In May of 2012, Giving it Back to Kids vice president, Tam, and New Name Society founder, Bruce Binkley were visiting a Cambodian village when they noticed a strange lack of older children. After inquiring about this absence, they were told by villagers that children were disappearing. Tam and Bruce were shocked by this discovery and decided something had to be done to rescue the remaining children from a similar fate.
They promptly developed a plan, and in less than two months, GIBTK and New Name Society had co-opened a safe house in Cambodia, housing twelve girls. The home was named Marlene's Home in honor of the mother of Bruce’s wife, Camella Binkley. Marlene had a special place in her heart for young, underprivileged girls and dedicated her life to helping others.
Within a year of opening Marlene’s Home, it became evident that there were more girls to help than one house could hold. Another house was quickly secured and opened. The second home was named Vera’s Home in honor of Bruce’s mother who also had a heart full of compassion for others.
Since then, both of these homes have evolved to include a school for the girls to learn English, nutrition, take emotional health courses, and receive the love of a family. Many residents of Marlene’s and Vera’s Homes have graduated from high school and university, have learned English, and give back to their communities through outreach programs.
It has been a blessing to play a role in changing the lives of these girls, giving them the opportunity to be safe from abuse and exploitation and have hope for the future. As these young ladies experience change in their lives, we are confident that their influence will change a nation.
