Building Hope: Sergio’s Story
Sergio spent the first few months of his life inside the walls of an orphanage. Not much is known about his birth.
What is clear is that at a time when he should have been safe in the arms of his family, he was cared for by a staff of employees at the institution.
Sergio needed specialized treatment for several health conditions. While he received some of the care he needed, he still faced physical limitations. His lower body lacked strength, and he required extra support.
In many parts of the world, Sergio would have remained in an orphanage, falling further and further behind developmentally. But thankfully, because of you, Sergio’s story took a different turn.
In March 2025, Sergio was welcomed into the loving arms of a foster family. Their hearts went out to the little boy who had never been held by loving parents.
Rather than finding comfort in their embrace, Sergio was frightened and tense—clenching his fists and crying. His foster family immediately understood their tremendous responsibility: to provide him with security, stability, and love.
The Power of Consistent Love
Sergio’s foster parents quickly established steady feeding and sleeping routines to help him feel more at ease in his new environment. Even the family’s young daughter showed compassion and kindness, including him in her play. She often said things like, “I’m going to help you,” displaying empathy and a willingness to build trust.
Under the family’s care and attention, Sergio began to transform.
Within days, he started making sustained eye contact and showing emotion through smiles and gestures. He found ways to self-soothe—comforting himself as well as receiving comfort from his foster parents.
As time went by, his development continued to progress rapidly.
Within just a few weeks, Sergio was noticeably more comfortable and secure. Where he once often awoke crying in fear, he now opened his eyes calmly, knowing he was in a safe place. He began recognizing his foster family’s voices and interacting with them, exploring his surroundings with growing curiosity.
His physical and nutritional development improved as well. With consistent feeding and the introduction of new foods, he gained weight and strength—soon rolling over and preparing for new milestones.
Growing Stronger Every Day
After eight months in foster care, Sergio has made remarkable progress. He has gained more than seven pounds and grown three inches thanks to the nutrition and care he’s received.
Where he once had little lower body strength, Sergio now moves around confidently and joyfully—crawling, standing with support, and even using a walker. His social skills have flourished; he now claps, plays, and engages through gestures and games. His language is beginning to blossom, with babbling and repeated syllables filling the room.
According to our staff psychologist, Sergio now maintains consistent eye contact, expresses emotions appropriately, and demonstrates happiness and security in his foster family. What an incredible transformation from the little boy who first arrived in family care.
Building Hope, One Small Creation at a Time
One of the most endearing sights is watching Sergio play with modeling clay. His fine motor skills have come so far—he can now spend up to 30 minutes calmly molding and shaping, exploring the textures and colors with joy and focus.
As he works, his foster family looks on in wonder. And occasionally, when Sergio meets their eyes with a big smile, it feels like a silent thank you—a reflection of the safety, trust, and love that now shape his world.
Thank you for helping Sergio build hope and joy through the love of a family. You have changed his life and given him a future.
GivingTuesday: Celebrating 10 Years of Hope
This month, as The Hope Effect marks its tenth anniversary, you can help more children like Sergio experience the love of a family. GivingTuesday, a global day of generosity, is coming up on December 2. Join us as we celebrate 10 years of hope!
Since launching in November 2015, hundreds of children who once lived in institutions are now growing up surrounded by the love, stability, and belonging of family. And it’s all thanks to you. What a priceless gift you have given these children.
While we celebrate all that’s been accomplished, we recognize that our work is far from over. Millions of children are still waiting for the love of a family. Together, we can make the next decade even more transformative.
And in honor of GivingTuesday, every gift will be matched up to $125,000, doubling your impact for children around the world. If you’d like to jump in early, our GivingTuesday page is live now, and all gifts (even early ones!) will be matched.
Thank you for your continued support and generosity. Together, we are changing the way the world cares for orphans—because every child deserves a family.