Visiting mission teams, often composed of volunteers from churches and Christian organizations worldwide, play a critical role in the work of Romanian ministries like Livada.

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:

1. Connecting: Establishing safe and trusting relationships.
2. Empowering: Providing strategies to support the child’s physical and emotional needs.
3. 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.

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.

We recently held our inaugural two-part training session for our new volunteers in Romania, and the energy in the room was truly inspiring. Sixty passionate individuals gathered, each brimming with enthusiasm and a shared commitment to making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children. From the outset, the atmosphere was filled with promise and determination, as we all came together with a common goal: to contribute positively to our community through our work with Livada Orphan Care.

During our time together, we ensured that our training was not just about learning but also about connecting on a deeper level. We organized interactive activities that allowed us to break the ice, get to know each other better, and build strong team bonds. Laughter echoed through the room as we engaged in creative and fun exercises, sharing moments of joy that brought us closer together. These interactions were not just enjoyable; they were instrumental in laying the foundation for a cohesive and supportive volunteer team.

Our discussions began with a heartfelt exploration of the importance and impact of our work with these children. Volunteers shared personal stories and experiences, highlighting meaningful moments and lessons learned from past interactions. Each story evoked strong emotions and reinforced our collective belief that every act of compassion and support can profoundly impact the lives of those we serve.

With open minds and hearts, we delved into planning our upcoming summer camps. We discussed a range of activities, from recreational to educational programs, all aimed at creating a safe, inclusive, and enriching environment for the children. Every volunteer had the opportunity to contribute ideas and suggestions, ensuring that our camps would be a memorable and beneficial experience for all participants.

As the day drew to a close, we left with hearts full of positive emotions and a renewed confidence in our ability to make a real difference. The connections we made and the motivation we felt were palpable. We are ready to embark on this journey, sharing joys, inspiring others, and serving as role models for those in need. With each passing day, we are determined to bring more light and hope into the lives of the children we serve.

This is just the beginning of a beautiful and meaningful journey with Livada Orphan Care, and we are ready to embrace every moment with enthusiasm and dedication. Together, we will make a lasting impact, one act of kindness at a time.

The career of Viorel Gaga, deeply rooted in faith and service, began in the early 1990s through a meaningful collaboration with Bruce Thomas, the visionary founding president of the LOC Foundation. This partnership blossomed in Târgu Mureș, Romania, amidst a collective of youth pastors and local church leaders, all united in their quest for a deeper understanding of scripture and a shared commitment to cultivating Christian leadership across local, regional, and national spheres.

This era was characterized by a profound spiritual awakening, as Vio and his colleagues felt a divine call to dedicate themselves to the youth. Their efforts were marked by intensive Bible study sessions, fervent prayers, and meticulous planning, laying a strong foundation for a mission that would define Vio’s life.

In 2009, Vio’s journey took a pivotal turn when he became intimately involved with the LOC Foundation. Assuming the roles of executive director and president of the Board of Directors, he embarked on a mission that was not just a professional commitment but a personal calling. Driven by a verse from James 1:27, Vio devoted himself to “care for orphans and widows in their distress,” embodying the essence of pure and undefiled religion before God.

For 15 years, Vio tirelessly served the foundation, pouring his heart and soul into supporting vulnerable children and upholding the biblical mandate that had guided him from the start. His tenure at LOC was more than just administrative; it was a testament to a life lived in service to others, driven by faith and a profound sense of purpose. As Vio steps into retirement, his legacy continues through the countless lives he has touched, a beacon of compassion and dedication in a world in need of both.

From all the assignments Vio has had, he has enjoyed the opportunity to mentor the team and the beneficiaries of the organization.

At the end of these years of service, Vio is thankful to the Lord, who has been good and blessed all the work.

We appreciate Vio for his kind heart, his dedication to working with vulnerable children, and always having their best interests at heart.

We have a deep appreciation for his unwavering dedication and kind-heartedness in working with vulnerable children. His genuine compassion and tireless efforts have not only impacted the lives of these children but also inspired those around him.

We also deeply admire Vio’s unwavering faith in God, which guides his actions and brings a sense of purpose to his work with vulnerable children. His commitment to fostering peace among staff members, even in challenging situations, is remarkable. His ability to cultivate a harmonious work environment while staying true to his values is truly commendable and has left a lasting impact on all of us.

For 15 years, his commitment to making a difference has been truly admirable and has left a lasting impression on all of those he came into contact with while working at Fundatia LOC.

Happy retirement, sir! Your legacy of kindness, faith, and service will continue to inspire us all.

NOTE: Vio is still with LOC serving as our European Director of Development (Fundraising).

Every journey has a beginning, and mine with the LOC Foundation commenced in 2002. This initiation coincided with my employment at a special needs school that had a collaboration with the Ludus orphanage. At that time, having just completed a specialization in special psych pedagogy, my focus revolved entirely around working with disabled children from the orphanage. My commitment to this cause persisted, encompassing various educational institutions and organizations, until a moment of realization prompted me to aspire to more meaningful impact—something that could prevent these children from reaching dire circumstances.

This pivotal moment unfolded when Providence presented a new opportunity through the LOC Foundation five years ago. I seized the chance to work with abandoned babies in pediatric hospitals, an experience that served as a breath of fresh air for me—an opportunity to recharge and actively contribute to the healthier development of these forsaken children.

In 2021, I was afforded another enriching opportunity within the LOC Foundation: to work in the Prevention of Abandonment department within a Roma community, specifically in an after-school program. It brings me immense joy to support these children on their learning journey and to impart whatever the Lord has placed in my heart.

Beyond being just a job, I consider myself blessed to play a role in God’s work in this manner.

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We appreciate Loredana for her serving heart and dedication to helping every baby or child reach its full potential. She is a great colleague, flexible, and dedicated to our Foundation’s mission.

In 1997, after a couple of years working as a leader in youth Christian camps, someone asked me to come and help for one week at their first VBS camp at Ludus Orphanage. I had never been in an orphanage before, had no prior contact with any orphans, and I knew that first impressions are important. However, for me, that week left a lasting impression.

From that moment on, I started assisting with the VBS programs in the orphanages at Big Blue and Ludus. With each passing week, the desire to share the gospel with the kids and become a big brother for the orphaned children grew. In 2000, after spending the entire summer in Christian camps for orphaned kids, my passion became my life.

In 2001, I began working as a Follow-up Coordinator at one of the eight orphanages in Mures County at that time: Reghin Orphanage. After a few years, as the orphanages began to close down and kids were relocated to private and state group homes, I assumed the role of Director of the Follow-up Department and Summer Camp Director. Alongside a group of amazing, dedicated volunteers, our activities not only provided fun but also contributed to the spiritual, educational, social, and physical development of these children. Since 2009, with the diversification of the foundation’s programs, I took on the role of Manager of Operations. A few years ago, I also became the case manager for the kids in our Casa Ana-Nadia group home.

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At Fundatia LOC, Emi is our veteran. He has been with us from the very beginning and has stayed with us through both good and challenging times. He has been present at every change that our foundation went through, and his passion for children has only grown stronger.

We value Emi for his dedication to the children, attention to their needs, and his ability to connect with the children and youngsters’ mindset. He collaborates well with all public institutions and is doing an excellent job as the Manager of Operations.

Livada Orphan Care is proud to introduce Emese, our newest staff member whose journey with us exemplifies the profound impact our programs can have. Emese, who holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and recently completed her master’s in Children’s Rights, is now pursuing her second master’s in School Counseling and Psycho-Pedagogical Assistance. However, her inspiring story with Livada began years ago.

As a high school student, Emese started volunteering in our Orphan Outreach program and attended our summer camp in 2015. It was there that she first encountered Jesus, learning about His love, mercy, and peace. This experience was life-changing for Emese, who, as a 16-year-old orphaned by a parent, embraced her faith and felt a deep sense of belonging in God’s family.

Emese’s dedication and passion for our mission grew over the years. She progressed from a volunteer to the coordinator of the very program that first introduced her to our community. Now, she leads our Follow-Up clubs for teenagers and Saturday Bible Clubs for younger children from the gypsy village. Each week, Emese shares the Gospel with around 50 children, driven by the hope and prayer of expanding God’s Kingdom and nurturing this growing family.

Emese is known for her kindness and gentleness, both with the children she mentors and her colleagues. Her readiness to help, unwavering faith, and strong desire for personal and professional growth make her an invaluable member of our team. This year, she has also proven her leadership abilities as a camp coordinator.

We are grateful for Emese’s contributions and are inspired by her journey. Her story is a testament to the life-changing impact of Livada Orphan Care, and we are honored to have her as part of our family.