A Family Built Through Love: Michael And Adriana’s Story
“Family is not defined by our genes, it is built and maintained through love.”
November is National Orphan Awareness Month. It's a time when we can unite to make a difference in the lives of millions of orphaned and vulnerable children across the globe who long for the warmth of a loving family.
At our core, we hold a fundamental belief - every child deserves a family. So we dream big. We dare to envision a future where every child is growing up in a supportive, caring family environment. But we can’t do it alone…so that's where you come in!
It's because of you that orphaned and vulnerable children worldwide are experiencing the love of a family. These kids have faced unimaginable challenges, but thanks to you, they have hope for a brighter future. Thanks to you, children like Michael and Adriana know what it means to be part of a family built through love.
Michael’s Story
Michael was placed into an orphanage when he was three months old. He had no contact from his biological family and was declared abandoned by the government of Sonora. Michael remained in the orphanage for the next several months with no visitors or inquiries from relatives.
During a time when he should have been wrapped in the love and individual attention from a family, Michael was cared for by a rotating staff of employees.
Sadly, institutional care often has a devastating impact on children. Infants and young children raised in orphanages often face long-lasting, damaging effects on their physical, emotional, and cognitive growth.
Thankfully, Michael’s story doesn’t end there. When he was eight months old, he was welcomed into the arms of a loving family.
Michael’s foster family had actually fostered two children through The Hope Effect the previous year. They were excited and well-prepared to give Michael the love and attention he needed and deserved. And in this safe, stable family environment, Michael began to transform.
When he first arrived in family care, Michael was slightly underweight. After just two months with his foster family, he had gained three pounds and grown almost an inch thanks to the nutrition and care he was receiving. He also gained strength and muscle tone, and was able to sit unassisted for the first time.
Michael continued to reach new milestones every day. After three months, he was able to sit, crawl, and stand with assistance from the family. Michael’s ability to communicate increased tremendously as he began babbling and imitating the family. He used gestures and even learned sign language for a few words.
Above all, Michael learned what it means to be part of a loving family. In fact, he wasn’t the only child his foster family welcomed during his time with them!
Adriana’s Story
Adriana was placed into an institution when she was nine months old because she was being neglected in her biological family. For the next year, Adriana would not know the love of a family. She spent three months in one orphanage, then was moved to another when she turned one.
When she was 21 months old, Adriana was welcomed into family care. While she originally was placed with a different family, circumstances changed and that family could no longer care for her. When Michael’s foster family found out, they immediately offered to care for Adriana as well!
Just like Michael, Adriana flourished through the love of a family.
In just one month, Adriana grew two inches! While she initially had difficulty eating and knowing whether or not she was full, Adriana learned healthy habits and began eating more nutritious food. She also enjoys mealtime with her family, which provides an opportunity for family interaction and bonding.
Adriana is also making huge strides in her cognitive development. She came into family care with delays in her language skills, but after a few months, she was able to communicate more effectively. Now, she can say short sentences and ask for what she wants. Adriana is also able to follow instructions, and her attention span has increased.
Today, this beautiful little girl loves being part of a loving family. She gives hugs and kisses, and is forming loving, trusting bonds with the important people in her life.
Recently, her foster brother Michael was adopted. We are thrilled for him and share in the joy of knowing he will be loved in his forever family. Adriana’s foster family is helping her navigate this transition and supporting her as she adapts to life without him.
We are confident that both Michael and Adriana have hope for a better, brighter future through the love of a family. And we are grateful to you for making it possible! Thank you for changing their lives.
GIVE HOPE THIS GIVINGTUESDAY
You are making such a difference in the lives of kids like Michael and Adriana. And in just a few weeks, there's a fantastic opportunity for you to make an even bigger impact around the world.
GivingTuesday, a worldwide day of generosity, is coming up on Tuesday, November 28. GivingTuesday is a global movement that encourages individuals and communities to give back and make a difference.
Every year, your generosity on GivingTuesday leaves us speechless. Last year, you raised more than $157,000 and allowed us to expand into two new locations in 2023…incredible! And this year, we invite you to join us once again to change the way the world cares for orphans.
Your GivingTuesday gift has the incredible potential to change the life of a child through the love of a family. But it’s even more than that. When you support The Hope Effect, you're not just helping children today. By helping societies change from institutional care to family care, you're leaving a legacy, fostering generational change, and giving hope to future generations.
This GivingTuesday, our goal of $200,000 will support our expansion into another new location in 2024. We're already in discussions with potential locations and are excited about the opportunity to change more lives.
Plus, on GivingTuesday, your impact will be doubled! A generous group of donors will match every donation, up to $100,000! If we reach that matching gift amount, we’ll meet our goal!
if you'd like to jump in early, our donation site is up and running! All donations (even early ones!) will be matched.
Thank you so much for sharing our vision and passion. You are changing so many lives and accomplishing amazing things around the globe. Together, we are changing the way the world cares for orphans…because every child deserves a family.
