Why we do what we do?
At Căminul Felix, we respond to the needs of abandoned children in Romania. We offer them a home within families that have a mother and a father, called to love them and raise them as their own. This family-based care model has been proven to provide the best support for a child’s emotional and psychological development, offering stability, love, and the chance for a future.
We don’t offer institutions — we offer belonging.
Families, not orphanages
Holistic care
Preparation for life
A community that cares
What we do today
Căminul Felix began in 1990, when two missionaries—Linda and Lars Hörnberg—gave up everything they had in Sweden and the United States to respond to one of the deepest wounds of post-communist Romania: abandoned children. They moved into a modest apartment in Oradea and welcomed their first four children into their care. Their dream was not to build a better orphanage, but to offer something far more precious — a family. This is how Căminul Felix was born: a place where rejected children find love, belonging, and a future.
Today, more than 30 years later, their vision continues in the two family villages of Căminul Felix, where children grow up in loving homes, alongside parents who care for them as their own. Around these families, life-shaping projects have been built: sewing and carpentry workshops, a farm, an auto workshop, Assisted House — for vulnerable youth — and Noble House, a guesthouse that financially supports our work. Our mission remains the same: every abandoned child deserves a family, a second chance, and a life filled with hope.
Moments that shaped us
1990
Lars and Linda Hörnberg move to Romania to lay the foundation for Căminul Felix.
With hearts full of faith and a clear vision for family-based care, the two missionaries left everything behind to begin a work that would go on to transform lives.
1992
The first children arrive at Căminul Felix.
For the first time, the children find a true home, in families that offer them love, stability, and hope.
1995
Action Felix Farm begins with just 4 cows, laying the foundation for a sustainable farm.
Through daily work, the children learn responsibility and develop life skills, contributing to the self-sufficiency of the community.
1997
Sunflower Design is founded.
A space for creativity and learning, the sewing workshop becomes a place where talent, craftsmanship, and care come together.
1999
Construction of Căminul Felix II begins.
A new home starts to take shape, giving even more children the chance to grow up in loving families.
2002
We celebrate 10 years of serving children without families.
A decade of love and rebuilding — the first steps of a generation growing up in safety and confidence.
2008
The “Habitat” housing project is launched to support young people in transitioning to independent living.
Young people leaving the children’s village are encouraged and supported to become responsible and confident adults.
2012
Căminul Felix celebrates 20 years of transforming lives.
Two decades in which hundreds of children have found family, direction, and a new meaning of the word “home.”
2014
The Carpentry Workshop opens.
An initiative created for those who, although adults, cannot live on their own. Here, they receive care, support, and safety.
2019
The Assisted House project begins for young adults who need ongoing support.
A thoughtful response for those who cannot live on their own. Here, they receive care, stability, and continuous support.
2022
We celebrate 30 years of love, family, and restored hope.
More than three decades of faithful work — in which we have seen children become parents, dreams fulfilled, and love raising generations.