About us
Because children belong in families
For Every Orphan began with a simple and powerful belief: every child deserves the love, safety, and care of a family.
Our Story
From small beginnings to lasting change
For Every Orphan began in 2008 when a group of young Christian leaders came together because they cared deeply about children growing up without families. Many had witnessed orphanages and street children firsthand during trips to Ukraine and Russia.
At the time, international adoption was common, but it wasn't solving the problem. Too many children were still living in overcrowded orphanages. They believed the best solution was to help children grow up in families in their own countries.
The group started small by helping foster and adoptive families in Ukraine and Russia, providing simple but important support. But they quickly realized that helping individual families wasn't enough. Real change meant improving the entire system of care.
Today, For Every Orphan works in five countries, supporting local leaders who understand their own communities best. We act as a bridge, connecting them with the tools, resources, and support they need to create lasting change.
Our Vision
A world where every child thrives in family and is empowered to become all that they were created to be.
Our Mission
We advance efforts to keep children out of orphanages and in families.
who we help
We are here for every orphan
We have learned over the years that orphans are not only found in orphanages. They are also found in fragile families affected by poverty, loss, or conflict; isolated in boarding schools; and left to navigate adulthood alone as young as 16 years old. Too many remain trapped in broken systems that fail to protect their right to family and perpetuate a vicious cycle of orphanhood.
We are committed to meeting children and teens wherever they are, while strengthening the families and communities that help them heal, belong, and thrive.
Single Orphan
A child who has lost one parent.
Double Orphan
A child who has lost both parents.
social Orphan
A child who is not parentless, but effectively without parental care.
Aged-out Orphan
A teen who has exited care in an orphange.
Almost Orphan
A child at risk of losing family due to poverty, conflict, or crisis.
Core Values
What guides our work
We Keep Children in Families
We work to prevent separation, reunite children with their families, and create pathways to permanency.
We Serve Through Faith
Our Christian faith motivates us to defend the cause of the weak, fatherless, and oppressed.
We Lead with Compassion
Deep empathy guides our work, ensuring every child is valued and supported.
We Act with Integrity
Committed to transparency and ethical stewardship in everything we do.
We Partner for Impact
Collaborating with local leaders to create lasting solutions.
We Create Lasting Change
Transforming systems to give children a future filled with hope.
Leadership
Board of Directors

Anita Deyneka

Anthony Ritchie

David Melilli

Melinda Mandell

Richard Scheuerman

Sarah Wolfe

Taylor Brudos
Advisory Council

Allison Pinkham

Raya Shelashska

Karl Scheuerman

Richard T. Moore

Karmen Friesen

Paul Zhdan
Staff Members

Angelique Gettis
Administrative Coordinator

Anja Goertzen
Global Child Protection and Welfare Advisor

Elaine Springer
Volunteer Coordinator of
Pray for Every Orphan

Heather Dyer
President

Malia Taylor
Communications Manager

Oksana Mykhaylovska
Director of Programs

Ruth Sharon
Global Child Protection and Welfare Advisor

Shalini Gordon
Project Coordinator | South Asia & West Africa

Micala Siler (1978-2020)
Our Founding Executive Director
Micala Siler, For Every Orphan’s founding executive director who served from 2010-2020, helped shape the heart, vision, and direction of the organization in its early years. Her leadership left a lasting mark on For Every Orphan and on the lives of countless children and families around the world.
Micala carried a deep conviction that every child deserves the love, safety, and belonging of a family. She lived out that belief with uncommon courage, compassion, and determination. She was a passionate advocate for orphaned and vulnerable children and cared deeply about strengthening families, supporting local leaders, and helping communities create better futures for children.
At the core of how Micala lived and led was a simple but powerful mantra: Pray. Act. Inspire.
She believed in seeking God first, stepping forward in faith with action, and inspiring others to do the same. This rhythm shaped not only her leadership, but also the culture and mission of For Every Orphan.
During her time leading the organization, For Every Orphan helped more than 227,500 children and at-risk families through family strengthening, reunification support, adoption assistance, counseling, and training for social workers and caregivers. Through Micala’s leadership, thousands of families were strengthened and reunited, and many more were reached with the hope that children belong in families, not institutions.
Before her work with For Every Orphan, Micala served her country with distinction in the United States Army. A graduate of West Point, she was a trailblazing leader who served in demanding assignments around the world, including combat deployments. Her life was marked by discipline, bravery, and a steady commitment to serving others.
After her military service, Micala brought that same strength and sense of purpose to the mission of caring for vulnerable children. She believed deeply in God’s heart for children and families and in the power of love, restoration, and faithful action. Her work reflected both bold leadership and genuine compassion.
Micala was also a devoted wife and mother. She and her husband, Jason, built a beautiful family together, and her love for her four daughters was central to who she was. Those who knew her remember her as a bright light—full of joy, encouragement, conviction, and hope.
Her legacy continues to live on in the work of For Every Orphan and in all those she inspired to care more deeply, serve more faithfully, and believe more boldly in what is possible for children in need. Even now, her words continue to echo: Pray. Act. Inspire.
We remain deeply grateful for Micala’s life, leadership, and lasting impact.
Transparency
Financial Accountability
We are committed to financial transparency.
Our Form 990 tax returns are available for public review.
