The Boy with an Infectious Smile

José Finds a Safe Home

When José was just 6 years old, he was left at Hogar de niños Fatima — a private home for orphans in Guatemala. His dad was expected to return for him, but that day never came.

Then, when international adoptions closed in 2008, José missed his chance to find an adoptive family. Yet, José is one of the lucky ones. He could have been living in an overcrowded, state-run orphanage where 40 children perished in 2017. He wasn’t.

Wide Horizons For Children funds two private hogares in Guatemala. These small, loving homes mean safety and security for kids like José.

We are so proud to be able to share how the love and support of a family can produce well-educated and responsible citizens like José. He has become an integral part of our family. We have watched José grow from a timid child who did not speak into an independent and self-assured teenager who is filled with life and known for his infectious smile.

Barbara Colfino Vides, Director, Hogar de niños Fatima

When José arrived, he was shy. Slowly, he began to bond with his caretakers, even as hopes for his father returning for him or being adopted slipped away.

Today, José is a confident 17-year old young man. He started a new school September 2017 and studies English. In his free time, like many teenagers participates in yoga, weight training is excited to start driving lessons. Barbara observes, “We are so proud to be able to share how the love and support of a family can produce well-educated and responsible citizens like José.”