Brazilian evangelicals began the ministry 20 years ago to provide meals for kids on the streets. But they soon realized that more long-term solutions were needed.
Today, 90 kids live on the compound in what's called the City of Children. The residents include orphans as well as children assigned to live here by the Brazilian courts because their parents were unable to care for them. Some used to live on the streets, but for many others it's a stop-gap to prevent them from becoming street children.
The Valley has a family atmosphere, with 24-hour care given by tias or "aunties."
American volunteer Bethany Mulberry came here in January, and now works in the House of Babies.
BETHANY MULBERRY: For five years, I just felt an extreme call to come help the children in Brazil that live in the streets. And when I found the Valley of Blessing, it was the perfect place.
LAWTON:Here at the Valley, there's also a daycare center for nearly 200 children. Mothers can leave their kids here for several hours while they work. There are a host of other projects as well, including a primary school and tutoring programs where kids learn academics, the Bible, and basic Christian values.
The ministry is inter-denominational. Workers say they don't force religion on the children, but faith permeates everything they do.
