At just three weeks old, Gabriel’s life was already in the balance.
Born to a poor teenage mother in a remote Albanian mountain village, Gabriel was malnourished and vulnerable. When social workers reached out to our friends at A2B, his cries for help were answered.
Life was not easy for Gabriel. His mother, struggling without qualifications or skills, left him in the care of his grandparents while she moved away to start a new family. Over the years, Family Link has provided food parcels, clothing, and essential items, while also repairing the family’s home including fixing the roof and installing windows where none existed before. These practical acts of care brought dignity and hope to a family living in deep poverty. When Gabriel turned 13, his mother invited him to live with her. But instead of being welcomed, Gabriel was exploited. Trapped in a form of modern slavery, the boy was forced to work, denied education, and forbidden to leave.
Once again, Gabriel cried out for help. And once again, A2B responded swiftly and compassionately. With the support of the authorities, A2B worked to free Gabriel and return him to the safety of his grandparents’ home.
It’s accurate to say that A2B has been a lifeline for this family. Without the generosity of those who support Family Link, Gabriel’s story might have ended before it began. Today, Gabriel is living the life every 13-year-old deserves; attending school, surrounded with love by his true family and friends, and he continues to be supported through Family Link. Gabriel is a powerful reminder of why our mission matters.
Find out how you could provide regular support for a family in need here.