Breaking Free from the Orphan Cycle

Merigin was removed from her dysfunctional and abusive family at a young age and placed in a government-run institution. Her early life was spent on the city streets, living with a mother who struggled with drug use and a father who brought in meager earnings as a scavenger and occasional tour guide. While her father was away daily seeking income, she was left with her mother, who subjected her to abuse.

Rescued, turned over, and raised within the institution's walls, her life was shadowed by the persistent question of her family. Unfortunately, she was never fostered or adopted. Upon turning eighteen, she was released from care. Though a non-profit organization provided support for her to complete her education, her deep longing for a family remained. She eventually left the organization to seek out her biological parents.

She found them living in the exact circumstances she had left behind. Choosing to stay with them, Merigin juggled various jobs. Amidst her search for love and security, she discovered she was pregnant at nineteen. The child's father was absent and Merigin was living under a bridge in the city with an abusive mother and a father whose income was unstable. She desperately needed help.

She came to us one day through our “Tulong Kay Nanay” Facebook page. She had one thing on her mind. “I want to have my baby adopted. At least in an institution my baby is safe and has food to eat. It’s better there than out here.” Merigin, influenced by all that she experienced through childhood, only knew one thing– to leave her child in a child caring institution. 

This is the orphan cycle. A child either abandoned, neglected, or abused, never welcomed to know the love and safety a family brings will produce more generations of orphans. The cycle breaks when families step in. The cycle breaks when families are empowered and strengthened. The cycle breaks when communities come together to change the narrative of every child’s story– impacting generations to come. And we are committed to be part of breaking this cycle.

We supported her throughout her pregnancy by giving her medical assistance, mommy and baby essentials, counseling, and bringing her to a home for pregnant mothers. She eventually made the brave decision to raise her child. But for our team, we believed we could do more for her.

Right now, Merigin is determined to build a brighter future for herself and her son. Although her son is currently in the temporary care of a children's home (as of April 2026), Merigin has chosen to raise him and is focused on achieving her goals. 

Our Aftercare program was birthed because of Merigin’s life. We were adamant to find how we can better support mothers in breaking free from the bondage of poverty and vulnerability through education, mentorship, and other forms of assistance, to support them and empower them to reach higher and provide better futures for their families. 

Now under our Aftercare program, Merigin is determined to start her journey to getting a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration beginning this school year. We have also found her a safe and peaceful living arrangement as she begins this new life. A local coffee shop by a partner church community that cares for youth who have aged out of children’s homes has also welcomed her in as an intern. There she is growing and learning new skills, while being able to save for her son’s future. Her dream is to earn a bachelor's degree, establish a career, and ultimately become the best mother she can be. 

Merigin is on her way to becoming all that God has destined for her to be. She is breaking the cycle of poverty, vulnerability, and orphanhood in her family line. God is redeeming her story and the generations after her.

We need partners who can help us empower and equip mothers like Merigin in our Aftercare program through internship or employment. If your business or organization is interested in being part of this mission, email us at: connect@generationshome.org