COHI was originally founded to provide dental care to orphaned children, primarily in Ukraine. The need was overwhelming. Many children suffered from severe dental neglect that made something as simple as eating or smiling painful, and our volunteer dentists often spent their time extracting infected or decayed teeth because there were few other options.
Over the past decade, that has begun to change. Through consistent dental missions, preventive care, and basic oral hygiene education, we’ve seen remarkable progress: fewer extractions, less chronic pain, and healthier smiles. We’ve been privileged to serve these children one smile at a time.
Then war came to Ukraine.
Russia’s invasion dramatically changed our ministry. The conflict has made it unsafe for mission teams to enter the country and has displaced countless orphaned and vulnerable children. Some have found refuge across the border in Romania, while many others remain scattered throughout Ukraine. We continue to stay connected with a dentist and his wife who we trust and faithfully serve the region, pastors, orphanage caregivers, and trusted ministry partners who faithfully serve these children despite extraordinary circumstances — we’re especially grateful for one Romanian pastor who regularly travels into Ukraine to deliver aid and encouragement.
The human cost of this war has been staggering. Millions of lives have been affected, and countless children have experienced unimaginable loss. Tragically, the number of orphaned and vulnerable children will only continue to grow.
Although Americans cannot safely travel into Ukraine right now, our commitment hasn’t changed. We continue to support the orphanages and ministries we’ve partnered with for years through prayer, communication, financial assistance, and local relationships. Our in-person mission work in Ukraine remains suspended until it’s safe to return.
While Ukraine has always been central to our mission, COHI has faithfully served children in Romania for more than ten years, particularly in Botoșani. Over time, our work has expanded throughout the Bucovina region and into neighboring Transylvania region. Each community has unique needs, and we look forward to sharing more of those stories in future posts.
Romania has made significant progress since the fall of communism in 1989, though challenges remain. We’re blessed to partner with a Romanian dentist who faithfully serves orphaned children, but licensing regulations limit him to treating patients within his own dental office. Foreign dentists on mission teams face similar restrictions. These rules help maintain professional standards, but they also limit how directly we can provide care.
Romania has also worked closely with the European Union to reform its orphan care system. The large Hand of Help orphanage — once a single four-story facility — has transitioned to a family-style residential model, with many children now living in smaller, modern homes with dedicated caregivers. This approach offers real benefits, but it has also created new challenges.
Because these homes accommodate fewer children, some have been placed in foster care. Foster care can provide loving families, but Romania’s vetting and support systems are still developing. Our serving with local partner, Defend the Fatherless, a Fort Mill, South Carolina–based nonprofit, has given us valuable insight into best practices for foster care — though there’s still much work to be done. Ensuring the safety, stability, and well-being of these children remains a significant concern.
One of our greatest joys has been reconnecting with these children during return visits and Vacation Bible Schools. Seeing them healthy, cared for, and full of hope reminds us why this ministry matters.
This is only the beginning, in future posts, we’ll share more about Romania, Ukraine, other regions, and the incredible people God continues to place in our path as we serve orphaned and vulnerable children throughout the region.
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