In Loving Memory
Mariana Petersel
Executive Director, The Village of Hope Romania
1947 — 2026
For more than five decades, Mariana Petersel devoted her life to serving the forgotten children of Romania. She was a tireless advocate for vulnerable children, struggling families, and those who had nowhere else to turn. Her life’s work was never about recognition or personal achievement, it was about protecting the vulnerable, and reminding every person she met that they were deeply loved and valued.
Providing HOPE
Every child deserves a chance at hope and happiness.
At The Village of Hope Romania, we provide a beacon of hope for children in the darkest of times. Every child deserves a safe home, a nurturing environment, and protection from the shadows that loom in the form of homelessness and human trafficking. Our dedicated team works day and night to offer new beginnings—because every child deserves – love, hope, a family to care for them and a bright future.
The comprehensive support we offer also extends to families and adults at-risk of human trafficking due to poverty, with a committed team of social workers, teachers, medical professionals, counselors, and caregivers. Every month, we visit over 70 families, providing assessments and delivering essential care packages to those in need.
As human trafficking is becoming more prevalent, our organization is evolving every day. We have not turned away any of God’s children. Adults that have been identified as trafficked are placed into emergency shelters with our non-government partners throughout Romania. We then do everything in our power to rehabilitate these victims and prayerfully reintegrate them into society.
THANK YOU
For giving them hope, care, and love, thank you for everything!
YEARS IN ROMANIA
CHILDREN RESCUED TO DATE
KIDS AT SUMMER CAMP
FAMILIES RECEIVING MONTHLY ASSISTANCE
CHILDREN RECEIVING MONTHLY SUPPORT
children are provided school supplies each year
Help us Prevent, Rescue, and Rehabilitate human trafficking victims and support families at-risk.
With your support, we can prosecute traffickers, provide emergency care for victims, educate the public on prevention, place the most vulnerable into families, and provide ongoing support for victims for the rest of their lives.
Stories from The Village of Hope Romania
Mariana’s Legacy
For more than five decades, Mariana Petersel devoted her life to serving the forgotten children of Romania. She was a tireless advocate for vulnerable children, struggling families, and those who had nowhere else to turn. Her life’s work was…
Back-to-School Challenges
As the final buses pulled away from Summer Camp 2026, 140 children returned home carrying much more than bags filled with…
A Spark of Light that Lasts a Lifetime
When the buses arrive at our Summer Camp, a new group of children steps off carrying bags that seem lighter than the invisible weight on their shoulders. For many of these children, home is a word tangled up in…
STORIES MATTER
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