Dorcas Moldova
Empowering communities, strengthening local resilience
We see communities facing poverty, social exclusion and climate pressure. Our programmes therefore focus on Protection, Community Development, and Livelihoods and Food Security. The result is stronger, more self-reliant communities where local organisations and volunteers lead lasting change.
Context in Moldova
About Moldova
Moldova faces persistent and compounding challenges. Inflation and limited rural economic opportunities deepen poverty and reduce household resilience. Droughts have reduced wheat production by 60 per cent in recent years, pushing rural households deeper into vulnerable situations. Water scarcity and extreme weather events increasingly threaten agriculture and livelihoods. Older people, persons with disabilities, children and rural families face significant barriers to services and social protection. Since 2022, the influx of Ukrainian refugees has placed additional pressure on already stretched communities.
Dorcas in Moldova
Active in Moldova since 2003, Dorcas works in 70 communities across northern, southern and central Moldova, with expansion into new communities based on need. Our approach is community-led and evidence-based. We empower local organisations and volunteers to lead sustainable change, strengthen social and economic protection, and build climate-resilient livelihoods. Our partnerships with civil society, local authorities and community groups enable us to deliver locally owned and sustainable impact.
By 2030, we envision a Moldova where:
What we do
Programmatic themes
Dorcas Moldova works through three programmatic themes. All programmes integrate inclusion, climate sensitivity and community ownership.
We protect people vulnerable to poverty, exclusion, crisis and violence through integrated measures, targeted prevention and advocacy. When conflict destroyed Nadejda's home in Kherson, she fled to Moldova with nothing. Through the Dorcas refugee programme, support group and empowerment training, she regained dignity and purpose and now helps others to heal. Since 2022, Dorcas Moldova has assisted 6,775 Ukrainian refugees in securing safety, restoring dignity and rebuilding their lives.
We strengthen community capacity, resilience and social cohesion through collaborative, asset-based approaches. After a Dorcas training, a parent in Pistruieni mobilised neighbours and local authorities to build a playground. The collective effort strengthened social bonds and improved children's well-being. In 2025, 1,329 adults felt confident, valued and able to make decisions and participate actively in their community.
We support sustainable livelihoods and food security through climate-smart agriculture and rural economic development. Nicolae struggled to provide for his family. With Dorcas’ support, he now grows food year-round in his greenhouses, improving his income and contributing to local food security. In 2025, 230 households reported increased income, with 190 attributing this directly to income-generating activities supported by Dorcas.
Rediscovering hope through community
Elena spent many years living alone on a modest pension, marked by silence and isolation. She joined a Dorcas-supported community project. What started as practical assistance – help with winter heating and basic needs – quickly became something much deeper. She found connection, belonging and renewed purpose. Today she describes the project as a lifeline.
Our impact in 2020-2025
Economic development
- Income increased for 980 households.
- 779 housholds engaged in income-generating activities.
Livelihoods and Food Security
- 600 households with improved food security.
- 3,895 people enabled to meet their basic food needs.
Community Development
- 4,820 people received support through a community safety net.
Protection
- 2,523 people received protection support.
How we work
Local leadership and partnerships
Dorcas Moldova works with local, national and international partners, including civil society organisations, local authorities, national platforms, businesses and volunteer networks. Our partnerships are built on trust, shared values and long-term commitment. Together, we create opportunities for communities to flourish.
- A.O. El-Sadai
- A.O. 'The Lord's Army'
- Asociatia de Binefacere 'Elim-Moldova'
- Baptist Euroasiatic Mission
- Christian Foundation Titus
- EBC 'Golgota'
- EBC 'Light to the World'
- EBC 'Emanuel'
- FARM
- Hope to Children
- Institute for Rural Initiatives (iRi)
- Keystone Moldova
- The Salvation Army
- CPOE
- Draagt Elkanders Lasten
- EO Metterdaad
- Kom over en Help
- Alliance of Active NGOs in the field of Child and Family Social Protection (APSCF)
- Moldovan National Platform for Promotion and Development of Philanthropy
- Platform for Active Ageing
- Christian Alliance Moldova without Orphans (ACMO)
- Christian Platform Eastern Europe (CPOE)
- Shared values and mutual respect
- Complementary strengths
- Transparent communication
- Long-term commitment
- Local leadership
- Joint learning and adaptation
Partnership and investment opportunities
We seek partners who share our commitment to climate resilience, local leadership and long-term impact. We welcome programme partnerships, institutional funding, research collaborations and private-sector engagement.
'Through our partnership with Dorcas Moldova, we moved from individual impact to a growing impact on the entire community by making good use of available resources.'
Meet our Country Director
Leila Sorbala
'I envision a Moldova where people can develop and use their talents, and where communities are resilient, inclusive and equipped to shape their own future. We believe in a Moldova where families in vulnerable situations, children, youth and older people have access to opportunities, strong social protection and climate-resilient livelihoods. Partnerships are at the heart of our approach – they bring together diverse expertise, local ownership and a shared commitment to lasting change. I warmly invite you to explore partnership opportunities with Dorcas Moldova. By combining our strengths, we can expand our impact and reach those who need it most.'
Contact
Dorcas Moldova office
str. Timisoara 11A
Chisinau MD 2059
Moldova
