A young TiKVA boy holding a cookie, looking out of a window
TiKVA Children’s HomeEst. 1996

A childhood to cherish
and a community for life

TiKVA helps vulnerable Jewish children move from crisis toward a stable future. Across Ukraine, Romania, and Israel, we provide care, education, and a community that stays connected as children grow into adulthood.

Rescuing Children. Strengthening Community. Ensuring the Jewish Future.

Our Story

It began with a child who needed a home

At a community Passover seder in Odessa, a young boy pleaded to not be sent back to the state orphanage. His request helped turn Jewish community outreach into a commitment to children who needed safety, care, and a place to belong.

Building on Jewish educational work that began in Odessa in the early 1990s, TiKVA Children’s Home has been caring for orphaned and vulnerable children since 1996. What began with basic needs grew into homes, schools, and a community that celebrates Shabbat, supports graduates, and welcomes the next generation.

War has changed where our community lives.
Our commitment to its children continues.

Smiling girls gathered outside Leah’s House, a TiKVA home
Our Care

Care that grows with each child

TiKVA children sharing a meal around the table

A stable daily life.

Housing, kosher meals, and dependable care help children and families find their footing.

Girls proudly showing their artwork with their teacher

Learning and belonging.

Jewish and secular education help children build skills, discover their heritage, and look ahead with confidence.

A TiKVA caregiver kneeling to hug a little girl

Support through trauma.

Mental health care gives children, adolescents, and families support as they navigate loss, displacement, and uncertainty.

Two girls laughing and eating outside in the sunshine

Room for childhood.

Summer programs, friendships, and shared celebrations create opportunities to play, learn, and enjoy being young.

TiKVA graduates on stage at their graduation ceremony

Connection into adulthood.

Support continues as graduates pursue education, employment, independent living, and family life.

Then & Now

On our watch, the children grew up

Children who arrived at TiKVA are now teachers, soldiers, parents, and neighbors.

Meet them all
Where We Work

One community across three countries

Ukraine

TiKVA continues education and community care in Odessa, with food and welfare support for vulnerable households and elderly community members. Priorities include maintaining care under wartime conditions and strengthening shelter and mental health provision.

Romania

In Bucharest, TiKVA provides homes, schooling, kosher meals, and psychological support for displaced children and families. Housing and employment support are also offered as families rebuild their lives.

Israel

TiKVA supports alumni and their families as they settle into life in Israel. Through its Jerusalem Alumni Center and wider community, TiKVA helps graduates navigate housing, education, employment, and the demands of military service.

Our Impact

Progress is a life moving forward

A child feels ready to learn again. A family takes a step toward independence. A graduate returns to support the children who follow. These are the changes TiKVA works to make possible.

Romania

Children educated in Bucharest

Hot kosher meals prepared daily

Ukraine

Children enrolled in TiKVA’s Odessa schools

Elderly people served

Israel

TiKVA alumni made aliyah

A Story Across Generations

A student becomes a teacher

Ira came to TiKVA in 2003, when she was 11 years old. She grew up to teach Jewish studies at TiKVA’s elementary school, married fellow graduate Vlad, and is raising two daughters of her own.

Her story reflects a thread running through TiKVA’s history: Children grow up within a community, then help carry it forward.

Get Involved

Help the next child find a path forward

Your gift supports the daily care, education, and community that help vulnerable Jewish children build their lives. Give today or choose a monthly gift to support continuing care.

Bring your community together

TiKVA counselors and children celebrating together outdoors Get Involved

Get Your Group Involved

Involve your school, synagogue, youth group, or workplace.

A TiKVA school celebration in a decorated hall Host an Event

Host a Fundraising Event

Host an event that brings your community together in support of TiKVA.

How to Help

Make your support personal

Choose how you’d like to help

Donate Today

Support the daily care, education, and community helping vulnerable Jewish children build their lives.

Donate Now

Employee Match Program

Ask your employer whether it offers matching gifts.

Give with a match
Have something else in mind?

Your idea doesn’t have to fit in a box

For program sponsorship or a fundraising idea, contact Yanna Begelman, Director of Development, at yannab@tikvaodessa.org.

Talk to Our Team
Young TiKVA children gathered on the classroom rug with their teacher
Stay Connected

Follow the lives your support helps shape

Receive stories from the TiKVA community, program news, and ways to help.