During her time here, Debby witnessed two worlds in stark contrast. In central Timisoara, she marveled at progress—modern streets, vibrant businesses, and no more bread lines or gas queues that once symbolized scarcity. But just outside the city, she found a very different Romania. She recalled one visit to a family living in a tiny, mud-floored shack on the edge of a field: a home with only two rooms where nine children—ages 2 to 15—slept packed together, cooked on a single stove, and grew up with little connection to education or stability. For these families, day-to-day existence is a silent struggle, and the children may never see beyond the limits of that modest dwelling.

Another stop brought Debby into even harsher realms of poverty: a Romanian family living in conditions that defy belief. A grandmother, hands heavy with love but marked by hardship, had taken in her grandchildren after the young mother was trafficked to Western Europe. Yet amid the challenges, Debby saw resilience. The grandmother proudly showed well-tended vegetable gardens—potatoes, carrots, cabbages—grown to nourish her family. She shared that even with nothing, she strives to give her grandchildren a simple gift: the security of knowing someone cares.

It was in these moments—visiting homes built on mud, meeting children with little hope of school, and hearing stories of trafficking recruitment targeting the vulnerable—that Debby was reminded of why The Village of Hope Romania exists. Without your support, children as young as six can be trafficked
right from their front doors. Thankfully, our team visits these families twice a month and sometimes more, delivering food, clothes, hygiene items, and medicine. Our presence is more than support—it’s protection, raising awareness, and helping break cycles of despair.

We also saw the direct impact of camp. In Calăcea, our counselors shared how kids returned from rural isolation visibly lighter—laughing more, trusting, and engaging again. One little girl who had never been away from home beamed as she showed Debby how she learned to paint and swim. Another shared her excitement about making friends and having someone care enough to bring her here.

This summer we expect approximately 160 children across five weeks of camp. As camp continues, we invite your help to sustain this life-changing ministry. Sponsoring one child for a week, or even two, could give them the gift of growth, belonging, and renewed hope.

Right now, we need your help to meet urgent needs for Summer Camp and monthly family care.

• $40 sponsors one for child a day.
• $280 sponsors one child for a week.
• $560 sponsors two children for a week.

Monthly Family Care:

• A gift of any amount also helps us serve 262 children and 72 families every month with food, hygiene supplies, and medical care.

As you read this letter, imagine the transformations unfolding—newfound confidence, laughter echoing through camp, mothers breathing easier knowing their children are safe and supported. Your generosity makes all of this possible.

Thank you for letting hope flourish. Thank you for standing with us so these children can feel loved, protected, and empowered.

With heartfelt appreciation,

Laura Squibbs
Director of Donor Relations and Development

P.S. Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram @TheVillageOfHopeRomania as we begin to post content real time.