From Heather Dyer, President of For Every Orphan
Spring reminds me that growth is often quiet and deeply rooted. Long before something blooms, life is already at work beneath the surface. In many ways, that is the story you have been part of with us.
In 2008, a small group of young Christian leaders came together with a shared burden: too many children were growing up without families. After witnessing overcrowded orphanages and vulnerable children firsthand in Ukraine and Russia, they became convinced that while international adoption mattered, it could not alone address the deeper need. Children deserved the opportunity to grow up in safe, loving families within their own communities and cultures.
Their mission began simply — supporting foster and adoptive families, equipping local churches, and providing practical care where it was most needed. Over time, it became clear that lasting change required strengthening entire systems of care as well.
That conviction shaped what became A Family For Every Orphan.
Today, nearly 18 years later, that conviction continues to guide us. Our heart remains the same. Our mission has not changed. Our commitment and passion for this work has only increased, as we see it transform children’s lives with your support. We want you (and the world!) to see more of it. For this reason, we took steps to increase clarity in how we communicate this mission that you have faithfully supported over many years.
As part of that effort, we are moving forward using our “last name” — For Every Orphan — for clarity, simplicity, and memorability.
We chose this because it says exactly who we are and who we serve: every orphan. We are for the:
- 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 orphanage
- Almost orphan: a child at risk of losing family due to poverty, conflict, or crisis
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress.” — James 1:27
While this is the scripture we remain grounded in, 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, boarding schools, and systems that lack the support needed — to help children remain where they belong and older youth reach independence. The name For Every Orphan reflects this fuller understanding and our commitment to meet children and teens’ needs wherever they are, while strengthening the families and communities that help them thrive.
Alongside this name clarification, we are also introducing a refreshed website and visual identity. This refresh helps us better communicate both the urgency of the need and the hope of what is possible. You will notice brighter colors, clearer storytelling, and a more accessible way to see the impact of your support.
Like the season we are in, this is not about becoming something new… It is about growth and renewed clarity. It is about helping more people understand, and be invited into, the mission you have helped build.
Thank you for being part of this story and for continuing walking with us as we work to ensure every child can grow up in the love and stability of family.
