Wanted and Loved: Marcos’s Story

“You might be temporary in their lives. They might be temporary in yours. But there is nothing temporary about the love or the lesson.” – Tonia Christle

When a child is placed into family-style care, the situation is always unique. Family-style care is never “one size fits all,” because orphaned and vulnerable children can be any age, from any background, and may have lived through any number of difficult experiences. 

That said, there is one constant when it comes to family-style care – love. We believe every child deserves a loving family. And although family-style care might be temporary while a child awaits a more permanent solution (such as adoption), the love of a family will stay with that child forever. 

For nine-year-old Marcos – the first child in Morelia, Michoacán, to be placed into family-style care – there is nothing temporary about the love of a family.

Marcos’s Story

Marcos was placed in institutional care when he was very young, and he lived in an orphanage for most of his early life. Over the years, Marcos grew close with a family who visited the orphanage many times. The family was interested in adopting Marcos, and he went to live with them when he was seven years old.  

For two years, Marcos lived with this family, bonded with the parents and siblings, and believed this would be his forever family. But recently, circumstances changed.

The father’s health began failing, requiring intense medical care and surgery. In addition, one of the family’s biological children has chronic medical issues.

Suddenly, the family was no longer able to care for Marcos. Tragically, they made the decision to send him back to the orphanage.

As you can imagine, after living with a family for two years, that was going to be extremely difficult for Marcos. But thankfully, that’s not where Marcos’s story ends!

A Better Solution

The Hope Effect was recently invited by the government of Michoacán to establish family-style care in the capital city of Morelia. In early 2021, the government of Michoacán passed a law legalizing foster care. And now, with your support, we are currently partnering with the government as the first and only nonprofit to pioneer family-style care in this city. 

When our team in Morelia learned about Marcos’s situation, we jumped into action. Since family-style care is now an option, we proposed an emergency placement.

One of the families we’ve been working with immediately agreed to welcome Marcos into their home. They will be caring for him as the government finds the right family to adopt him.

We are so thankful that thanks to you, Marcos will continue to be raised in a loving family rather than going back into an orphanage. 

Wanted And Loved

Although this likely won’t be a long-term foster situation, it will make a huge impact in Marcos’s life. He is in a stable, safe, loving family environment. He knows he is wanted and loved.

In addition, this new family is helping Marcos stay in touch with his original foster family. Marcos is still very close with the previous family, and being able to communicate with them is making the transition much easier. Both families are doing their best to make sure Marcos is taken care of and loved.

You Are A Hero to Marcos!

This is all possible because of you! Your continued support and generosity made it possible for The Hope Effect to expand into Morelia and change the lives of children like Marcos.

Thank you for being a hero to Marcos and kids around the world. We are so grateful.

Together, we are changing the way the world cares for orphans!