Causes: Children & Youth, Foster Care, Group Homes, Homeless & Housing, Homeless Centers, Human Services, International, International Development

Mission: The mission of OSSO is to do everything possible to help children living in orphanages and similar institutions to reach their full potential.

Results: Since our founding over 20 years ago, we have helped support 30 different orphanages. We have sent over 5,000 volunteers internationally to give nearly 1.5 million hours of face-to-face service in orphanages and supplies millions of dollars in financial support. Most of our support has been to orphanages in Ecuador, but we have also supported orphanages in Thailand, China, Africa, Vietnam, Peru, and Mexico. We currently support seven orphanages in Ecuador year-round with volunteers and monetary donations. Our volunteers provide one-on-one nurturing to disadvantaged children who might otherwise never realize their potential. We also help cover costs for medicine, nutrition, education, etc. When you volunteer with OSSO, you change a life—often a child's but always your own.

Target demographics: Children in orphanages and similar institutions

Direct beneficiaries per year: 7 orphanages in Ecuador

Geographic areas served: Quito and Cuenca, Ecuador

Programs: OSSO provides opportunities for volunteers to work in Ecuadorian orphanages for 1 week to 6 months at a time in a safe, supervised environment. We provide volunteer, financial, and consulting support to 7 orphanages in Ecuador.