Our identity and history
Together we make Dorcas work
We collaborate with partner organisations, government institutions, volunteers, donors and more to deliver tailor-made humanitarian programmes based on peoples reality. Together is a key word for us. Together we make Dorcas work.
Our presence is never fleeting. We harness sustainable development models — working closely with community leaders, local networks and project participants on the ground — to turn temporary solutions into lasting change.
History
Dorcas was founded by Dutch entrepreneur Dirk-Jan Groot in 1980. Groot was inspired by a foundation that supported Eastern Europeans who were persecuted for their religious beliefs during the Cold War. In the 1990s, the organisation expanded its activities to Africa — and, in the last decade, to the Middle East.
Today we are active in 13 countries in 3 regions — working to improve the resilience and livelihoods of people living in poverty, exclusion and crisis.
Thousands of volunteers in Dorcas Shops, in Dorcas depots, working in groups and in local churches are the lifeblood of our organisation. 2020 marked the 25th edition of the Dorcas Food Campaign — thanks to more than 700 communities across the Netherlands.
The origin of our name
Our name, Dorcas, comes from the Bible. She noticed people who were marginalised and took action. The compassion that motivated her is reflected in Dorcas's organisation. We believe that every person has value and the right to live with dignity.
