Romania, in Eastern Europe, features medieval charm and diverse landscapes. Communities face issues like corruption and disparities in healthcare and education. Around 23% of the population experiences poverty, highlighting the need for comprehensive reforms to enhance social welfare and economic opportunities.
In collaboration with our partners in Romania, the Pas Cu Pas Foundation, we are embarking on a transformative journey to uplift institutionalized orphans through the pillars of mentorship, education, discipleship and career training.
Situated in the Cluj-Napoca region, the Pas Cu Pas community strives to cultivate an environment of healing, growth, and familial bonds through a myriad of activities. Their efforts extend to multiple orphanage groups, where they engage in weekly visits to address practical needs and, more importantly, to establish meaningful relationships that exceed the traditional levels of care provided by institutions.
One of the initiatives is the mentorship program, designed to foster one-on-one connections between compassionate volunteers and the children under their care. This personalized approach enables Pas Cu Pas to tailor their support to the unique needs and aspirations of each individual, ensuring a holistic and empowering experience.
The innovative Family Farm project is another testament to the commitment to providing practical skills and nurturing relationships for orphans. The Family Farm provides a space for communities to come together and engage with others. It also provides a space where valuable life skills can be shared to empower children to thrive independently.
Your invaluable support plays a pivotal role in the creation of lasting relationships and the establishment of a nurturing community for these deserving orphans. As Pas Cu Pas embarks on the construction of the accessible facility for children with disabilities, your contributions will enable us to broaden the scope of our impact, ensuring that every child, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to play, learn, and flourish in a supportive environment.
A few years after leaving the orphanage, one of the adult orphans faced a challenging turn of events at the onset of March. Struggling with unemployment, his situation took a drastic turn when he was diagnosed with a severe autoimmune disease, posing an imminent threat of kidney failure. Complicating matters, he lacked insurance, and despite three days in the emergency room, admission to the hospital was contingent on resolving his insurance coverage.
Fortunately, we were able to address the insurance issue, paving the way for his admission. After emerging from the hospital, he found temporary employment at the Family Farm, allowing him to offset some expenses. Additionally, we connected him with a specialist to manage his ongoing treatment and assisted him in devising a sustainable plan for his circumstances – exploring job options that accommodated his fatigue and addressing other practical challenges.
Despite being a solitary individual by nature, he gradually acclimated to the supportive community of Pas cu Pas. The community rallied around him, with individuals visiting the hospital, managing his laundry, and shopping for the specialized foods required for his diet. The past year has seen him grow content in our midst, learning to appreciate the camaraderie and opening up to others.