A Journey to Home and Hope: The Marín Family’s Story
Note: This blog post was collaboratively written with Alejandra Castro of Back2Back.
In Nuevo León, Mexico, a family's story of resilience and hope continues to unfold—and it’s all thanks to you.
Just over a year ago, Ivonne stood on the threshold of a dream she had fought tirelessly to achieve: bringing her children back home. After spending years in an orphanage (referred to in Nuevo León as a children’s home), Selene, Noemí, and Gael were finally reunited with their mother.
The Marín family’s story is one of perseverance, patience, and powerful transformation—and it’s a beautiful example of why family is so essential in every child’s life.
Restoring A Family
Thanks to our partner organization, Back2Back México, the children's home where Selene, Noemí, and Gael lived had undergone a remarkable transformation. Originally a traditional long-term orphanage, the home had shifted its focus to family reunification whenever possible.
When Ivonne’s children arrived, the goal was never for them to stay long. From day one, the team was committed to working alongside Ivonne, supporting her as she took the necessary steps toward restoring her family.
Ivonne’s determination was clear. Despite facing setbacks—including losing an apartment she had carefully prepared for her children—she never wavered. She secured a stable home and worked hard to create a safe and stable environment. Even when unexpected circumstances, like a new pregnancy, added complexity to the situation, Ivonne stayed the course.
By December 2023, everything was ready. Selene, Noemí, and Gael returned home just in time to meet their new baby sister—together as a family.
Overcoming Challenges Together
The family’s reunification was a joyful milestone, but it also marked the beginning of new challenges. The family lived far outside the metropolitan area of Monterrey, in a region where access to education is extremely limited.
Finding schools for each child proved to be a difficult task. But our team at Back2Back knew it was critical for each of the children to have access to consistent, quality education. They worked tirelessly to find a solution.
Gael, the youngest, was able to enroll in a nearby kindergarten, thanks to the openness of a compassionate school director. Noemí, now in elementary school, secured a spot after weeks of persistent advocacy.
Selene, the oldest who was starting middle school, faced the greatest obstacles. The nearest schools were overcrowded or located in neighborhoods marked by violence and instability. But through determination and creativity, a school was found 15 minutes away—and transportation was arranged with the help of a local neighbor.
Today, all three children are thriving in their new schools. Selene, in particular, has flourished—becoming one of the top students in her class, building strong friendships, and earning the admiration of her teachers.
Building Strong Foundations
While securing education was critical, the Marín family’s healing journey went much deeper. Shortly after the children returned home, their grandmother passed away. With such a devastating loss, grief, stress, and past wounds surfaced.
But the family didn't face those challenges alone. Our team has walked closely with Ivonne, offering one-on-one coaching to strengthen her parenting skills and emotional support strategies.
Where Ivonne’s approach was previously shaped by toughness and survival, she is now learning to be a calming, nurturing presence for her children. Together, they are discovering how to recognize emotions, communicate with gentleness, and support one another through life’s ups and downs.
The Marín family's journey isn't finished—it’s only just begun. But we are so thankful that in this supportive family environment, Selene, Noemí, and Gael are thriving.
Thank you for making it possible! Because of you, families like the Marín family are being reunited, strengthened, and given the opportunity to thrive together.