Dear friends, many of you have supported our work with orphans in Romania for many years. Some of you are new to this mission work. We started this in 2001 as a response to the "great orphan crisis" in Romania, which became internationally famous though CNN, ABC and a weekly magazine show hosted by Barbara Walters & Hugh Downs (called '20/20') in the 1990's. We later learned that there were tens of thousands of street kids and orphans whose lives were characterized by "abandonment & abuse" due to the laws implemented by a dictatorial communist government. The result was, in addition to the vast street kid population, 650 orphanages and 6 "hospitals" where special needs children were being exterminated. Fast forward to today and the situation is much improved but the abandonment and abuse is still very present and that's where we came in. In 2005 (after many visits) we founded a Romanian orphan foundation called "Pas Cu Pas" (Step By Step). This has flourished into a mission led by my colleague, Dina Todeasa, and her staff. We purchased a 5 acre farm in 2018 as a "ministry base" where we host orphan and special needs groups on a regular basis. The goal is invite groups (and volunteers) to come to our "Family Farm" where they can "experience God, experience family and experience work".
This year, we will again take a team of volunteers to Romania in May/June! Our goal is to support the ongoing mission to Romanian orphans which we began in 2001. We will mainly work with orphans, and special needs children & adults as well as do chores and small construction jobs on the farm located in a small village called "Borsa" (40 minutes north of Cluj). These marginalized people experience a deep level of loneliness that is hard to understand for people like us. But I know that connecting with them brings them joy even for a short time! Plus we also hope to be an encouragement to the staff as we come along side them and "listen, learn & love them" as well. Thank-you for continuing to be interested in this work as we enter the 25th anniversary of our first trip! If you have any questions please do not hesitate to write to me (robertfukumoto19@gmail.com).
About Impact Romania
In Romania, iTeams' collaboration with the Pas Cu Pas Foundation focuses on transforming the lives of institutionalized orphans through mentorship, education, discipleship, and career training. By creating nurturing environments and fostering meaningful relationships, we aim to empower children to grow, heal, and develop the skills they need to thrive independently.
Mentorship: Personalized Support for Every Child
The Pas Cu Pas mentorship program connects compassionate volunteers with children on a one-on-one basis, addressing their unique needs and aspirations. Through these individualized relationships, children receive guidance, encouragement, and emotional support, creating a foundation for personal growth and resilience that extends beyond traditional institutional care.
Family Farm and Inclusive Facilities: Building Skills and Community
The innovative Family Farm project provides orphans with practical life skills while fostering a sense of community and collaboration. In addition, Pas Cu Pas is constructing an accessible facility for children with disabilities, ensuring that every child—regardless of ability—has the opportunity to learn, play, and flourish in a supportive environment. These initiatives exemplify a holistic approach to care that equips children for a brighter, more independent future.
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