Grupo Nexos receives a grant from the Children’s Trust to implement a transformative project in Puerto Rico

The Children’s Trust has awarded Grupo Nexos, Inc. a grant of $117,650 for implementing the Functional Family Therapy (FFT) project to impact children and youth aged 11 to 17 in the southwestern region of Puerto Rico. This innovative 12-month initiative seeks to address emotional and behavioral challenges in minors through evidence-based and culturally adapted interventions.

The FFT project aims to improve family functioning, reduce disruptive behaviors, and strengthen minors’ emotional and behavioral capacities. Through this initiative, the organization will work directly with 60 families, benefiting approximately 180 individuals across the municipalities in the Ponce and Mayagüez regions.

Puerto Rico faces alarming rates of child poverty and mental health issues among its youth population. This project is part of a comprehensive strategy not only to intervene directly in family dynamics but also to prevent minors from entering the juvenile justice system. FFT has proven to be an effective practice, recognized for reducing recidivism rates by 25% to 60% while offering a cost-effective approach to improving family health and well-being.

Dr. Marizaida Sánchez Cesáreo, CEO of Grupo Nexos, stated: “We are deeply grateful to the Children’s Trust for entrusting Grupo Nexos to carry out this important project. Our commitment is to positively impact the lives of Puerto Rican families by providing high-quality services and promoting the emotional, mental, and social well-being of our children and youth.”

The project will include collaboration with regional schools to identify and refer youth who could benefit from the program. Additionally, the team of therapists will receive continuous training and oversight to ensure that the intervention is implemented with the highest quality standards.