Deborah House was founded by Pastor Hans Finzel and his wife, Donna Finzel. Their vision stemmed from profound observations during their early missionary work with Youth With A Mission (YWAM) in Romania.
The Catalyst: The Romanian Orphanage Crisis
Following the fall of communism in 1989, the horrific conditions of Romania's overcrowded state orphanages became globally known. The Finzels, already serving there, witnessed firsthand the severe neglect and developmental delays suffered by children abandoned in these institutions. Infants lacked basic human contact, stimulation, and consistent care.
The Vision Takes Shape
Moved by compassion and a deep sense of calling, Hans and Donna Finzel established Deborah House in Bucharest in the late 1980s/very early 1990s. Its primary, specific mission was to rescue babies and infants directly from these understaffed and underfunded state orphanages. The name "Deborah," meaning "bee" and symbolizing industriousness and community care in scripture, reflected their hope and purpose.
Core Purpose & Founding Model
Deborah House was designed as:
- A Transitional Home: Offering immediate rescue, safety, warmth, nutrition, and critical medical care to infants identified as most at-risk.
- A Bridge to Family: Serving as an interim haven where children could recover and receive dedicated care while concurrently pursuing their ultimate goal: finding permanent, loving adoptive families, both internationally and locally.
- A Model of Nurture: Implementing consistent caregiving schedules, attachment-based nurturing practices, and stimulating environments starkly different from institutional life.
The Story Behind the Creation: Compassion Meets Practical Action
The founding of Deborah House wasn't merely humanitarian; it was a direct response to systematic failure. The Finzels translated their compassion into practical, hands-on care, creating a replicable model focusing on the most vulnerable demographic – infants facing irreversible developmental damage without urgent intervention. Their founding act integrated rescue, specialized care, and family placement within the framework of their Christian faith and YWAM mission.
