential in a supportive and trusting environment.

By embracing TBRI, we commit to making a lasting difference in the lives of vulnerable children. Our dedicated volunteers are now better equipped to provide the specialized care and support these children need to thrive. Together, we can create a future where every child is valued, supported, and given the opportunity to flourish.

Join us in this transformative journey. Your support and involvement can help us continue to train more volunteers and extend our reach to touch even more lives. Together, we can make a profound impact.

We recently held our inaugural two-part training session for our new volunteers in Romania, and the energy in the room was truly inspiring. Sixty passionate individuals gathered, each brimming with enthusiasm and a shared commitment to making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children. From the outset, the atmosphere was filled with promise and determination, as we all came together with a common goal: to contribute positively to our community through our work with Livada Orphan Care.

During our time together, we ensured that our training was not just about learning but also about connecting on a deeper level. We organized interactive activities that allowed us to break the ice, get to know each other better, and build strong team bonds. Laughter echoed through the room as we engaged in creative and fun exercises, sharing moments of joy that brought us closer together. These interactions were not just enjoyable; they were instrumental in laying the foundation for a cohesive and supportive volunteer team.

Our discussions began with a heartfelt exploration of the importance and impact of our work with these children. Volunteers shared personal stories and experiences, highlighting meaningful moments and lessons learned from past interactions. Each story evoked strong emotions and reinforced our collective belief that every act of compassion and support can profoundly impact the lives of those we serve.

With open minds and hearts, we delved into planning our upcoming summer camps. We discussed a range of activities, from recreational to educational programs, all aimed at creating a safe, inclusive, and enriching environment for the children. Every volunteer had the opportunity to contribute ideas and suggestions, ensuring that our camps would be a memorable and beneficial experience for all participants.

As the day drew to a close, we left with hearts full of positive emotions and a renewed confidence in our ability to make a real difference. The connections we made and the motivation we felt were palpable. We are ready to embark on this journey, sharing joys, inspiring others, and serving as role models for those in need. With each passing day, we are determined to bring more light and hope into the lives of the children we serve.

This is just the beginning of a beautiful and meaningful journey with Livada Orphan Care, and we are ready to embrace every moment with enthusiasm and dedication. Together, we will make a lasting impact, one act of kindness at a time.