“I do my best to make sure THE CHILDREN feel supported and cared for. I try to take THEIR trauma and replace it with joy”.
Jane, Staff Member at The HOME Project
We met Jane, one of our dedicated caregivers at the shelter for our youngest children, just as she returned from the American Community School (ACS) in Athens with one of the boys who attends the school’s summer camp. As soon as she walked in, both children and staff naturally turned to her. A young girl, recently transferred to the shelter and struggling to adjust, was in tears. Jane responded calmly and attentively. With years of experience and a deep understanding of children’s emotional needs, she gently helped settle the situation.
Later, she reflected on her role: “When you're looking after children, especially little ones, there’s always a lot going on. Emotions can run high. It’s important to manage things with care and keep the child’s best interest in mind at all times. Like today—the little girl was upset, and although we had planned to go to the park, that wouldn’t have helped in that moment. What she needed was reassurance. She needed to know she’s safe here”.
Jane, who is originally from Kenya, has been with The HOME Project since the beginning. She works the afternoon-to-evening shift, which allows her to spend meaningful time with the children after school.
“I pick them up from school, clean up after them, we do activities, have dinner, and I get them ready for bed. I’m responsible for their daily care, with everything that entails. Through my role, I’m also able to support their personal growth—helping them build confidence, learn how to interact with others, and develop key life skills”, she shares.
Working with children from a wide range of backgrounds brings both rewards and challenges.
As she explains: “Our children come from different countries and have different backgrounds. They have been through a lot. When they first arrive, it takes time to build trust. It’s not easy for them to adapt to this new reality. They often miss familiar foods or find the language barrier difficult. We try to include dishes from different cultures in our meals and support their language learning—especially Greek, which is crucial for their integration. But it’s not straightforward. There is still xenophobia unfortunately, and making friends outside the shelter can be hard for them.”
Being a mother of three, Jane draws on her personal experience to connect with the children in her care. She knows what it means to be separated from loved ones.
“I’ve been through something similar. I had to leave my own children when I moved here. That experience helps me understand what the children are feeling and the trauma they carry. I do my best to make sure they feel supported and cared for. I try to take that trauma and replace it with joy, to help create happy memories. That’s why I never want any child to go to sleep with tears in their eyes”, she admits.
Jane’s approach is steady and empathetic. Through everyday routines, she helps cultivate a sense of normalcy and stability. Her work is an integral part of what makes our shelters a nurturing and safe environment, one that truly feels like a home.