A New Beginning at Genesis
In a small, serene corner near Lake Arcadia, there is a place called The Genesis Project. It’s a sanctuary for boys who have faced unimaginable hardships—boys like Malik, DeAngelo, Wesley, James, Nate, Justin, and Christopher. Though each boy’s story is different, they all share one thing in common: a longing for hope and healing.
Malik’s Journey:
Malik, an 11-year-old from Ponca City, had always felt like the middle child in his family, separated from his siblings, and navigating life without the support of his parents. Life had not been kind to him, and the weight of his emotions often felt like too much to bear. But when Malik arrived at Genesis, he found something he hadn’t expected: a connection with horses through equine therapy.
At first, Malik was unsure. Horses, like people, had their own moods and personalities, and it was challenging to know how to communicate with them. But slowly, he began to understand the gentle creatures. The bond he formed with them gave him a sense of peace he had never known. He started to channel his emotions and learned how to walk away from conflict instead of reacting impulsively. In the quiet moments spent with the horses, Malik dreamed of a future where he could work with them, helping others find healing just as he had. During this time of Thanksgiving, we are thankful for our partnership with Nexus Equine, which provides equine therapy to our boys.
DeAngelo’s Dream:
DeAngelo, 13 years old, came from Chickasha with dreams of becoming a famous football player. His athleticism was evident, but what wasn’t as clear was the boy behind the talent—the boy who needed to learn how to balance his emotions and express his passions in new ways. At Genesis, after five months of being surrounded by supportive mentors and a group of boys who understood him, DeAngelo began to explore new interests.
Through gardening, he found joy in watching things grow. He spent hours tending to plants, learning the patience that came with nurturing life. DeAngelo also started drawing, expressing the emotions he had kept locked inside for so long. Hands-on experiments and creative activities opened up a whole new world for him. While his dream of football still burned bright, DeAngelo now understood that passions could be multi-faceted, and he was eager to explore them all.
Wesley’s Healing:
Wesley, 12, came to Genesis with a dream of becoming a police officer. Although he hadn’t been at the program long, it didn’t take long for him to find new passions. Music therapy became a place of solace for him. The rhythm of the drums and the sound of the guitar allowed Wesley to express his feelings and find comfort in ways he hadn’t thought possible.
He also found peace in outdoor adventures. Hiking through the woods by Lake Arcadia, climbing trees, and experiencing the natural world gave Wesley a new sense of strength. Each outdoor journey reminded him that there was still so much to explore, not just in the world but within himself. At Genesis, Wesley began to feel more secure, knowing that his dreams, even if they changed, could always be a part of his future.
James, a Beacon of Hope:
James, only 10 years old, had suffered years of neglect and abuse before finding refuge at Genesis. At first, he was quiet and withdrawn, unsure of how to trust or where to place his faith. But over the course of a year and a half, James began to heal.
He found joy in sports, something he had never had the chance to enjoy before. Basketball became his escape, and soon he was using his love for the game to bond with the other boys. James began helping new arrivals feel welcome, offering them advice and comfort just as others had done for him. His heart, once closed off from the pain of the past, began to open. James learned the value of friendship and community, and he became a role model for the other boys at Genesis, showing them what it meant to overcome hardship and give back.
Nate’s Transformation:
Nate, also 11, had a rough start. After his adoptive mother abandoned him, Nate was filled with fear and anxiety. When he first arrived at Genesis, he had trouble trusting anyone and struggled with simple things like keeping his room tidy or following through with tasks. But the dedicated staff at Genesis understood Nate’s struggles and worked patiently with him, showing him that he could thrive in a safe, stable environment.
Slowly, Nate started to open up. He began to engage with other boys, talking about his fears, and asking for help when he needed it. Over time, Nate learned to trust again, finding comfort in the routines and support of Genesis. He built life skills, not just for the present but for his future as well, and began to feel the warmth of stability.
Justin’s Light:
Justin, 10 years old, had suffered through neglect and abuse before finding refuge at Genesis. When he first arrived, Justin was afraid and unsure of where he belonged. But his love for basketball helped him form bonds with other boys, and his natural sense of humor brought smiles to their faces. He started telling jokes to break the ice and found himself laughing more than he had in years.
As Justin helped other new boys settle in, he learned the importance of kindness and empathy. He realized that while he had been through so much, he now had the ability to make others feel at home. His heart, once heavy with pain, began to lighten as he gave and received love, making a lasting impact on the boys who followed in his footsteps.
Christopher’s Hopeful Return:
Finally, there was Christopher, an 11-year-old boy who had struggled to express himself. After being away from Genesis for six months, he returned, slowly learning to open up again. Although he loved math and enjoyed the outings with his peers, Christopher still struggled with confidence and expressing himself.
But Genesis was there for him, just as it had been for the others. The support and encouragement of the mentors and boys around him helped Christopher rediscover his voice. With time, he began to feel safe, to trust, and to take steps toward finding his place in the world once more. He learned that healing takes time, but with the right support, it was possible to find hope again.
Together, these boys—Malik, DeAngelo, Wesley, James, Nate, Justin, and Christopher—had found a new beginning at Genesis. They were no longer defined by their pasts but by the strength they discovered in themselves and in one another. Each day at Genesis brought them closer to their dreams, whether it was working with horses, playing football, understanding how music can help soothe the soul, or just finding a place where they belonged.
The Genesis Project had given them not only the tools to heal but also the chance to build a brighter future. And thanks to the generosity of people who supported the project, these boys could continue their journey of healing and hope.
This Giving Tuesday, December 3, you can make a lasting impact on the lives of these boys. Your contribution helps provide essential resources, opportunities, and a safe space for children like Malik, DeAngelo, Wesley, James, Nate, Justin, and Christopher. From therapy programs and education to life skills training and recreational activities, your gift helps us offer the support these kids need to thrive.
See all the ways to help this Giving Tuesday: Genesis Giving Tuesday 2024
Shop our Amazon Wish List: Genesis Amazon Wish List
Together, we can make a difference in the lives of children who deserve a brighter future. By donating to Genesis, you are helping boys navigate their tough journeys, and allowing them the chance to heal, grow, and rediscover hope.
