Blog

As we enter the final weeks of the year and make our way through holiday season, thoughts turn to giving thanks and to a season of gifts. The many gifts of the James Connection have created a multitude of blessings, and many reasons for gratitude.

The big news of the fall has been the completion of the Angels’ Place Healthcare Building which had its official opening on November 13. The building has two floors. On the first floor, there is a medical facility room on one side of the main entrance, and a library to the other side. The second floor has two isolation rooms, one for boys and one for girls, and a caretaker’s room in the middle between them. The children of Angels’ Place held a number of special events to mark the dedication on November 13, including a performance by the Angels’ Place chamber choir. Dr. T. Vanlalkungi, Chief Medical Officer of Churachandpur, joined the dedication as the guest of honor, and she commended the work of Angels’ Place for its commitment to the children and their wellness.

The November event also gave an opportunity to celebrate the students who passed their board exams at Rayburn School. Angels' Place had 14 students who passed their level 10 exams and five students who passed the level 12 exams. The staff of Angels’ Place continues to dedicate focused effort to supporting the schooling of the children, and they report that the children consistently use the library and computer lab to supplement their learning. The children are allowed to explore the computer and internet after every class for 5-10 minutes so that they may apply their learning practically as well. They are also expected to follow rules to guide better usage and learn responsibility. In addition to this, Rayburn students are given access to a desktop computer every afternoon after computer classes.

A number of other learning opportunities marked the fall months. The vocational programs continue, with students learning baking, sewing, and computer skills. The staff also have recently facilitated a number of special learning events, including a trip to a demonstration farm and a three-day workshop on photography. Along with the continuing classes and a steady flow of special opportunities, the staff maintain a continuous schedule for student counseling and support.

This Thanksgiving season, we give thanks for all of those who provide their support for Angels’ Place through the James Connection. Your gifts have created so many opportunities for these children — a safe home, opportunities to learn and grow, a space for attending to their health and wellness, and a dedicated staff who cares for them.

Please, consider making room for the James Connection in your annual giving. There is much work yet to be done and more kids who need your help. Just click here to donate now. Donations received before December 31st (up to $40,000) will be matched by a long-time sponsor couple to provide $80,000 toward a new vocation building. We are so blessed by this generous offer and hope you take full advantage of the opportunity.

Thank you for your ongoing support. We cannot do this work without you!

Showing off Diplomas in Tailoring

Things have been busy at Angels’ Place over the past few months, and as spring turns to summer, we write with a update on all the special things that have been happening.

The biggest project remains the construction of the on-site healthcare building. A concrete slab was poured in March, and the materials required most of the next month to cure. Work has gone slower than expected because of the rains that come with monsoon season. As of the end of May, the roofing and exterior walls are complete. The next steps will be plumbing, electrical wiring, and painting.

Progress on the new healthcare building

The staff continues to work on improvements in supporting education for the children of Angels’ Place. The children receive academic counseling over the course of their time there, and as they progress, that counseling evolves to support professional career guidance as they prepare for life as independent adults. The staff has gathered educational data on all children in classes 4 through 10, and that data will inform guidance counseling to support academic success and future career prospects.

The library and classes remain a popular resource for the children. In the words of Kaimalsom of Class 9: “Attending the library class means gaining something for life.” Staff also continue to provide more instruction in computer skills in a two-tier sequence: a three-month Basic Computer Course and then an advanced course that builds on those foundational skills. Vocational training continues in tailoring and baking, and we are delighted to report that this spring a group of five students received their Diploma in Tailoring.

The goal of Angels’ Place begins with rescuing a child in a desperate situation, providing them with the basic needs of food, shelter, and health care. Yet as children grow beyond those urgent needs, they can envision a life that moves past simply surviving, to a life of thriving and contributing to their community. We close with the words of Manglalthuam, a student in class 12, who writes the following as he considers a life of possibility and hope in the future:

“As I reflect on the experiences that have shaped me, I am filled with gratitude for the lessons, challenges, and people who have helped me during my time in Angels’ Place....I’m eager to see what comes next, and I hope to continue making a positive impact in everything I do.”

That is the story of a life transformed, a transformation that you have made possible by your support of the James Connection. We thank you for your continued commitment, and we want you to know: your generosity has changed lives.

To learn more about the James Connection and how you can help the children at Angels' Place, visit our Ways to Help page.

Children celebrate the 20th anniversary of Angels' Place with an abundant spring harvest

Angels’ Place celebrated its 20th anniversary on February 7, 2025, a date that is now known as “Founders Day” at the orphanage. The children and staff enjoyed a day filled with singing, dancing, and a variety of commemorative activities to mark how far things have come over two decades. Many alumni and past staff joined the fun, which culminated with a performance by the Lamka Music Academy band. Our lead onsite staff member, Siam, reports that “It was truly an unforgettable experience that left everyone grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a special day, honoring our past and looking forward to our future together.” This 20th anniversary also marks a good time to check in on all of the activities and progress at Angels’ Place.

The construction of the new healthcare building is progressing well. The foundation has been completed and they are ready to pour the slab for the ground floor, which requires 28 days of curing. After that, building will move to the first floor, which is expected to be completed by the end of May.

A variety of career-oriented learning has taken place at all levels for the children. Mrs. Lun, the Career Coordinator, leads sessions for the younger children and also helps them with library resources, guiding them toward possible career paths. For the older students, Angels’ Place hosted a series of speakers who described possible work futures for students not going on to university. A separate presentation explored higher education opportunities and the career possibilities beyond that. Vocational training also continues, though in February they paused for school exams.

The library remains an active place for the children, and a new round of books has arrived. The children have regular library classes, which range from teaching the youngest children how to use a dictionary to helping the older children find titles on careers and future learning. Hoihneihat, who is in Class VIII, says of the library, “I love to read books. It helps me in learning new vocabulary and it also improves my English a lot.”

Finally, Angels’ Place is delighted to report that they have brought in an abundant harvest this year. The children participate in growing their own food, which both broadens their nutrition and provides a valuable contribution to the orphanage.

On this 20th anniversary, we have many blessings, and we thank you all for making these blessings possible.

If you are new to the work we do and would like to learn more about Angels' Place and how you can help the children there, visit our Ways to Help page.