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.