Dinos, Heroes, and Hugs: Adrian’s Story

It goes without saying that every child is unique. Every child has various likes and dislikes, different personality traits, special gifts and talents…even favorite foods and things they refuse to eat.

And ideally, kids have parents who know and love these unique aspects of their personalities. But many orphaned and vulnerable children have nobody who truly knows them. In an orphanage, they may be cared for by a staff of kind and good-hearted people, but they don’t get the personal, individual attention they would have in a family. 

We believe every child deserves a family. Every child deserves to grow up in a home where they are loved, cherished, and valued for the unique individual they are. 

Thanks to you, more and more orphaned and vulnerable children around the world are getting out of orphanages and into loving families. Children like Adrian* are finding families who love them for who they are while supporting and encouraging them to grow and thrive. 

Adrian’s Story

Adrian was placed into an orphanage in Morelia, Michoacán, when he was just a few months old. When he entered into the system in 2017, DIF (Mexico’s version of Child Protective Services) did not have any information about him or his family. But while they didn’t have an exact history for Adrian, they believe he was neglected and had experienced violence within his home. 

During the four years Adrian spent in the orphanage, nobody came to visit or inquire about him. Previously, this little boy would have continued to grow up in the institution, never knowing the love of a family. 

But thankfully, because of your continued support, family-style care is now an option in Morelia. Because of you, Adrian’s story – and his life – have changed forever.

More Hope In Morelia

In May 2021, The Hope Effect signed a contract with the government of Michoacán to pioneer family-style care in the capital city of Morelia. We immediately began spreading the word about family-style care, recruiting families, and advocating for children.

The López family was one of the first to stand up and welcome a child into their home. Sra. López had been serving as a volunteer at the orphanage for the last three years, even mentoring a girl from the orphanage. When she heard family-style care was starting in Morelia, she jumped at the chance to help more children.

In July, the López became one of the first families to be trained and certified to provide family-style care. And recently, they welcomed Adrian into their home and their hearts. 

Learning and Growing

While it was an adjustment for Adrian to join a family, he quickly began to adapt. And as he became more comfortable with his foster parents and siblings, the family started noticing positive changes.

When Adrian first arrived, he had difficulty controlling his anger. Since he had lived in the orphanage his entire life, he had not learned the coping skills that most children develop through a relationship with a loving family. Once in family-style care, Adrian has been taught breathing exercises which allow him to relax and calm himself down. And at first, it was difficult for Adrian to ask for help, but he started accepting assistance from his family as he began to trust and bond with them. 

The level of individual attention and care Adrian is receiving is also helping him develop physically. After just one month in family-style care, Adrian is growing and gaining weight. And although he struggles with some of his motor skills, he is getting the support he needs and is continuing to learn and improve.

Thanks to you, Adrian will continue growing and thriving in a family while the government in Michoacán searches for his forever family.

Dinos, Heroes, and hugs

We are so grateful that because of you, Adrian is learning what it means to be part of a family. He is growing up in a home where loving parents know he likes dinosaurs and superheroes. They know he’s a little sensitive and that he loves to get hugs. They know he is attentive and dedicated to his schoolwork but sometimes needs help following directions. They know Adrian is a friendly, playful, and outgoing little boy.

And we know that thanks to you, Adrian is so loved and cherished.

Thank you for being Adrian’s real-life superhero. You have changed his life, and you’re making a difference in the lives of countless other orphaned and vulnerable children. You are a hero to so many, and we are so grateful. Thank you for changing the way the world cares for orphans!

*Names have been changed to protect the privacy of the child.