A Family Reunited: The Ríos Family’s Story

Note: This blog post was collaboratively written with Alejandra Castro of Back2Back.

Valeria, a bright, thoughtful 13-year-old girl, had a big dream—to be reunited with her family. She held that dream close to her heart, even though she knew it wouldn’t be easy.

For the past four years, she had lived in a children’s home—commonly referred to as an orphanage—in Nuevo León, Mexico. But every single day, she longed to return to her mother.

Thankfully, for the past several years, The Hope Effect has partnered with Back2Back Mexico to help children leave orphanages and return to the love and care of family—where they truly belong. Through the Strong Families program, biological families are being reunited, and lives are being restored.

Valeria’s dream began to take shape with a phone call from the children’s home to our partners at Back2Back. That call set in motion a new chapter—one that would rewrite the story of a family that never stopped believing in what once felt impossible.

A Mother’s STRUGGLE

Born in a city long affected by crime, Claudia—a single mother raising her first daughter, Diana—met a kindhearted man with strong values. The couple fell in love and moved to Monterrey, Nuevo León. A year later, they welcomed their daughter Valeria.

With great love, this man also chose to adopt Diana, giving her his last name and becoming a steady presence in both girls’ lives. For years, he provided the love and care they needed.

But life took a devastating turn. The father passed away due to health complications, leaving the family vulnerable and unsure of how to move forward.

Now alone with two young daughters, far from her own relatives and struggling financially, Claudia worked long shifts in a factory while searching for a permanent home. In desperation, she turned to a children’s home for support.

With a heavy heart, she entrusted both girls to the institution, hoping they would have access to food, education, and safety. At just eight years old, Valeria found herself separated from her mother. Diana was only a year and a half older.

Still, Claudia’s love never wavered. She held on to the dream of bringing her daughters home.

For three years, she remained involved in their lives—visiting regularly and never missing a birthday. She brought small gifts and made sure her daughters knew they were loved, even though each goodbye was painful. Claudia never lost sight of her goal, and she worked tirelessly to make it a reality.

A Daughter’s Determination

Diana, Claudia’s eldest daughter, has always had an unyielding spirit. While some caregivers at the children’s home described her as stubborn or defiant, it was clear from an early age that she was determined and strong-willed.

The first two years passed quietly. Diana made friends easily, but preferred spending time with her younger sister.

By the third year, however, the strain of separation had taken its toll. Tired of the constant goodbyes, Diana made her frustration known—and her persistence paid off. Her determination prompted the children’s home to contact Claudia and begin the process of reintegration.

A year after Diana returned home, the children’s home staff began to take notice of Claudia’s continued commitment. Moved by her dedication and hard work, they started evaluating the possibility of reuniting younger daughter Valeria with her family.

There were still challenges. Claudia was working long shifts, local schools were overcrowded, and the family’s income barely covered the essentials. That’s when our Strong Families team stepped in.

“For us, the difficulties that come from poverty and lack of opportunity will never be a barrier to protecting a child’s right to live in a family,” said a team member. “But it does invite us to become advocates and a bridge to opportunities for the family.”

The Strong Families team assessed the situation and developed a comprehensive plan to reunite the family. Together, the team and the children’s home agreed to officially reunite Valeria with her family.

Reunited in Love

In September 2024, Valeria was reunited with her mother and sister. Our team coordinated educational support, medical care, and ongoing follow-up to ensure Claudia had the tools she needed to care for her daughters and help them thrive.

Today, the three live together again—finding creative ways to navigate their school and work schedules, sharing afternoons, and enjoying the occasional weekend trip to the movies.

Their journey isn’t without obstacles. But the Ríos family stands as a powerful example of resilience and hope—a reminder that the right to grow up in a family is always worth fighting for.

This is only possible because of you. Thank you for making this family’s dream a reality. Together, we are changing the way the world cares for orphans…because every child deserves a family.

*Names have been changed to protect the family’s privacy.