Celebrating World Foster Day: Andrea’s Story

Today is World Foster Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about foster care and celebrating families in the fostering process.  It’s a wonderful opportunity to recognize the love and care that foster families give to ensure that orphaned and vulnerable children can grow up in safe and loving homes.

It's also a day to acknowledge and thank you for the difference you’re making in the lives of these children through your support and generosity. We are incredibly grateful for you.

Because of you, more and more children are growing up knowing the love of a family. Because of you, children like Andrea* have hope for a future.

Andrea’s Story

Andrea was separated from her biological family immediately after she was born. Her mother tested positive for drugs, so at just a few weeks old, the government in Sonora, Mexico removed Andrea from the infant hospital where she was recovering.

In many other parts of the world, Andrea would have been processed into an orphanage. At a time when she needed individual attention to provide love, comfort, and healing, Andrea would have been cared for by a rotating staff of employees rather than a family.

Thankfully, there is a better option in Sonora - and a better option for Andrea. The Hope Effect is pioneering family care in Sonora, so the government contacted our team in the capital city of Hermosillo. Andrea was welcomed into a loving foster family when she was four weeks old. And through their love and care, she began to heal.

SURROUNDED BY LOVE

Although Andrea had been released from the hospital, she still had a long road to recovery ahead of her.

Andrea showed several symptoms of withdrawal when she first arrived in family care. She had frequent muscle spasms, rashes and dry skin, and she cried often. In addition, she had trouble eating and sleeping. Andrea startled easily at any noise, and it was evident that even at her very young age, she was deeply affected by trauma and loss. 

But Andrea's foster family was patient, caring, and kind. They loved that little girl and expressed a willingness to help her as long as possible and necessary. Andrea was surrounded by affection and attention as the entire family helped care for her. 

Although the main caregivers were her foster parents, Andrea’s foster siblings doted on her. Her foster brothers talked to her and interacted with her constantly, and her foster sister loved to feed her, carry her, and change her. 

Hope and Healing

In just a few weeks, the family saw tremendous growth in Andrea. Although her withdrawal symptoms weren’t completely gone, they were greatly reduced.

Andrea’s health improved as she grew stronger physically. She learned to communicate in a specific way when she was hungry and wanted to eat. She started eating more, and as a result, she gained weight and grew in length.

Andrea also began to bond with her foster family. She started recognizing the voices of her foster mother and father, and she looked for them when she heard them speak. She began to smile and imitate sounds while interacting with her foster family. Each new milestone represented amazing growth for this beautiful little girl.

Through the love of her foster parents and siblings, Andrea learned what it meant to be part of a loving family. And thankfully, she was able to be reunited with members of her biological family after a short time in family care. We are so grateful that Andrea has always known she is wanted and loved.

Thank you for making it possible! You changed Andrea’s life, and you continue to make a difference in the lives of orphaned and vulnerable children around the world. Thank you for your continued support and partnership.

Together, we are changing the way the world cares for orphans…because every child deserves a family. 

*Name has been changed to protect the privacy of the child.