By Development Team | Kidsave Staff
For older children growing up in foster care and orphanages, the opportunity to find a loving, potential adoptive family can seem impossible. Kidsave’s Summer Miracles program is changing that reality by connecting older children from Colombia with families in the United States who are open to adoption. Through a five-week summer visit, these children experience life with a family and form meaningful relationships that can lead to permanent placements. The impact of Summer Miracles is profound—just ask Michael, Mariana, and Yara, whose lives were forever changed by this program.
Michael Robinson will never forget the summer that changed his life. At 14, he and his sister, Mariana, left Colombia for the U.S. through Summer Miracles. Living with their host, Ruth, in Virginia felt surreal, but they embraced the opportunity for a fresh start.
That summer, they met Tatiana and Lamont Robinson, who felt an instant connection. When the siblings returned to Colombia, the couple knew they wanted to adopt them. Three months into the process, Tatiana learned she was pregnant, but there was no question—they were already family. A month before their baby’s arrival, they traveled to Colombia to bring Michael and Mariana home.
Adjusting to a new life wasn’t always easy. After two years in Florida, Michael returned to Virginia to finish high school. Inspired by his adoptive grandfather, he joined the Marines, which shaped him in unexpected ways. Today, he cherishes his family, and Mariana, inspired by his journey, plans to join the Army.
“Everything can change as long as you're willing to change it,” Michael says. “And don’t be afraid to ask for help—there are good people everywhere.”
Four years ago, Yara’s life in Colombia looked very different. Today, she’s a thriving teen in Southern California, thanks to community, patience, and a little serendipity.
In 2022, Jennifer and Brandon planned to host a child through Summer Miracles, but their match fell through. Meanwhile, 14-year-old Yara’s original host family had to cancel. In a twist of fate, the Nortons stepped in. They never expected the girl they hosted for five weeks would become their daughter.
That summer, Yara experienced family life for the first time—going to the beach, visiting amusement parks, and simply being part of a loving home. The Nortons initially planned to help her find an adoptive family, but their bond was undeniable. When they decided to adopt, Yara burst into tears. “I can’t believe it!” she said.
Eighteen months later, her adoption was finalized. Yara has flourished—making friends, excelling in school, and even surprising her family by joining the swim team. Through it all, she remains connected to her Colombian roots, regularly meeting her best friend, Matteo, another Summer Miracles alum, for family dinners.
Jennifer encourages potential hosts to take the leap: “Go in with an open heart. If it’s meant to be, it will be. Don’t let fear stop you—you never know what could come of it.”
Through Kidsave’s Summer Miracles program, children like Michael, Mariana, and Yara have found loving families and futures filled with possibility. Every summer, new children come to the U.S. with the hope of making meaningful connections. Hosting a child can change their life—and yours.
Are you ready to be part of a miracle? Learn more about how you can host, advocate, or adopt through Kidsave’s Summer Miracles program today.
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