
At The Hope Effect, we know every child deserves a family. Still, we are constantly amazed at how much the love of a family can transform a child’s life. Federico, a young boy in Chihuahua, Mexico, is a completely different kid after experiencing loving family-style care.
Federico’s Story
Federico’s father passed away when he was just a baby. His mother was not in his life, so it was up to his grandmother to raise him. But heartbroken by her son’s death and overwhelmed with the burden of raising an infant, Federico’s grandmother started drinking heavily.
His grandmother began dropping Federico at orphanages to be taken care of for days at a time. She would bring him home only on weekends, but even then, she would spend most of her time drinking. For years, Federico’s life was full of uncertainty and danger – until one night when everything changed.
That night, as usual, Federico’s grandmother was craving alcohol and looking for ways to satisfy her addiction. Endangering Federico’s life, she brought him into a bar and began to drink. Thankfully, someone notified the authorities of the child in the bar and the intoxicated woman who’d brought him.
At just four years old, Federico was placed full time in an institution. Life had been extremely hard on him, and as a result, Federico built a wall around himself. He acted out constantly, having frequent temper tantrums and violent outbursts. He was also diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD).
Separated from the only family he knew, he felt alone. By all accounts, he was alone. But he was not forgotten.
The Turning Point
Luis and Michelle have always had a heart for loving people. They work with many children in Mexico, and they are incredible role models and mentors for those young kids and teenagers. But their hearts had room for more!
Luis and Michelle welcomed Federico into their home. When he first came to them, he was an angry, violent kid. Federico even got in a few fights during his first week of school.
But Luis and Michelle could see beneath the anger. With patience and compassion, they began to break down the walls Federico had built, helping him overcome his bitterness and loneliness. Through the love of a family, Federico is now a joyful and passionate child!
Family-style care changed Federico’s life. On a recent visit to the home, Luis and Michelle confirmed the positive difference in Federico.
“He’s like a completely different child,” said Michelle. “Not only is his anger gone, but he is healthier, stronger, and happier.”
Be a #HeroForHope on #GivingTuesday!
To Federico, you are a hero! Your generosity makes it possible for kids like him to get the loving family-style care they deserve. And there are many other children in Chihuahua in need of a hero like you!
This #GivingTuesday – December 3rd – we invite you to be a #HeroForHope and help more kids like Federico receive family-style care. #GivingTuesday is a global day of generosity, and this year, funds raised will be used to provide and expand family-style care in Chihuahua.
In addition, one of our generous supporters has offered to match all donations raised for #GivingTuesday…up to $25,000! That means you can double the impact of your gift!
We’d love for you to join us on December 3rd. If you’d like to get a head start, our #GivingTuesday site is live now! Any donations made now through the end of #GivingTuesday will be matched dollar for dollar!
And NEW this year, you can also text your gift! It’s quick, easy, and secure…simply text hopeeffect (make sure it’s all one word!) to 444-999 and follow the instructions.
Will you partner with us and help more children like Federico find life-changing family-style care? This #GivingTuesday, will you be a #HeroForHope?