Children's Emergency Relief International

Since 2005, CERI has created programxs in Sri Lanka that reunite or build families with family placement services (foster care), conduct trauma and loss counseling for children overcoming heartbreaking loss and hardships, and distribute microloans to ambitious entrepreneurs looking to break the cycles of poverty in their families and rural communities.

In 2016, CERI joined 2 other organizations in taking the first step to support and strengthen family-based care and protection for the millions of children in India by forming The Centre of Excellence in Alternative Care of Children. The work has expanded to a partnership with Jamia University to form the National Foster Care Institute. Additionally, CERI is impacting social change in India through trainings including how to develop a foster care system and alternative care for child protection in regions throughout the country.

Most of CERI’s services in Africa are centered on missions:  South Africa, Nigeria, and the Central African Republic (CAR). South Africa is home to the largest number of people living with HIV of any country in the world. Despite some areas of Africa having a wealth of natural resources, African countries are among the poorest in the world.

CERI has helped orphans cope with the loss of their parents and loved ones to AIDS. In a previously-operated program, CERI worked to break down the barriers of silence about AIDS and help build resiliency in children who have lost loved ones to the AIDS epidemic. In addition to conducting multiple mission trips to Africa each year, CERI supports existing NGOs and ministries through emergency relief contributions.

CERI operates weekly children’s retreats in one of Mexico’s poorest cities, creating a safe haven for children to eat, play, learn, and receive spiritual encouragement. CERI is also developing processes to assist families in getting their children documented by the government so they will be eligible to attend school and utilize other government benefits. In addition to planning new medical missions to provide free medical and dental assistance to impoverished families, CERI has recently launched a new sponsorship program there.

CERI’s critical programs help find safe foster homes for orphaned children and teach youth aging out of orphanages the skills they need to avoid falling victim to human trafficking. The goal is to help youth become self-sufficient, healthy, and stable adults. CERI programs in Eastern Europe also equip youth with resources to meet their daily needs, as well as life-skills training and mentorship. CERI acts as a senior advisor to the Moldovan government regarding social service standards and, as a result, is making a profound difference in the way Eastern Europe’s orphans and children are cared for and protected.