James 1:27
Simply put, James 1:27 describes pure and faultless religion as caring for orphans and widows. Acting on this Biblical invitation, OCA equips Christians and connects them with opportunities to care for children and families in need. We desire to see every child have a home and know the love of a family with the Church community leading the effort. Knowing that welcoming a child into your home is not for every family, OCA provides opportunities to engage in orphan care, whether its adopting or advocating.
Our Vision
For the body of Christ to lead the efforts of caring for the foster and adoptive community in Kentucky and southern Indiana
Our Mission
To equip, connect, and mobilize Christians to serve vulnerable children and families.
Our Faith
Orphan Care Alliance is a Christ-centered, evangelical ministry. This belief shapes everything we desire to do in caring for vulnerable children and families.
You may download our complete statement of faith for further information.
Our Story
Orphan Care Alliance was born through grassroots efforts, spearheaded by five families between two churches in 2005 under the name Louisville Orphan Care Initiative. The focus was financially enabling families to adopt by providing grants and loans because many families in the community felt called to adopt but were struggling to overcome the financial burden. The initial church movement was largely focused on the needs of international children, but as we approached 2010 it was apparent that there were serious needs for children right here in the United States. Now, years later, OCA collaborates with organizations and churches across Kentucky and southern Indiana and share best practices with a network of ministries that span around the nation. We stand together as the Body of Christ, leading the way by caring for the fatherless.
In 2008, Darren and Stacia Washausen, a married couple with their own story of adoption, began serving together at this ministry. Little did they know, just three months later, they would move into leadership roles at the ministry. Darren became the Executive Director of OCA in January 2009 while Stacia became the Family Support Director, along with several other functions. They have seen the ministry grow from three active volunteers to a ministry that is spreading across the state as God moves the ministry to expand his kingdom.
The Fatherless
The Biblical term “fatherless” refers to children whose fathers had died. OCA’s mission aims to reach a broader group of children who have lost their father or their entire family as a part of their daily lives. It is the least of these whom we reach out to serve in southern Indiana and Kentucky.
Our Values
DIGNITY
Our work begins with our belief in the intrinsic value and dignity of all people as image-bearers of God. We seek to restore dignity where it has been lost and insure that everyone we come in contact with is treated with kindness and respect. “So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them.” Genesis 1:27 “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12
EXCELLENCE
We are committed to working hard and doing our best, always mindful that our excellence is measured not only by what we do, but more so by our love and compassion. “And yet I will show you the most excellent way…If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.” 1 Cor. 12:31, 13:3 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:23-24
PERSEVERANCE
We can persevere through hardship and obstacles because God has showed us His love and given us His Spirit. “We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hears through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” Romans 5:3-5
INTEGRITY
We hold fast to honesty and transparency in all our interactions both inside and outside of our organization. "May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, Lord, is in you.” Psalm 25:21 “I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:1-3
FLEXIBILITY
Humility leads to flexibility. Our plan isn’t the only plan if it advances our mission. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interest of the others.” Philippians 2:3-4