Orphanage Support Services Organization (OSSO)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who or what is OSSO?
A: OSSO is a nonprofit international charitable organization made up of people who provide nurturing care to the world's disadvantaged, abandoned and orphaned children. OSSO volunteers strive to create sustainable opportunities which enhance each child's self-esteem and self-reliance.

Q: Where did the name OSSO come from?
A: OSSO is an acronym derived from "Orphanage Support Services Organization" and is pronounced OH-SO. ("Oso" in Spanish means bear, so we're also doing a play on words with our logo.)

Q: How did OSSO get started?
A: The concept of providing volunteer support for orphanages emerged from the pure intentions of Dr. and Mrs. Rex Head back in the mid-nineties. The couple realized there must be many compassionate people wanting to help the orphans of the world. Most would-be philanthropists needed some assurance that their contributions would indeed benefit individual children. Rex and Melodie felt compelled to create some kind of bridge plan that would couple the needs of orphans with the resources of caring people who truly want to make a difference. Thus the model of matching children's needs with donor's expectations began to unfold.

Q: Where is OSSO located?
A: OSSO's office islocated in Rexburg, Idaho, USA. OSSO's programs are in Cuenca and Quito, Ecuador.

Q: Who does OSSO serve?
A: OSSO's humanitarian efforts are targeted to those disadvantaged children living in childcare institutions in Cuenca and Quito, Ecuador. In addition to providing direct support to the children, OSSO volunteers also help invigorate existing programs and personnel within the institutions.

Q: How is OSSO funded?
A: All funding comes through tax deductible donations from individuals, foundations, corporations and other charitable organizations.

Q: How can I help?
A: Everyone has something to give. OSSO welcomes your participation. Volunteers are needed to serve the children in Cuenca and Quito, Ecuador. If your circumstances won't allow you to participate in an on-site project, your financial donations will be sincerely appreciated.

Q: How can I make a financial donation?
A: Please fill out the donation form which can be accessed from the "Donors" button on the OSSO home page, or send a check, money order or cashier's check to: OSSO, P.O. Box 345, Rexburg, ID 83440, USA.

Q: How does a person become an OSSO volunteer?
A: Anyone 18 years or older (at time of travel), willing to comply with OSSO's expectations, is encouraged to fill out and submit an application. Application forms can be accessed from the link at the bottom of the "General Information" page after clicking on "Volunteers." Applicants will be advised by phone call or in writing about acceptance into the program.

Q: What do OSSO volunteers do at the project sites?
A: Volunteers perform a variety of duties ranging from basic childcare such as feeding and changing to teaching activities and classes to giving physical therapy. Volunteers' schedules are sometimes irregular and may include working Saturdays, Sundays and night shifts. In addition to direct contact with the children, a volunteer's time is spent traveling, preparing lessons and running the program. There is some limited time for individual pursuits such as hobbies, religious worship and sightseeing.

Q: Is OSSO affiliated with any religious organization or educational institution?
A: No, OSSO is not affiliated with any religious group or educational institution. OSSO respects the religious convictions and beliefs of all people. Volunteers can arrange to get credit for their participation in the program through independent study, internships, individual professors and through practicum credits.

Q: Do volunteers pay their own way?
A: Volunteers are responsible for paying a contribution/donation which helps pay expenses associated with their participation in the program.

Q: How are my participation donations/fees allocated to project costs?
A: Project costs include, but are not limited to: airfare, food, housing and ground transportation (does not cover personal expenses--bring spending money).

Q: How long do volunteers commit to?
A: Volunteers stay in the program for approximately three months.

Q: Where do volunteers live during their OSSO experience?
A: OSSO provides top-tier housing facilities for both female and male volunteers. The Project Directors also live in the same facilities. All facilities include the customary utilities of water, electricity, and indoor plumbing and purified drinking water.

Q: Are the project sites safe?
A: OSSO takes every precaution possible to ensure the safety of all volunteers. Security systems have been installed in the newer apartment buildings. Routes to and from childcare institutions are carefully selected and monitored. While OSSO leaders and volunteers are encouraged to be safety-conscious and subscribe to a strict code of conduct, there are no fail-safe provisions for avoiding risk. There are inherent risks associated with all OSSO projects.

Q: How many hours per week do volunteers spend working with the children?
A: Volunteers typically spend between 35 and 60 hours per week of direct contact time with the children.

Q: Why is there such a variance in the number of direct contact hours spent with the children?
A: The needs of the institutions fluctuate beyond OSSO's control. There are busy times when a lot of volunteers are needed and other times, like naptime, when no one is needed. With fewer volunteers, each volunteer would have more hours but there would be times during the day when there would not be enough people to cover the shifts OSSO is committed to.

Q: Can I travel within the country while serving as a volunteer?
A: Travel is not allowed while you are an OSSO volunteer aside from OSSO day trip activities. Volunteers may choose to stay and travel within the country after their service commitment with OSSO has ended. OSSO promotes a four-night jungle trip at the end of each group's service time.

Q: Can I get college credit for my OSSO experience?
A: Some volunteers may arrange independently to earn credit through their own school, provided such arrangements do not infringe upon their scheduled assignments with OSSO. Please also see "Volunteers."

Q: Why does OSSO have such strict rules?
A: Safety of OSSO volunteers is a primary concern. There are many issues to consider when attempting to keep a large number of foreign volunteers safe in a third-world host country. In an attempt to better manage this risk, OSSO has initiated a strict code of conduct. In the past, some volunteers have felt that OSSO's rules are too restrictive. OSSO cannot allow a volunteer's misconduct to compromise the safety and integrity of the program. OSSO has sent volunteers home at the volunteer's own expense for breach of OSSO's Code of Conduct.