When Zumasys first launched its Happyness Is a Choice program four years ago, we never could have imagined where it would lead us. Through the program, we’ve worked with hundreds of nonprofits around the globe. But one program in particular—in a small country halfway around the world—has truly touched our hearts.

Firm Foundations Romania (FFR) started by providing diapers for abandoned children at the Brasov Children’s Hospital. Led by a California missionary, singer and songwriter who visited Romania in her 20s (and never left), FFR volunteers change diapers and hold babies who would otherwise spend all day lying alone in diapers made of rags. Over 10 years later, FFR is working to break the cycle of poverty that plagues rural Romania and is literally changing lives with programs like a kids’ club, an afterschool program, and high school mentorship.

FFR runs on a shoestring budget, but they care for and impact hundreds of children, struggling mothers and disadvantaged teens in Romania. Their goal is to reach each all of the more than 1,000 children in the village of Budila, which is home to a large population of Roma—a disadvantaged ethnic minority. They have a long way to go to reach that goal, but we are going to help.

Zumasys is pledging to help FFR achieve its goal to change the lives of children in rural Romania. For just $290, we can provide the food, transportation and mentorship that these children need for one year. These children desperately need help, and you can make a lasting difference in their lives.

Through Happyness Is a Choice, we will match every dollar donated. Our goal is to raise $50,000, so we challenge you and your organization to donate as much as you are able. Your $290 donation will be used to:

• Buy diapers for babies at the Brasov Children’s Hospital
• Sponsor and feed children in the afterschool program
• Provide transportation for teens from Budila to attend high school
• Sponsor teens in apartments to attend high school and university

Help us spread Happyness by loving the unloved and providing educational opportunities to the forgotten youth of Romania.

Personal note from Mitch and Sue

Orphanages have a very special place in our hearts because our son Alex was born in an orphanage and spent most of his first five months in one. Without the orphanage Alex would not be in our home today. They took care of him until he come home at five months of age. Sues family have multiple family members that have also come from orphanages, her brother and sister, a niece and two second cousins. When we were in classes to get Alex they said the one thing that would be hard for an adopted child is when family pictures are taken and they are the only one that is from a different country. Well for our family there is more Korean than American and that is all because of four different orphanages taken care of these sweet babies before they could come home. So for that we are trying to raise money for this orphanage 100 % of the money you give will be given to FFR and if we bring in the most money we will have the opportunity to go over and help for three days at the orphanage which would be a blessing since that is something we have wanted to do since Alex came into our lives.

Our son Alex at his orphange in South Korea