A Summer to Remember
A thank you video for all our supporters, staff, volunteers and prayer partners who made Summer Camp 2024 possible. We appreciate you!
5 Great Reasons To Sponsor a Child Through Livada
Transforming lives, breaking the cycle of poverty, a Christian, faith-based approach, tailored support programs and a transparent, trustworthy organization are just a few reasons to consider sponsoring a child through Livada Orphan Care.
Summer Camp Video
A short video remembering a great few weeks of summer camp 2024.
Summer Camp Photos (2024)
Have a look at some of our favorite summer camp photos of orphans in Romania.
Orphanhood and Abandonment and the Roma (Gypsy) People of Romania
Romania has one of the highest numbers of institutionalized children in Europe, a significant portion of whom come from Roma families. The root causes are complex, involving a mix of economic instability, inadequate social services, and cultural factors.
Marga’s Story
Marga’s story of love, support, and healing at the Loc Foundation, where she found a family, overcame abandonment, and discovered the importance of faith.
Meet Marin, Age 12
“I started attending the foundation’s activities when I was 5 years old. Now I am almost 12. At the LOC foundation, I have become more mature.
I enjoyed the sports activities the most. I remember a few gifts I received that I really enjoyed: a toy gun, remote-controlled cars, and a smart watch. I come to the foundation to have fun. My favorite activity is playing hide-and-seek. During one camp, I played with water balloons and did archery, which I can’t wait to do again.
I am grateful to the LOC foundation for welcoming me every time to their activities, and I appreciate everything I have learned from them and through them over the years.”
Green Week Brings Hygiene Essentials to Lăscud Elementary School
During Green Week, the children from Lăscud Elementary School, spanning classes from kindergarten to fourth grade, received a generous donation of hygiene products. Each child was given a towel, soap, shower gel, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, and antiperspirant. These essential items are not only practical but also serve as a valuable lesson in personal care and health. The dedicated teachers at Lăscud Elementary took this opportunity to educate the children on the importance of hygiene. They emphasized how maintaining cleanliness contributes to overall health and well-being, instilling habits that will benefit the children for a lifetime. This impactful project was made possible by the enthusiastic twelfth-grade B students from the “Mihai Eminescu” Pedagogical College in Târgu Mureș. Responding to the call initiated by the LOC Foundation, these students showcased their commitment to community service and support for younger generations. We are excited to continue this initiative and are still collecting hygiene products to benefit more children. Your contributions can help us reach even more kids, ensuring they have the necessary tools to stay healthy and confident. Join us in making a difference! Donate hygiene products today and support the well-being of children in our community.
TBRI Training for Volunteers: Transforming the Lives of Vulnerable Children
In a world where vulnerable children often require specialized support and care, Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) emerges as an essential tool for volunteers and professionals alike. This holistic, research-based approach is designed to enhance relationships and support the harmonious development of traumatized children. By training volunteers in TBRI, we ensure that these interventions are successful and that children receive the adequate support they need.
What is TBRI?
Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) is a methodology developed by Dr. Karyn Purvis and Dr. David Cross at the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development at Texas Christian University. TBRI is grounded in three fundamental principles:
- Connecting: Establishing safe and trusting relationships.
- Empowering: Providing strategies to support the child’s physical and emotional needs.
- Correcting: Implementing discipline techniques that are trauma-sensitive and promote self-regulation.
Why is TBRI Training Important for Volunteers?
Volunteers play a crucial role in the lives of vulnerable children. Without adequate training, they might not fully understand the complex needs of these children or be equipped to respond effectively. TBRI training offers volunteers:
- Knowledge about Trauma and Its Impact: Volunteers learn about the effects of trauma on cognitive and emotional development.
- Practical Intervention Strategies: They are equipped with tools and techniques to create a safe and predictable environment.
- Empathic Communication Skills: Volunteers learn to communicate effectively and empathetically, facilitating the creation of strong and trusting bonds.
Our TBRI Training Experience
For two weeks, our volunteers immersed themselves in a comprehensive TBRI training course, covering both theoretical concepts and practical applications. They engaged in role-playing, therapeutic drawings, deep discussions, and various other interactive activities. This intensive training equipped them with the skills needed to support and nurture vulnerable children effectively.
The Long-Term Impact
TBRI training for volunteers not only improves the lives of vulnerable children but also contributes to the creation of a more informed and empathetic community. Volunteers trained in TBRI become agents of change, spreading knowledge and positively influencing care and education practices in various contexts. Through TBRI, we pave the way for a world where every child has the chance to develop to their fullest potential in a supportive and trusting environment.
By embracing TBRI, we commit to making a lasting difference in the lives of vulnerable children. Our dedicated volunteers are now better equipped to provide the specialized care and support these children need to thrive. Together, we can create a future where every child is valued, supported, and given the opportunity to flourish.
Join us in this transformative journey. Your support and involvement can help us continue to train more volunteers and extend our reach to touch even more lives. Together, we can make a profound impact.
NGO Fair, 21st Edition
In a world full of challenges, organizing and engaging in charitable projects and NGOs represent an essential aspect of building a brighter future. On May 11th, 2024, it was once again a day of celebration for NGOs in Mureș County! At the 21st edition of the NGO Fair, 31 organizations presented their activities carried out throughout the year for the well-being of the community and reconnected with each other.
NGO fairs are a vital platform for non-governmental organizations to present their mission, projects, and impact in the community. For the LOC Foundation, this occasion was more than just a presence at an event; it was an opportunity to share its story and inspire positive change.
We strove to create an interactive space at our booth. Through the variety of activities proposed, LOC demonstrated that involvement in noble causes can also be an experience full of joy and creativity.
One of the favorite activities for both children and adults was face painting. The LOC Foundation team was prepared with vibrant colors and impressive designs, transforming visitors’ faces into temporary works of art. This activity not only brought smiles to the faces of those present but also provided an opportunity to discuss the importance of artistic expression and creativity in personal development.
Balloon modeling was another attraction at the LOC booth. Children and adults enjoyed the captivating spectacle of balloons coming to life under the skilled hands of the employees. This activity not only stimulated the imagination but also served as a metaphor for human fragility and the need to support and protect the vulnerable in society. Even our mayor received a balloon puppy to remember us by.
Coloring, chalk drawing, and play dough modeling were other creative activities that attracted many participants. Each of these activities aimed to encourage free expression and underscore the importance of emotional and intellectual development in individuals.
However, the NGO Fair was not just about creativity and fun; it was also about solidarity and generosity. The LOC Foundation organized a fundraising campaign, inviting visitors to contribute to our humanitarian causes through donations. Each act of kindness brought hope and support to those in need.
Last but not least, the NGO Fair included a Civic Cross and Civic Solidarity March where members and beneficiaries of Mureș NGOs, as well as members of the community, could show their support for the work of NGOs and volunteers through participation.
The diverse activities offered by the NGO Fair bridged entertainment and social awareness. Through these initiatives, the LOC Foundation managed to draw attention to its humanitarian causes and inspire participants to get involved in building a better future for all.
