Quarterly Newsletter

News & Needs Fall 2026

Hanan and Sahar Fix Up Each Other’s Lives – Improving Homes and Lives in Jordan
Maria Finds a Way to Give Back – Starting a New Life in Poland
Saving Mom’s House – Restoring a Lifelong Dream in Tennessee

News & Needs Spring 2026

Hard Work and Perseverance Opens College Doors for Christos – On the Road to a Better Future
Rama’s Recovery After Damascus Church Bombing – Restoring a Family’s Well-Being
Yousef Smiles Again – Treating Injury; Restoring Confidence in Gaza

News & Needs Winter 2026

Huda’s Journey to New Friendships – Finding Help at Azraq Camp in Jordan
Curing Disease Was Only the Beginning – A Brighter Future in Ethiopia
Sowing Seeds of Hope in Georgia – Creating Opportunity from Adversity

News & Needs Fall 2025

Vital Warmth for Ana and her Grandchildren – Rebuilding After Cyclone Boris in Romania
Preserving the Mother-Baby Bond Beyond Walls – Overcoming Barriers: Improving Two Young Lives in Lebanon
IOCC Volunteers Transform Ms. Pat’s Storm Damaged Home – Hurricane Helene Rebuilding Update

News & Needs Summer 2025

Samara’s Remarkable Return – Helping A Girl in Gaza Overcome Tragedy
Sofia’s Journey to Self-Sufficiency – Supporting Women in Ukraine
Building Better Futures in Uganda – A Continuing Partnership Brings Water and Education to More Children

News & Needs Spring 2025

Achieving Self-Sufficiency in Ethiopia – A Displaced Mother and Her Children Find Stability
Finding Community in the Kitchen – Nourishing Body and Spirit in Lebanon
Fighting Human Trafficking in Romania – Providing Vital Education to Students

News & Needs Winter 2025

A Recipe for Success – Microloans Grow a Restaurant Business in Greece
Hope and Health for a Displaced Family – Bringing Critical Aid to Gaza
Donors Provide Momentum for IOCC Hurricane Response – With $1 Million in Support Raised So Far, Rebuilding Will Continue Through 2026.

News & Needs Fall 2024

A Mother and Son Flee Conflict in Ukraine – Antonina and Danilo Find Safety—and Hope
Microloans Make a Major Impact – IOCC Program Supports Small Business in Rural Bosnia and Herzegovina
Ukraine Crisis Response – By the Numbers
A Vision for a Better Future – IOCC Program Helps a Shop Owner in Jordan

News & Needs Summer 2024

An Inspiring Story of Success in Syria – Helping Sanaa Realize Her Dream of University
Kateryna’s Ukrainian Journey – Fleeing a War Zone and Finding a New Home
Education Projects in Syria – By the Numbers
Vital Relief after a Devastating Flood – Providing Clean Water and Hot Meals in Volos, Greece

News & Needs Spring 2024

Transforming Homes and Lives after Devastating Tornadoes – Crucial Grants Fuel Extensive Home Rebuilding in Kentucky Community
A Group of Women Changing Lives in Lebanon – Promoting Maternal and Child Health through Education
Gaza Update
Rebuilding in Kentucky – By the Numbers
Restoring and Renewing Kindergartens in Georgia – Creating Safe Learning Spaces

News & Needs Winter 2024

Meeting Urgent Needs in Gaza – Providing Relief and Planning for the Future
Rising above Adversity to Rebuild – Improving Food Security in Greece
Your Impact in 2023 – By the Numbers
Fighting Podoconiosis in Ethiopia – How a Teenage Girl Is Helping Lead the Way

News & Needs Fall 2023

A New Start in Lebanon – Fighting Malnutrition in Children
The Power of Partnership – How IOCC Works with Other Organizations
Energizing Youth for Service – Going Forth to Serve after Serv-X-Treme

News & Needs Summer 2023

Expanding Support to Address Urgent Needs in Ethiopia
Growing Businesses and Promoting Economic Stability in Greece
Nourishing and Protecting Ukrainian Refugees

News & Needs Spring 2023

Emergency Earthquake Relief Underway – IOCC Also Planning for Long-Term Aid
Reenergizing Vital Work in Lebanon – Solar-Powered System Revives a Charity Kitchen
Nourishing Bodies and Souls in Montenegro – Major Improvements to a Church Humanitarian Kitchen

News & Needs Winter 2023

Building Resilience in Ethiopia – Overcoming Severe Drought and Locust Infestation
Surviving Conflict, Open to Opportunity – How IOCC and Partners Are Helping Women and Young Adults in Syria
Ukraine Relief Update – IOCC Programs Provide Vital Assistance in Ukraine, Romania, and Poland

News & Needs Fall 2022

The Story of Marta – Reuniting a Grateful Ukrainian Family
Greece Fire Response Update – Helping Resin Collectors Recover from Wildfires
The Power of Serving Others – Learning and Connecting at Serv-X-Treme

News & Needs Summer 2022

Urgent Action amid Ukraine Crisis
Continued Investment in West Bank School
Developing Healthier and Safer Schools in Uganda

News & Needs Spring 2022

Confronting a Crippling Disease
Bringing Crucial Health Services to Lebanon
Sowing Seeds of Hope in Bosnia and Herzegovina

News & Needs Winter 2022

Rebuilding Alongside Fire Survivors in Greece
Hurricane Ida Cleanup Continues
Bringing Health Services to Syrian Refugees

News & Needs Fall 2021

Beirut: One Year Later
Youth Prepare to Go Forth and Serve
Hope after Greece’s Wildfires

News & Needs Summer 2021

Helping Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 in Georgia
Helping a Refugee Realize His Dream
Bringing New Meaning to "a Healthy Education"

News & Needs Spring 2021

Small Farmers Equipped for Self-Sufficiency
Helping Gamal Speak with Confidence
US Hurricane Response Update

News & Needs Winter 2021

Creating Opportunity in Greece
Hope after Disaster in Lebanon
Finding Resilience in Times of Crisis

News & Needs Fall 2020

Swift Response to Beirut Explosion Meets Immediate Needs
Picking Up the Pieces in Iowa
Bolstering Uganda’s Fight against COVID-19

News & Needs Summer 2020

Growing Self-Sufficiency in Georgia
IOCC Foundation Funds Creative Projects in Challenging Times
IOCC Events Go Virtual, Meet Success

News & Needs Spring 2020

Weathering the Storm Together
Self-Care During Quarantine
A Good Night’s Sleep, Delivered
Kosovo Monastery Producing Grain, Looking Ahead

News & Needs Winter 2020

A Chance for a Healthy Childhood
Fighting Stigma by Investing in Girls
In Bahamas, Serving after the Storm

News & Needs Fall 2019

Envisioning a Stronger Economic Future in Greece
Clinics in Ethiopia Combat Neglected Disease
Fresh Confidence through Expert Care

News & Needs Summer 2019

The Work Doesn’t Stop
Women Beekeepers in Albania Tackle Challenges Together
Five Million School Snacks Support Nutrition, Education

News & Needs Special Antiochian Convention Edition Summer 2019

Building Community, Providing Meals and Income
Small Steps toward Better Health in Gaza
The Long Road after Disaster
Rebuilding Lives and Livelihoods in Syria

News & Needs Spring 2019

Simple Gifts, Determination Drive Success in Armenia
Upgraded School Fosters Motivation, Ambition
High-Tech Training Offers Path Forward

News & Needs Winter 2019

Microloans Yield Macro Results
Networking Gets New Meaning in Amman
Community Leaders Train for Water Management in Rural Uganda
Supporting Better Health and Nutrition

News & Needs Fall 2018

Greece Fire Response Offers Hope Amid Ashes
Back to School in a New Place
Diaconia: Faith in Action

News & Needs Summer 2018

Rebuilding Lives and Livelihoods in Syria
Local Milk on Demand
Seeing Long-Term Impact
Equipping Beekeepers for Bigger Business

News & Needs OCA National Convention Special Edition 2018

When Disaster Hits Home
Investing in a Brighter Future
The Orthodox Frontline

News & Needs Special Clergy-Laity Congress Edition Summer 2018

Supporters Surpass Challenge Gift to Aid Families in Greece
Local Milk on Demand
Growing New Hope in Greece
Skills for Tomorrow

News & Needs Special Antiochian Convention Edition Summer 2018

Seeing Clearly, Moving Freely
Creating Community Improves Health Among Refugee Mothers, Children
Overcoming Obstacles to Learning in Syria

News & Needs Spring 2018

Building Educational Expertise in Romania
Breaking New Ground in Uganda
Creating Community Improves Health Among Refugee Mothers, Children

News & Needs Winter 2018

Year-Round Gardens Mean Better Health
After the Storms
Seeing Clearly, Moving Freely

News & Needs Fall 2017

Building Confidence, Building Bonds
Selenat's New Shoes
Honoring A Saint's Life
IOCC's Education-Related Project Timeline

News & Needs Summer 2017

2017 Annual Frontliner Conference Educates and Energizes Volunteers
Forging Bonds Between Greek and Syrian Children
Training Leaders in Disability Issues in Ethiopia
Emergency Response for Displaced People in Mhardeh Village, Syria

News & Needs OCA National Convention Special Edition 2017

Bounty in Her Own Backyard: Nawal’s Story
Supporting a Church-Run Community Hospital in Tbilisi
The Desert Becomes a Fruitful Field
25 Years of IOCC’s Refugee Work: A Timeline

News & Needs Special Antiochian Convention Edition Summer 2017

Historic Primary School in Homs is Restored
Emergency Response for Displaced People in Mhardeh Village, Syria
Orthodox Action Teams Join in Helping Neighbors
IOCC and GOPA-DERD Rebuild Communal Shelters for Displaced People

News & Needs Spring 2017

Back on His Feet: Father Tamiru Overcomes Podoconiosis
Thank You From Tanzania!
Orthodox Action Teams Join in Helping Neighbors
Hope in Hardship

News & Needs Winter 2017

IOCC Responds to Hurricane Devastation in Haiti
Kosovo Bread and Wine Program Provides Life-Sustaining Assistance
Rural Co-Ops Create Jobs for Greek Families
Child-Friendly Spaces Give Syrian Youth a Place to Dream

News & Needs Fall 2016

Glasses Bring World Back into Focus for Syria's Refugee Children
Seeds Of Hope For Ethiopia’s Drought-Stricken Farmers
Giving Lebanon’s Babies A Healthy Start
Orthodox Youth Gain Leadership And Service Skills At Conference

News & Needs Summer 2016

Support for Worker Cooperatives Creates Jobs for Families in Greece
School Snacks Fuel Bodies and Minds of Refugee Children in Lebanon
Hope Springs from Safe Water for Families in Tanzania
IOCC Farm Project Helps Feed Families in Jordan

News & Needs OCA National Convention Special Edition 2016

Securing Shelter Eases Worries for Syrian Refugees
Equipping At-Risk Youth with Skills On and Off the Court
Fresh Food Program Nourishes Bodies and Hopes of Greece’s Families
IOCC Clinics Help Ethiopians Gain Footing Against Disabling Disease
Illuminating Our Hearts and Minds in the New Year

News & Needs Special Clergy-Laity Congress Edition Summer 2016

Support for Worker Cooperatives Creates Jobs for Greece’s Families
Give for Greece Campaign Extends Aid to Those Most Vulnerable
Orthodox Christian Volunteers Serve their Neighbors in St. Louis
IOCC Addresses Malnutrition in Greece
IOCC and Greek Diaspora Aid Families in Greece with No Healthcare
Refugees and Migrants Risk All to Seek Safety, Hope in New Lands

News & Needs Special Antiochian Convention Edition Summer 2016

IOCC Providing Syrians Access to Critical Health Services
Assyrian Children Bear Scars of War, Face New Challenges in Exile
Hope Springs from Safe Water for Families in Lebanon
Orthodox Christian Volunteers Serve their Neighbors in St. Louis
IOCC Project Opens Doors to Jobs and Hope in Gaza

News & Needs Spring 2016

Ethiopia Drought Threatens Survival of 10 Million People
Giving Families in Bosnia Tools for a Better Future
Emergency Medical Aid Fills Critical Gap in Care for Syrians
New Jobs Boost Incomes and Hope in Gaza

News & Needs Winter 2016

Art Therapy A Respite for Children in War Torn Syria
IOCC Food Parcels Reach Children Displaced By Ukraine Conflict
Restored School Renews Joy Of Learning for Students in Jordan
‘Give for Greece’ Campaign Extends Aid to Those Most Vulnerable

News & Needs Fall 2015

Refugees And Migrants Risk All To Seek Safety, Hope In New Lands
Conferences Give Teens Fresh Outlook on Serving God through Others
New High School A Gateway For Hopeful Uganda Teens
Bridging The Opportunity Gap For Refugee Children

News & Needs Summer 2015

IOCC Assists Syrian Families Escaping Bloodshed in Idlib
Saving Soles From A Disabling Foot Disease In Ethiopia
The Savory Smell of Success For Bosnia's Entrepreneurs
Nepal's Earthquake Victims Face Homelessness and Hunger

News & Needs OCA National Convention Special Edition 2015

IOCC Assists Syrian Christians Traumatized in Deadly Attack
Protecting Syria’s Youngest Refugees from Malnutrition
Clearing a Path to Opportunity for Ethiopia’s Disabled
Orthodox Youth Gather for Service Leadership
IOCC Expands Effort to Address Hunger in Greece
Farming Support Yields Fresh Start for Women in the West Bank

News & Needs Special Antiochian Convention Edition Summer 2015

IOCC Assists Syrian Christians Traumatized in Deadly Attack
Protecting Syria’s Youngest Refugees from Malnutrition
Gaza Families Face Growing Water Crisis
Orthodox Youth Gather for Service Leadership
IOCC Works to Ease Strain on Schools in Lebanon
Turning Adversity into Opportunity for Women in the West Bank

News & Needs Spring 2015

Bringing Comfort to Mothers and Children in War Torn Syria
Gaza Families Face Growing Water Crisis
Sudanese Refugees Struggle for Survival in New Land
Balkans Flood Relief Focuses on School Children

News & Needs Winter 2015

Clearing A Path to Opportunity for Ethiopia's Disabled
Protecting Syria's Youngest Refugees from Malnutrition
Fresh Hope for Greece's Vulnerable Children
Kosovo Famers Reap the Benefits of IOCC Greenhouse Project

News & Needs Fall 2014

New School Removes Barrier to Learning for Uganda’s Children
Orthodox Youth Gather For Service Leadership
IOCC Works To Ease Strain On Schools In Lebanon
IOCC Reaches Pakistan Flood Survivors In Hardest Hit Areas
Loving Christ by Loving Others

News & Needs Special Clergy-Laity Congress Edition Summer 2014

IOCC Provides Medical Lifeline for People of Greece
Fresh Hope for Greece’s Families
Easing the Economic Woes for Greece’s Families
Stamping Out Podoconiosis
Orhtodox Christian Emergency Network Grows to 100 Members

News & Needs Special Antiochian Convention Edition Summer 2014

Syria's Refugee Children Face Rising Risk of Malnutrition
A Community Oasis in Troubled West Bank
Healing the Hidden Scars of Displaced Syrians
Community Kitchen Nourishes Syrian Refugee Families
A Place to Call Home Again
IOCC Assists Displaced Syrians Fleeing Embattled Kassab

News & Needs Spring 2014

The Art of Restoring Hope
Helping Families Rebuild After Typhoon Haiyan
Healing the Hidden Scars of Displaced Syrians

News & Needs Winter 2014

Reaching Families Isolated by Typhoon Haiyan
Jobs for Syria’s Displaced Ease Hardship
Coffee Talks Help Curb HIV In Ethiopia’s Children
Water-Saving Farms Keep Gaza’s Families Fed
The Opportunity to Say, “YES” to Christ

News & Needs Fall 2013

Quenching the Thirst for Clean Water in Cameroon
Fresh Hope For Greece’s Families
The Future Threatened For Syria’s Schoolchildren
A Place To Call Home Again
Praying For Peace In Troubled Lands

News & Needs Summer 2013

IOCC Provides Medical Lifeline for Greeks
Entrepreneurs Fuel Economic Progress in Bosnia
Helping Families Find Respite From Syria’s Turmoil
New Books Keep Learning Alive For US Schoolchildren
True Victory: Of the Flesh or of the Spirit

News & Needs Spring 2013

Helping Syrian Refugee Families Find a Fresh Start
Creating a Community Oasis in Troubled West Bank
Giving Comfort to Armenia’s Inmate Families
Center a Haven for Romania’s Poorest Children
Meditation for Great Lent

News & Needs Winter 2013

Gaza Farm Rehab Project Reaps Food and Optimism
Montenegro Soup Kitchens Nourish Body and Soul
Ethiopia’s Disabled Mobilized for the Future
Georgian Dairy Delivers Promise of New Prosperity
Embracing A Life of Compassion

News & Needs Fall 2012

New School A Bridge to Future for Uganda War Orphans
Helping People Reach Their Potential
Training Profits Ethiopia’s Disabled
Self-Reliance in the West Bank
Reflection from Zimbabwe

News & Needs Summer 2012

From Struggling Street Vendors to Valued Shoemakers
Georgian Youth Transform Troubled Pasts
From The Board Chairman
IOCC Micro-Credit Program
Reflection by Father Leonid Kishkovsky

News & Needs Spring 2012

Putting Faith into Action
IOCC 20th Anniversary Timeline
Gifts of the Heart

News & Needs Winter 2012

Opening Doors to Education for Children of Famine
Medical Shipment Strengthens Zimbabwe’s Ailing Families
New Stoves Bring Winter Relief to Serbia Quake Survivors
Iraqi Refugees Craft New Careers
Making the Gospel Alive
Seeking Volunteers for 2012 Orthodox Action Teams

News & Needs Fall 2011

Bringing Stability Back to Haiti’s Fragile Lands
Agricultural Development Bears Fruit in the Balkans
Farming Project Sweetens Lives of West Bank Families
Reviving Georgia’s Dairy Industry
The Fruit of the Holy Spirit

News & Needs Spring 2011

Bosnians Have Reason to be Bullish About the Future
Saving Family Farms in Fire-Stricken Areas of Greece
Building for the Future in Rural Haiti
World’s Newest Country to Receive Life-Saving Aid
An Orthodox Understanding of Acts of Mercy

News & Needs Winter 2011

Nurturing Successful Entrepreneurs in Syria
Defeating One of Ethiopia’s Most Neglected Diseases
Equipping Romania’s Children with Welcome School Tools
Rebuilt School a Lifeline for Haiti’s Rural Children
Laboring in the Lord’s Vineyard

News & Needs Fall 2010

Response Shifts to Health and Recovery in Disaster Areas
IOCC Project in Romania Aims to Expand and Strengthen Social Services
School Program Offers New Perspective for Lebanese Youth
Effects of Haiti Earthquake Ripple through US Community
IOCC Project Extends Assistance to Iraqi Refugees in Syria
Loving Memories Inspire Gifts of Love

News & Needs Spring 2010

IOCC Delivers Essential Relief to Haitian Quake Survivors
IOCC and Philoptochos Help Ethiopian Children Combat Dreaded Disease
IOCC and Romanian Orthodox Church to Broaden Assistance to Romanians
IOCC Provides New Jobs & Humanitarian Programs in the Holy Land
Acts in the Spirit of Christ’s Love

News & Needs Winter 2010

Cultivating Prosperity in Southeast Europe
Christian Families Especially Vulnerable in Iraq
A Year After the Earthquake Haitians Remain Vulnerable
Christmas: What Can We Give to God and Our Neighbor?
Support Brings Hope for Children Who Bear Burden of HIV in Ethiopia

News & Needs Fall 2009

IOCC Helps Single Working Moms Realize Dream of Homeownership in US
Odds Stacked Against Them, Boys in New Orleans Get Fighting Chance
Orthodox Clinic Meets Zimbabweans’ Health Needs
After War in Georgia, A Retiree Struggles to Rebuild His Life
IOCC Assists Alabama’s Battered Women

News & Needs Spring 2009

IOCC Extends A Healing Hand to Africa
Families in Gaza Endure, Struggle to Rebuild
Orthodox Volunteers Make A Difference in the US
Trauma of War Lingers for Children in Georgia
Seeds of Hope Take Root for Greek Farmers

News & Needs Winter 2009

After War’s Devastation, IOCC Helps Refugees Rebuild their Lives
Small Blessings Provide Big Impact for Georgians Recovering from War
IOCC and Orthodox Church Reach Uganda’s Youth
IOCC Partnering to Give Children in US a Head Start
New Grant Broadens Romanian Orthodox Church’s Social Service

News & Needs Fall 2008

Agriculture: IOCC’s Next Wave
Matching Grant Expan
Frontline Clergy Offer Care for Flood Victims
Life Inside Iraq: “We Have Become Accustomed to the Fear”
Greece: Aid to Farmers in Peloponnese, NBA’s Stojakovic Provides Wheelchairs for Thessaloniki
Georgia: New Youth Program Focuses On Drug Abuse Prevention

News & Needs Spring 2008

IOCC Expands in Syria
What inspires us?
Keeping Greek Village Life Alive
New Initiatives for an Ancient Land
The Principal’s Story
Safer Returns to Kosovo

News & Needs Winter 2008

Kosovo: At the End of the Road, Hope is Renewed
IOCC Provides New Equipment for Greece’s Fire Fighters
Georgia: Displaced Families Face Harsh Winter
Lebanese Summer Camps Strengthen Sense of Belonging
Letters from the Frontline
Hope for a Future in Syria
Helping Families in Baghdad’s Sadr City

News & Needs Fall 2007

Bosnia: A Family Returns, A Nation Moves Forward
A Healing Presence At Virginia Tech
IOCC on the US Gulf Coast
We Deliver: The Dramatic Growth in IOCC’s Gifts-In-Kind Program
Bosnia: A Family Returns, A Nation Moves Forward

News & Needs Spring 2007

Education and Innovation: Projects Promise Renewal in Georgia
LOOKING BACK: IOCC Georgia in 1995
Material and Mental Healing for Lebanese Students
Ethiopia: Key to Africa
IOCC Elects Alex Machaskee as New Board Chairman
Voices of All Star Philanthropists

News & Needs Winter 2007

From Education to Cooperatives, Building a Future for the Middle East
Relief for Greece: IOCC’s Emergency Program Provides Assistance to Farmers
IOCC Brings First-Time Medical Care for Woliso, Ethiopia
Medieval Monastery Cultivates Good Will in Kosovo

News & Needs Fall 2006

From Development to Emergency Relief in Lebanon
Critical Gaza Medical Support Provided by Greek MFA Gift
IOCC Emergency Preparedness
Bosnian citizens taking action through local organizations
Indonesia’s Unexpected Tsunami Benefits
Zimbabwe Crisis Spotlighted Through $1.5 Million Medical Aid
Taking the Initiative at Taybeh

News & Needs Spring 2006

Midnight run to New Orleans; The airport evacuation
Lebanon school receives help following attack
IOCC rebuilding disaster-affected regions
Serbia-Montenegro and Bosnia-Herzegovina
Education helps family, village in West Bank
Overcoming stigma in Ethiopia
Georgia and James Nicholas establish new fund to assist children

News & Needs Winter 2006

Return to Kosovo: IOCC Programs Continue as Province’s Status Remains Undecided
A Lebanon Follow Up with IOCC’s George Antoun
IOCC’s 3rd Study Tour to Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina
From Bethlehem to Jerusalem: Children of the Holy Land Receive Improved Schools

News & Needs Spring 2005

Bosnian youth shaping a peaceful future
Wave of relief follows tsunami
Windows of opportunity opening for women in rural West Bank
Lebanese children find stability, hope in IOCC education program
New textbooks will support schools, academic achievement
Leave a legacy through St. Basil Society

News & Needs Fall 2005

Victims of family violence, AIDS in Romania getting assistance with basic needs.
In-Kind goods help Palestinians overcome poverty, lack of mobility
Gifts in Kind — matching resource to need
Bosnian citizens taking action through local organizations
IOCC, Wheelchair Foundation and NBA Champion team up in Bosnia-Herzegovina
Donated vitamins give hope to Albanian children, hospitals