Embracing Hope And Sharing Smiles: Jessica’s Story
“In all this world there is nothing so beautiful as a happy child.”
At The Hope Effect, we hear many stories of pain and loss. Orphaned and vulnerable children come from hard places, and although the circumstances are all unique, there is always trauma involved when a child is growing up without a family.
But we are so grateful that because of you, we can provide hope for these children.The path isn’t easy and the journey is far from over when children enter family care, but it’s amazing to see children transform as they experience the beauty and happiness found within a family.
Thanks to you, lives are being changed forever. Thanks to you, children like Jessica are growing up surrounded by the love of a family.
Jessica’s Story
Jessica was placed in institutional care in Sonora, Mexico, when she was just 18 months old because she was being neglected. Sadly, she would remain in the orphanage for almost four years with no contact with her biological parents or extended family.
During this extremely important developmental time in Jessica’s life, she was without the love of a family. She was cared for by a rotating staff at the orphanage, and while the employees are good-hearted people doing the best they can, an orphanage cannot replace a family.
Without the love and support of a family, orphaned and vulnerable children miss out on many of the critical experiences that shape a child's early years. When kids do not receive adequate personal interaction within a family environment, development is stunted and learning abilities are often delayed or lost altogether.
Jessica, like all children in institutional care, didn’t get the individual love and attention she needed to properly develop and thrive.
But thankfully, because of you, Jessica’s story doesn’t end there. When she was five years old, Jessica was welcomed into family care. And surrounded by the love of a family, her life began to change.
Hope, Love, and Smiles
After just a few months in family care, the changes in Jessica were incredible. She made significant progress in virtually every area – physically, academically, socially, and emotionally.
Jessica’s health began improving immediately. When she first arrived in family care, she became sick frequently with minor illnesses. But as she began sleeping regularly at night, napping consistently during the day, and eating well, she became healthier. In fact, the first four months in family care, Jessica gained more than three pounds thanks to the care and nutrition she was receiving.
Academically, Jessica started preschool and it became clear that she loves to learn! Our staff was able to work with her school to develop a strategy to help Jessica as she adjusted to life in a family and a new educational environment. Like any child, she excels in several areas and has opportunities in others, but Jessica enjoys completing her school activities and homework. And as her knowledge grows, so does her confidence.
Jessica is also progressing socially, as she continues to bond with friends and her foster family. She has learned to identify safe people in her life, and she has established meaningful connections. This is so important…when a child is able to attach to others, it’s a huge milestone. We are so thankful that Jessica feels secure enough to trust and bond with her foster family.
Today, Jessica is a happy, joyful child, with a smile that can brighten anyone’s day. Although she experiences big – and sometimes challenging – emotions as she adapts to life in a family, she is working on identifying and expressing her feelings in healthy ways. She loves to dance and sing, and she enjoys helping others.
We are thrilled that this beautiful little girl is surrounded by the love and support she needs. Because of you, Jessica has hope for the future.
Thank You For Being Jessica’s Hero
Thank you so much for making this possible. To Jessica - and to us - you are a hero. Your support is changing the lives of children like Jessica all over the world, and we are so grateful.
Together, we are changing the way the world cares for orphans…because every child deserves a family.