Rebound of Whatcom County

About Us

The Need

Based on national reports…

  • 1 out of 3 women experienced abuse or neglect as a child
  • 1 out of 6 men experienced abuse or neglect as a child
  • Average age of an abused child is 5 years.


According to the US Census 2000, in Whatcom County:

  • Since 1990, the percent of residents living in poverty has increased from 9% to 14%.
  • 25% of single moms and their families are living in poverty.
  • 50% of these families have children under 5 years old.
  • Over 350 children are in foster care

 
At a critical time in their lives, when they require nurturing, some children experience violent acts of anger, sexual and emotional abuse. Their families are shattered by the effects of substance abuse, domestic violence, divorce, as well as the unresolved grief and poverty that accompany the reality they experience.


Approach

  • Respectful – Rebound is committed to serving “at-risk” children and families, respecting and honoring the uniqueness of each person and the special nature and talents they bring.
  • Relational – Rebound believes that true personal change occurs best in the context of close mentoring relationships built on trust, support and accountability
  • Family Centered –Programs are designed to strengthen children and empower their parents to support positive growth and change in the family setting. Rebound is committed to a holistic approach that promotes the emotional, mental, relational and spiritual health of each person.
  • Ongoing Support – Rebound’s approach is unique – we’re there for the long haul. We provide ongoing support, walking alongside these children and families through the times when they need encouragement the most.
  • Community Based – Rebound is committed to empowering churches and equipping Christians to grow in their faith through building relationships and serving children and families in their own communities.

 

What is Distinctive about Rebound’s Approach?

  • Rebound operates from a model that focuses on families who have shown commitment in our programming in the past and have expressed interest in growth and development
  • Part of our mission is to connect families, church and community. We have extensive connections in the church community that results in a consistent and committed pool of over 250 volunteers who are invested in the families’ lives meeting practical needs as well as mentoring and encouraging.
  • We provide extensive training for our volunteers covering issues impacting families in poverty, the effects of domestic violence, sexual assault and drug abuse and on training on respectful behavior management, allowing them to be more successful in their relationships with the children and families.
  • We encourage spiritual exploration in all of our programs, living faith by example. We do not proselytize, but rather encourage exploration and personal faith development.
  • We deal with an at-risk population of children including many who have experienced repeated failure in social settings including school, day-care settings and social services. Our success with this population makes us one of the few alternatives for programming for many of these children.