A faith-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit · Established 2000 · Edgewater, Florida 866-903-2102  ·  cindy@kidsincrisis.com
Kids in Crisis International
Children running across the summer camp field in Lazareni, Romania
Lazareni, Romania · since 2001

The Caleb Foundation

Kindergarten, after-school tutoring, summer camps and a sewing room for the Roma families of Lazareni, led by George and Alina Galea for more than two decades.

25years in Lazareni since the Caleb Foundation was established in 2001
138children in the kindergarten and after-school programs
3summer camps every year, one for each age group
2ndgeneration: former students now bring their own children to the kindergarten
The story

Two decades of showing up.

For over two decades, our dear friends and dedicated staff in Romania have been making a profound impact on children's lives through the love of Jesus. Among them are George and Alina Galea, who have been with us since the beginning and now serve as directors of the Roma (Gypsy) ministry. Their passion for the Roma community is matched only by their expansive vision to uplift these individuals.

The Fundatia Caleb, the Caleb Foundation, was established by Kids in Crisis International in 2001 to support our charitable work in Romania. Today the school and ministry continue to flourish, shining the light of the gospel and bringing about transformative change. God's work has exceeded our expectations, touching the lives of the Roma people and now influencing the next generation of children.

Simple mud homes are slowly being transformed into brick homes with insulation and solid roofs. Former students, now adults, are taught skills like sewing, woodworking and farming so they can provide for themselves. Former students who have children of their own now understand the benefits of education and are encouraging the second generation to pursue God and a better life.

Children in the Caleb Foundation kindergarten
2001The Caleb Foundation is established in Lazareni.
What Caleb does

A kindergarten, a tutoring program, three camps, a sewing room, and now a mission house.

Kindergarten class
Kindergarten. The key to everything that follows: here Roma children learn Romanian, which is a second language for them, before they start school.
Summer camp games
After-school program and camps. Older children get tutoring, homework help and a meal. Three summer camps a year, one per age group, are run with short-term mission teams.
The sewing room
Sewing room. Mothers make aprons and other products to sell, alongside hygiene supplies and practical help for the most marginalized families.
The new mission house
The mission house. Newly completed, by the grace of God: dormitories, bathrooms and a kitchen for the school, the community, and visiting teams.
Christmas party
Christmas. Two parties every December, one for each after-school group, with presents for every child.
A home in the village
Homes. Helping families turn mud homes into habitable brick homes with insulation and a solid roof.
What it costs

Fund a program for a year.

These are the annual costs George and Alina report to us. Every one of them is a gift a person or a church could carry.

Kindergarten teacher for Roma children

A year of salary for the teacher who gives Roma children in Lazareni their first classroom, and their first Romanian, which is a second language for them.

After-school program teacher

Tutoring, homework help and a meal for the older students, so they keep up with their Romanian peers and stay in school.

Utilities, sewing room and community help

Keeps the lights on, runs the sewing room where mothers make aprons and other products to sell, and helps the most marginalized families in the village.

Summer camp for the older kids

A four-day, three-night getaway for the children who have faithfully attended the after-school program all year.

Christmas for the children of Lazareni

Presents and parties for the younger and older kids in December, plus a Christmas bonus for staff and volunteers.

Two weeks of Vacation Bible School

Four-day VBS programs for each age group on the Caleb Foundation property over the summer break.

Kindergarten celebration day

A single-day celebration for the kindergarteners over the summer break.

Long-term objectives

What the Caleb Foundation is working toward.

  • A better quality of life, living conditions and economic status for the marginalized minorities.
  • Humanitarian aid for those not able to provide for themselves, especially families with low or no income.
  • Education and integration, so the marginalized can earn a decent living.
  • Protecting children's rights by all legal means, including adoption.
  • Schooling, training and workshops that develop children's, young people's and adults' abilities and skills.
  • Training and teaching using Biblical values and principles.
  • Material aid and spiritual support for those in need.
  • Helping young people integrate into society.
  • Camps, field trips, training sessions and sports events for young people.
Watch

Our work among the Roma people in Romania, and a tour of the new mission house

A Story of Transformation: a mission trip to Lazareni (M4K Media)

Photos

Lazareni in pictures.

Camps, classrooms, Christmas parties, the sewing room, the mission house. Tap any photo to see it large.

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