NOROC

NOROC, a Romanian word which means "God bless," is a Christ-based, nonprofit organization based in Tulcea (pronounced "TUL-cha"), Romania. The name reflects the mission: To share God's blessings by providing New Opportunities for Romanian Orphaned Children spiritually, developmentally, socially and medically.

At this time, over 125,000 children are starving for love in Romanian orphanages. NOROC was founded to find ways to nurture these abandoned children. Currently, NOROC's programs are focused in the orphanages of Tulcea County, Romania, where the organization tries to provide for children in material ways, such as seeing to at that they have diaper-panties, school supplies, or adequate shoes. But at an even more basic level of need the organization tries to provide the loving relationships these children so desperately crave.

NOROC sponsors several programs which specialize attention to children in different ways. Big Hearted Grannies provides abandoned children with loving care and gives retired Romanian citizens a chance to make a positive difference in the innocent lives of God's children. Twenty-two Big Hearted Teachers, an athletic coach, two psychologists, and two administrators coordinate activities and the needs of those in the handicapped hospital and homes for girls and boys ages 7-18 years. Big Hearted Friends integrates children into their community.

The Rev. Mary Ferris, a Presbyterian missionary from our region, serves with NOROC in Tulcea. First Presbyterian Church, along with other congregations in Palo Duro Presbytery, provide support to NOROC.

For more information...

see NOROC's home page: http://www.noroc.org

or the profile of the Rev. Mary Ferris at... http://www.pcusa.org/missionconnections/profiles/ferrism.htm