New Beginnings, Endless Hope: Emiliano’s Story

When Emiliano arrived at his new foster home, he was just over two years old—and stepping into a family for the very first time.

Until that moment, Emiliano had spent his entire life in an institution. His family history was almost nonexistent. There were no meaningful attachments to biological relatives.

He had virtually nothing to call his own. What he did bring with him, however, was something powerful: a readiness to trust.

From the very beginning, Emiliano greeted his foster family with a smile and a hug. He maintained eye contact, showing curiosity and openness, despite only having known life inside institutional walls.

As he explored this new home, he comforted himself by sucking his thumb—a small gesture that revealed both vulnerability and resilience. With patience and intentionality, the family surrounded him with love and provided steady routines for sleeping, eating, bathing, and playing.

Slowly, the house began to feel like what it truly was: a safe place.

Where Trust Begins

In those first weeks, Emiliano did what children often do when they feel uncertain: he tested his limits—and the adults around him. He sought physical closeness, expressed fear and frustration, and looked carefully at how his caregivers would respond.

There were tantrums. There were moments of dysregulation. And there were learning curves, especially as he figured out how to interact safely and respectfully with the family dog after initially showing aggression.

But with loving boundaries, emotional support, and consistency, something began to shift. The family saw each new milestone as a small victory—each time Emiliano accepted new foods, calmed down more quickly, or showed gentleness toward the dog.

Each victory mattered. Each one told the story of a child beginning to believe that his needs would be met.

Small Steps, Lasting Change

By the second month, Emiliano was no longer just reacting to his environment—he was participating in it. He anticipated daily routines and joined shared family activities.

During playtime, he sought out hugs and connection, followed instructions with growing focus, and showed a new ability to regulate his emotions. His relationship with his foster father deepened as well, as he asked to be held close. Emiliano was beginning to trust.

In his third month with the family, Emiliano started preschool—and the changes became even more visible. His language skills grew. He began socializing with other children and sharing more freely. Tantrums decreased, and mealtimes became calmer. The fear he once showed around male figures gave way to affectionate, secure interactions.

And then there were the moments that can’t be measured—the spontaneous hugs, the laughter, the joy that showed up in everyday life. At almost three years old, Emiliano had his new beginning.

Every Child Deserves a Family

Over the course of three and a half months, Emiliano experienced what every child deserves: the chance to grow in a family. He learned how to trust, how to connect, and how to feel safe in relationship with others.

And when the time came for Emiliano to join his adoptive family, he carried with him the security, confidence, and affection he had built in a loving home.

His story is a powerful reminder of what happens when children are given what they need most—not institutions, but relationships. Not buildings, but belonging.

This is why we do what we do—and why we are so grateful for you. Because when children are placed in safe, loving families, they don’t just survive—they thrive. Thank you for giving children like Emiliano hope for the future.

Together, we are changing the way the world cares for orphans—because every child deserves a family.

*The child’s name has been changed to protect his privacy.