Strong Families, New Beginnings: Ivette’s Story

Note: This blog post was collaboratively written with Stephani Duff of Back2Back.

The Strong Families team buzzed with excitement after a recent conversation.

Our partners in Monterrey, Back2Back Mexico, work tirelessly to ensure children thrive in environments that are best for them. Ideally, this means reuniting them with their biological families whenever possible.

That’s why last year, The Hope Effect joined forces with Back2Back and the Strong Families program to help reunite children in orphanages with their families. And it looked like one more child was about to come home, where she belongs.

A FATHER’S LOVE

Our team had just finished meeting with a single father, Luis*, who had recently separated from his wife. Together, they had parented three children—two from her previous relationship and one daughter they had together.

Unfortunately, due to extenuating circumstances and ongoing involvement of other individuals, abuse was present in the home. For their protection, the children were placed in government-run children’s homes (commonly referred to as orphanages). The kids remained there for several years before our team connected with Luis.

As his marriage dissolved, Luis fought to bring his 12-year-old daughter, Ivette*, home. He wanted her out of the orphanage and back with him. That’s how he found Back2Back’s Strong Families Program.

“We are always so encouraged when parents seek assistance themselves,” shared Alé Castro, the Strong Families Coordinator. “He found us, he showed up, and he asked if he and his daughter could be part of the program. This speaks volumes about his desire to transform and grow as a dad.”

Determined to protect his daughter, Luis fought relentlessly. Thankfully, he was granted sole custody, and Ivette was able to leave the orphanage and return home with her father. After gaining custody, Luis and Ivette moved to Monterrey to live with his parents, who were already involved in the Strong Families program through other family members.

As our team in Monterrey learned more about Luis’ situation, they realized it was unique. As a single father leaving an abusive situation, Luis found that there were few resources available to help him.

“I’ve been looking for something to help us,” Luis shared with Ale and her team. “I’m not sure how you usually do this, but I’m a solo parent. I fought hard to get my daughter back, and now we face another battle because resources available to me are limited. Can you help?”

The Strong Families team was moved by Luis’ story and his work ethic. He enrolled in a trade school for electrical work and car repair, and practiced his new skills on broken refrigerators brought to the campus for training. Both Luis and Ivette also began therapy, individually and together. The one-on-one sessions have given Luis space to process his experiences, allowing him to move beyond survival mode.

“This is a unique situation, because he really wants to do as much as he can on his own, but he knows we are there for ongoing support as needs arise,” explained Ale. “We are offering space for him and constantly reminding him this is all worth it, even on the days it feels too hard. He is advocating for his family, and we feel confident it will result in success and broken cycles for them both.”

IVETTE’S JOURNEY

Ivette's journey has been one of resilience and growth, even after a difficult year of court battles, visitations with her mother, and the passing of her grandmother. This year, she has gained renewed strength, excelling in school and forming strong friendships.

As she enters her teenage years, Ivette has expressed a desire for independence, learning to cook—a skill she cherished with her grandmother. Her family has supported her, with her father, aunts, and cousins stepping in to help her feel more empowered at home.

Through the Strong Families program, Ivette also participated in an online art class offered by Tec de Monterrey, a prestigious university in Mexico. This class provided her with an outlet to express herself creatively and therapeutically. Her commitment to the class has revealed her growing sense of responsibility and confidence.

One of the most significant changes has been Ivette’s ability to advocate for herself. Working with her trusted therapist through Back2Back, she has learned to voice her needs and ask for what makes her feel safe.

We are grateful that Ivette, through her strong bond with her father and support from our partners at Back2Back, is looking toward a future filled with hope, strength, and opportunity.

Thank you for being part of the solution and helping reunite families in hope and love. Together, we are changing the way the world cares for orphans... because every child deserves a family.

*The names of all family members have been changed to protect their privacy.