Priya was born in rural India in the state of Maharashtra. Her father died when she was only 6 years old and her struggling mother could not support the family. In an act of desperation and self-less love, she placed her three young girls in an orphanage, hoping they would have a better life.

Priya and her sister lived at this orphanage for seven long years until a Miracle Foundation staff member asked them one critical question “Is there anyone you would feel safe going home to live with?”

Of the 70 children at the orphanage, all 70 could name a safe individual and–once contacted–all 70 had relatives come to discuss the next steps. In Priya’s case, it was her grandmother who showed up, eager to have the children home again. Home studies from social workers evaluated the state of Priya’s living environment. From the quality of the school to the location of the nearest hospital, no area of health, education or wellness was overlooked.

In Priya’s case, her grandmother’s home needed a new roof, beds,  mattresses,  and furniture,  and support paying for school transportation fees, access to wi-fi, and school supplies. On average, it costs $1260 to complete this process for and support a child as they return home. Ironically, it costs four times that to keep a child in an orphanage.

Happily settled, the Miracle Foundation sent social workers to follow up with Priya on a quarterly basis, taking note of successes and working with her family to enhance areas that need improvement. Priya is one of the lucky ones, but the Miracle Foundation is working hard to bring all the children home.

The Miracle Foundation is committed to a family for every child, learn more: miraclefoundation.org