Celebrating Family On Orphan Sunday: Lucas’ Story

Today is Orphan Sunday, a day where people across the globe come together to stand up for orphaned and vulnerable children. And with approximately 15.1 million orphans worldwide, today is a critical day.

Every child deserves a family. But the reality is that most orphans in developing countries are being cared for in orphanages. However, there is compelling research showing that institutional care has devastating long-term effects on the physical, emotional, and psychological development of children.

Kids do best when they grow up in loving families. And that’s why we are so grateful for you!

You are changing the way the world cares for orphans by providing loving family care. In our locations in Mexico, Honduras, Thailand, and Cambodia, you are helping kids get out of orphanages and into families…where they belong!

So on Orphan Sunday, we stand for orphaned and vulnerable children while also celebrating the lives you’ve changed. Because thanks to you, children like Lucas* are growing up knowing the love of a family.

Lucas’ Story

Lucas was removed from his mother’s care immediately after birth because his mother tested positive for drugs. After his initial stay in the hospital, Lucas was placed into an orphanage in Hermosillo, Sonora.

For the first months of his life, Lucas was cared for by a rotating staff of employees in the orphanage. While the staff loved Lucas and provided the best care they possibly could, an orphanage is no substitute for a family.

But thankfully, because of your continued support, The Hope Effect is pioneering family care in the state of Sonora. In fact, we just renewed our contract with the government of Sonora for an additional two years, ensuring more children will get out of orphanages and into families.

So thanks to you, Lucas was welcomed into loving family care when he was eight months old…and he quickly began to flourish.

Moving Forward

When Lucas entered family care, he immediately began receiving the individual care and attention every child needs and deserves. And with that love and care, Lucas started reaching new physical and emotional milestones.

His foster family quickly noticed that Lucas had weak motor skills in his arms and legs. The family worked diligently to help Lucas, assisting him with various exercises to help strengthen his muscles.

Within the first week, they noticed amazing progress. Lucas began to raise his legs and extend his arms…and he even began to crawl! He was also able to use his legs to push himself forward in his walker, which was a huge improvement!

In addition, Lucas began trusting and bonding with his foster family. After only a few days, Lucas started seeking contact with his family. He would raise his arms in his playpen, indicating he wanted to be picked up and held.

The changes in Lucas within the first week were incredible…and that was only the beginning!

Growing and Thriving

Currently, Lucas has been family care for almost three months, and he has continued to progress in every developmental area.

Mealtimes are a highlight for Lucas (and the family!), as he loves being at the table when the family is eating. He pays close attention to the conversations around him, and he enjoys watching and interacting with the family. In addition, he no longer wants his foster mother to feed him. Instead, he wants to eat without help, using his hands to explore different textures.

Lucas has gained confidence and grown in his abilities. Although he is still working on his fine motor skills, he is always on the move…crawling, jumping in his playpen, or cruising in his walker. And apparently, he has a lot to say, because he babbles constantly!

Lucas also continues to deepen his relationship and bond with his foster family. The entire family is involved in caring for him – including his four older foster sisters! – and he has shown he feels safe with them. He gives little kisses and seeks out his family, especially his foster father.

It has been wonderful to witness the changes in Lucas over the last few months. We can’t wait to see him continue to grow and thrive because of the love of a family.

Thank you for changing Lucas’ life…you are his hero!

Give Hope This GivingTuesday

You are changing the lives of children like Lucas all around the world. And in just a few weeks, there's a huge opportunity for you to help even more orphaned and vulnerable children find loving families.

GivingTuesday is coming up on Tuesday, November 29. GivingTuesday is a global day of generosity that encourages individuals and communities to give back and make a difference. On GivingTuesday, we invite you to join us to change the way the world cares for orphans.

Our goal of $125,000 will be used to help us grow in our current locations AND expand into our next new location in 2023. And on GivingTuesday, you can double the impact of your gift! A generous team of donors will match every gift dollar for dollar, up to $62,500! If we reach that matching gift amount, we’ll meet our goal of $125,000!

If you’d like to jump in early, our GivingTuesday donation site is up and running! All donations made through the GivingTuesday page will be matched.

Thank you so much for your continued support and generosity. 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.