Robinson
Dominican Republic – January 31 2025

Family matters: How love changed Robinson’s life 

Welcomed into SOS Children’s Villages at Los Mina in the Dominican Republic at four years old, Robinson knew he and his two brothers found a loving home where the worries of their past—like hunger and neglect—would never trouble them again. 

“To be welcomed and provided with a loving home as a child was the miracle I needed,” Robinson said. “And [SOS Children’s Villages was there] just when I needed it.” 

With the support of compassionate friends like you, Robinson grew up surrounded by the love of his biological brothers, SOS Mother and SOS siblings. 

At SOS, we know it’s critical to keep siblings together. Losing parental care can be a traumatic change for a child and remaining with their biological siblings improves their mental health, strengthens feelings of stability, helps shape identity and is proven to increase educational and life skills. 

With crucial emotional support, love from his siblings and mother and his basic needs provided for him—like professional health care, nutritious food, clothes for his growing body and so much more—Robinson was free to experience the joys of being a child. 

His biological and SOS siblings laughed, played and explored the world around them. They took leisurely walks to school, participated in art projects and engaged in friendly, competitive soccer games. 

The strong foundation of a healthy and happy childhood allowed him to pursue his dreams and achieve a quality education. He couldn’t wait to share each academic accomplishment and new milestone with the family who sponsored him, whose support he felt paved the way for him to succeed. 

“I would send them pictures of what I painted, how I was doing at school, things I liked, friends I met—everything,” Robinson said.  

The comforting and dedicated presence of his sponsors encouraged him to continue pursuing his dreams. When he began to transition into adulthood, he received technical and skills classes from SOS that prepared him for a hospitality internship, which turned into a full-time, paid position.  

Now, Robinson lives a fulfilling, successful life, bolstered by the hope—which friends like you give—that every child will have the opportunity to receive the same love and support he did. 

“I want every young person, every child, to receive what I did and be able to live a quality life,” he said. 

Because of generous friends like you, Robinson grew up in a safe, loving family with everything he needed to thrive. 

But millions of children don’t have the precious gift of family. 

This month as we celebrate love in our lives, a vulnerable child remains alone—feeling scared, unseen and unloved. 

You can send love, and remind a child they aren’t alone when you sponsor a child today. Your generous sponsorship provides a child with a safe home, all the resources they need to grow and thrive and the most precious gift of all: the unconditional love of a family.  

Sponsor a child in need today. 

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