My Story

Born in Port-au-Prince, Marlinsky's life began with uncertainty. His mother, unable to care for him and unaware of who his father was, gave him to a woman in her neighborhood. But after just six months, the woman’s financial situation declined, and she passed him on to a neighbor originally from Grand Goave. That neighbor brought Marlinsky back with her to Grand Goave and cared for him as best she could. But three years later, her own health began to fail, and she could no longer look after him. Desperate to find a safe place for the boy, she contacted the Haiti ARISE office and explained her situation. After a full evaluation by our social worker, it was clear Marlinsky was in need of long-term care and stability. On August 10, 2022, he joined the ARISE Children’s Village and became one of the first children placed in the loving care of the Saintil family.

Today, Marlinsky is thriving—safe, healthy, and surrounded by love.