Tips On Setting Up An Orphanage.

An orphanage is a residential institution devoted to the care of orphans – children whose biological parents are deceased or otherwise unable or unwilling to care for them or places where children with no parents or guardians to care for them can be kept safe with shelter, food, water and clothing, as well as companionship and love.Biological parents, and sometimes biological grandparents, are legally responsible for supporting children, but in the absence of these or other relatives willing to care for the children, they become a ward of the state, and orphanages are one way of providing for their care, housing and education.In starting an orphanage you need to have the passion for the children (orphans) and apart from the financial gains you get from donors you have the opportunity to change the world.

Things to know before starting

1) Training resources that will help you start an orphanage.
2) How to actually start an orphanage of your own.
3) How to select really needy orphans.
4) Ways to find funding and sponsors for the children. You need funding to start an orphanage!
5) Other ways to care for orphans such as starting orphan bases, foster care systems etc.  People who set out to start an orphanage need to focus on starting an orphanage. It is advisable for them to focus on what the orphan’s needs are. Sometimes, it may mean starting an orphanage. At other times, it may mean starting orphan bases. An orphan base is a place from which to work and serve orphans in the surrounding areas. You can work from there to care for orphans in the community, provide tutoring, medical care, meals etc. If the needs become too great, then an orphanage can arise from there. It’s important to let the true needs of the children determine the care that we be given to them. Starting an orphanage immediately without a thorough understanding of the needs of the community is not a smart idea. And these needs change frequently. So flexibility is key. 

How to Set Up an Orphanage

An orphanage can be a challenging and rewarding venture. An orphanage can be set up nearly anywhere in the world. However, in the United States, they are generally no longer referred to as orphanages due to negative connotations. They are now called group homes.

1          Find a location that can accommodate the number of children you plan to house at the orphanage. You need space for them to sleep, eat, study and play, as well as a large kitchen and an area to set up an administrative office.

2          Determine which licenses and permits you need for running an orphanage. This will depend on the state, or country, in which you're working.

3          Figure out your start-up costs for the orphanage. Initial expenses will include a deposit for your location, repairs and maintenance to ensure your building is up to code and supplies, such as kitchenware, bedding, furniture, toys and games.

4          Plan a monthly budget based off of your start-up costs and prepare for running the orphanage. Food, clothing, and school and office supplies need to be purchased regularly. Other monthly expenses include rent, utilities and salaries for employees.

5          Hire employees to help you run the orphanage. You need at least one person to handle clerical duties and another to cook and serve meals. A cleaning person would also be helpful. A supervisor should be hired to manage all staff in charge of caring for the children.

6          Get the building ready for bringing children into the orphanage. Your staff can assist you in cleaning, renovating and setting up the various areas where the children will be sleeping, eating, studying and playing.