It's our birthday (well... birthmonth), <<First Name>>!

We are 26th years young in March and still serving children raised in Tulcea County, Romania's orphanages and group homes.

Where we started…

26 years ago around this time of the year, the Romanian child protection system was overwhelmed. The effects of communism, including extreme poverty and forced birthing requirements, caused the system to have more children under its care than thinkable. Orphanage staff barely had enough time to change and feed each child throughout the day. That meant affection and play were treated as luxuries they could not afford to give. Knowing love and attention are not luxuries but necessities for healthy child development, NOROC stepped in and hired the first wave of “Big-Hearted Grannies.” The “Grannies” of NOROC were retired individuals that went into the orphanages to help the staff care for the babies beyond the bare minimum. The people of NOROC hugged, smiled, and talked to the babies - an act of love that changed the outcome of the lives of many children raised in the system for the better.

NOROC didn't stop there. As children aged their needs changed, and NOROC responded to these changes with love and enthusiasm.

A speech therapist hired by NOROC to offer her services to children in the system.

Children raised in the system were repeating grades and flunking out at an alarming rate in comparison to their peers. NOROC hired “Big-Hearted Teachers” to help with tutoring.

The system struggled to provide opportunities for the kids to visit the local rich countryside of the Danube Delta. Knowing the power of natural world on the human spirit, NOROC organized trips and groups for kids to enjoy the outdoors.

Children with their "Granny" celebrating Christmas with Santa!

When facilities could not afford Christmas gifts, NOROC stepped in to play “Santa.”

Sometimes (or A LOT of the time) children just need fun! NOROC made sure the critically important element of “play” was readily available in their lives.

A major hole in the lives of children living in orphanages and group homes is knowing what good, long-term love looks and feels like. NOROC organized small groups for children to be able to share their thoughts and feelings with a consistent, caring, and safe adult as well as with a group of their peers.

Children at RealRacing taking riding lessons.

Learning how to interact with animals teaches us responsibility and can bring so much joy. A partnership was forged with RealRacing, a local equestrian center, for children to come meet the horses and, in some cases, take riding lessons.

Concerns of the children being prepared to leave the system spurred the implementation of life-skills programming.

The photo group practicing their skills in the Danube Delta.

Let’s not forget the power of artistic expression! NOROC created photo groups and provided art lessons to make sure they had the important outlet for artistic expression.

NOROC’s Story is a Love Story

We LOVE…

… the staff and volunteers that joined us in the beginning of this journey and those that have joined us along the way to meet the needs and fill the gap for these special children.

We LOVE…

...the children we serve for who they are right now and for whoever they become in the future.

We LOVE…

...our American financial partners and friends that have donated to our work, told our story, come to visit us, and served along side us.

26 years down… Let’s aim for 26 more -and beyond!

As we look back at our past with fondness and examine our present with gratitude, we can’t help but be excited about what is to come. We can see the impact our work has made in the lives of hundreds of children and know that there is still work to be done. NOROC to 26, and NOROC to 26 more!

Thank you!

NOROC is able to share God’s blessings with children and ukranian refugees becasue of YOU. Your gifts and prayers keep us going.

Click here to donate to NOROC