See and change the world with your family
OSSO is extremely grateful for all volunteers but we particularly love having families serve together in Ecuador!
Most children living in orphanages have never been able to experience a healthy, stable family. When your family volunteers together in an orphanage, you’ll be able to model healthy family relationships to the children. Your family’s service will create a lasting impact on the children we serve and throughout their lives!
Not only will your family change the lives of orphans, but this experience will help your family as well. Volunteering abroad as a family is one of the greatest bonding experiences imaginable!
“This is really an experience for every family! We absolutely recommend this for everyone.”
-Justin and Nina Windward, OSSO Family Alumni
Join our free Virtual Q&A Session!
Want to speak to an OSSO representative before you apply? Join our next upcoming virtual event on September 14th! There will be a short presentation all about what it’s like to volunteer in Ecuador, followed by a Q&A session.
September 14
7:00 pm MST
This is the perfect opportunity to get all of your questions answered directly by our staff!
What do you do as an OSSO volunteer?
When your family volunteers abroad with OSSO, your main priority is to help meet the emotional needs of children living in orphanages! Your days might include playing soccer, reading books, doing crafts, wiping away tears, and giving hugs.
All orphanages in Ecuador have their own respective staff of caregivers to meet the basic needs of the kids - make sure they are fed, clothed, make it to school, etc. However, there are a lot of children to take care of and it can be difficult for the staff alone to make sure every child receives enough individual love and attention.
This is where your family comes in! OSSO volunteers help make sure every child knows they are loved, which is pivotal for their health and development. When needed, you may also help the orphanage staff with feeding the children, changing diapers, and other basic needs.
You’ll have the opportunity to serve in several different orphanages and work with children of all ages - babies, toddlers, younger children, teens, and more. You’ll likely also have the chance to work at OSSO’s orphanage for youth with disabilities (a volunteer favorite)!
Click the button below to learn more about the specific orphanages we serve!
Where can you volunteer?
OSSO has been sending volunteers to the beautiful country of Ecuador since 1999. Volunteers currently serve in Cuenca - a small historic city in southern Ecuador.
Ecuador has a rich and vibrant culture, incredible scenery, and amazing food. Most of all, you’ll love the kind locals and amazing children! They'll make a lasting impression on your heart and you’ll never want to leave!
Volunteers have plenty of dedicated time for sightseeing and to fully immerse themselves in the local culture. Click the button below to learn more!
How long can you volunteer?
Volunteering abroad as a family is a great way to spend your holidays, school breaks, or other vacation time your family has available! Our program is open year-round and your family can serve for any length of time up to four weeks.
Make sure to check out our program cost calculator.
Short-Term Volunteers
Most families that volunteer with OSSO stay in the country for four weeks or less, which we consider as short-term service.
You can call our office to discuss the possibility of staying longer than four weeks. (801) 214-8849 ext 1
What is the schedule like for volunteer families?
At a glance:
Spend every Wednesday participating in a weekly activity!
You’ll always have Sunday mornings off, which can be used as free time or to attend religious services.
There is a 2-hour lunch break every day between shifts.
Enjoy the chance to go an optional 3-day cultural excursion at the end of each month!
Family Schedules
Each day there is a morning shift and afternoon shift. Shifts are usually between four to five hours, depending on which orphanage you will be serving at. We recognize you and your children’s ability to serve will differ based on the age and abilities of your children. Because of this, we invite you to adjust your service schedule based on the needs of your family. That being said, the more you serve the richer your experience will be!
Part-time service is also an option for family members who need to work or study remotely while in Ecuador. Most part-time volunteers typically serve only one shift a day.
Please note that parents are in charge of supervising any children younger than eighteen throughout their volunteer service.
If you have any further questions about the volunteer service schedule, you can email us at info@orphanagesupport.org or call (801) 214-8849 ext. 1.
Volunteer Housing & Accommodations
You’ll stay in secure housing just outside of Cuenca, on the same property as OSSO’s orphanage for youth with disabilities. There are three different volunteers houses on the property - one for female volunteers, male volunteers, and families.
Check out the video to tour our main apartment for volunteer families! We have several similar living spaces available for when there are multiple families serving at the same time.
Each volunteer house has the same general setup. All houses are equipped with high-speed internet, electricity, running water, filtered drinking water, and more. You’ll have access to a stocked kitchen with an oven and microwave.
You’ll also have two Volunteer Directors who live on the property and are available for 24/7 assistance and support as needed. The Volunteer Directors will help train you and supervise your family’s service throughout your stay.
Lunch is provided on service days each week. You’ll be in charge of making your own breakfast and dinner each day. If the kitchen doesn’t have a food item you need, let the Volunteer Directors know so they can add it to their weekly shopping list. There are also many fabulous restaurants in Cuenca that you’ll enjoy going to during your free time!