Boys Town Family-Teachers Continue Mission Two Years After Katrina - WOAI TV
Memories of Katrina Keep Batistes Focused on Kids
Two years ago Hurricane Katrina changed Family-Teachers Andre and Shawnnell Batiste’s life forever, providing a different perspective and outlook on life.
“We’ve experienced being snatched away from everything we know and all the emotions and fear that go with that,” said Shawnnell. “Many of the kids at Boys Town have been snatched from their home and everything that they know. They are just looking for someone who cares for them and we can really relate to that feeling.”
“Katrina forced us to look at life differently and help teach the kids to appreciate all life offers,” said Andre, a New Orleans native.
Just two months into their career at Boys Town when Katrina struck, the Batistes also faced another concern – Shawnnell was four months pregnant.
Andre and Shawnnell Batiste with their daughters, Janaè and Gabrielle.
“We worked hard to be strong for the kids, but were always concerned for the pregnancy,” said Andre, who says some of the fears calmed when they arrived at Home Campus. “Boys Town did an awesome job helping us cope and making us feel like we had a home.”
After six months on Home Campus and the birth of their second daughter, Gabrielle, the Batistes along with their other daughter Janaè, began a new chapter in their lives at Boys Town Texas.
“We have always had the heart and passion and knew we were called to work with kids,” said Andre. “Our ability for helping kids is best suited in Boys Town’s structured, hands-on programs.”
In Texas, Andre and Shawnnell built a strong family unit as they adapted to their new surroundings. Daily meals together, where the Batistes teach the girls to begin conversations and encourage them to share stories and opinions, help strengthen this bond. This spirit of family helps the girls in their care realize the guidance Andre and Shawnnell provide is real.
“When a kid comes to our door for the first time, we just say ‘we love you’ and do our best to make sure they are happy and feel safe,” said Shawnnell.
And though much has changed in their lives over the past two years, it is the perspective Katrina provided that fuels their success. “God allowed us to go through this so we could see things differently,” Andre said. “We have to do things today; we don’t know what may happen tomorrow.”
