About the Founder

FARA Foundation was established in 1991 by Jane Nicholson, its founder and president, driven by a deep calling to serve and support children in need. This calling emerged in the aftermath of the fall of the Ceaușescu regime, when Jane witnessed the heartbreaking images broadcast on British television.

She couldn’t look away from the suffering she saw in the eyes of those children in desperate need of help. Jane gathered a group of volunteers from the UK and came to Romania, delivering emergency aid to children abandoned in state institutions. She made the life-changing decision to dedicate herself to helping the most vulnerable, constantly seeking alternatives for those she encountered during her travels. She remained close to people whose life circumstances were harsher than most, especially in Romania’s poorest communities.

The Early Years in Romania

Jane’s early volunteer experience in Romania, working in the massive child protection institutions—such as orphanages and neuropsychiatric hospitals—left over from the former communist regime, deeply shaped her vision. It was during this time that she began to shape what would become her life’s mission: the FARA Foundation. It was her response to a profound calling to serve the most vulnerable, by spreading love and hope.

The name “FARA” was chosen to highlight the hardships faced by children and young people in these communities: without family, without love, without resources or support, without equal access to education and opportunities, without hope, and without smiles.

Jane turned her attention to the needs of various vulnerable groups and established programs for children and young people with disabilities, those in the child protection system, families living in extreme poverty, and young people preparing to leave institutional care and transition to independent life. Through her presence in local communities and direct dialogue with both people and authorities, Jane quickly understood the scale and complexity of the psychosocial and economic challenges. She recognized the need for effective coordination of resources and prioritization of interventions.

Taking into account the needs of the beneficiaries, the level of poverty, and the openness of local authorities, FARA Foundation began implementing its programs in Suceava and Ilfov counties, as well as in Bucharest.

Making a Difference in the Lives of the Most Vulnerable

Jane drew on her experience as a leader of the humanitarian organization Sue Ryder, which operated in the healthcare sector both in the UK and internationally, as well as her work in Central and Eastern Europe. This background proved invaluable in ensuring the success of FARA Foundation during its early years. She demonstrated that it was possible to make a real difference in the lives of the most vulnerable children—and in Romanian society as it transitioned toward a stable democracy.

In 1997, the first family-style home, St. Nicholas, was established. Here, children who had been deprived of parental care and love were given the chance to grow up in a nurturing environment—one that supported their healthy development and helped them heal from past trauma, with the support of professionals and nuns who became their new family.

Jane’s contribution is part of many success stories that have transformed the lives of countless children. One young person who went through FARA’s programs had spent his life in institutions, suffering abuse, beatings, and inhumane treatment under the old regime. During his time in FARA’s care, he shared: “I thank God for showing me that love is greater than hate, for bringing light into my life.” His testimony reflects FARA’s mission—brought to life through Jane’s actions—to serve every individual in need and to build a society where access to services is not limited by social or economic barriers, moral or Christian values, or other beliefs.

Life of Faith and Service

Jane is a member of the Carmelite Order of the Catholic Church and follows the teachings of St. Teresa of Ávila, the 16th-century Spanish founder of the Order. She is an inspiration to those she meets and works with. Through her simplicity, deep faith, and natural compassion, she is a living example of someone who follows their vocation with energy and purpose, for the good of those who suffer. Her faith is nourished through daily prayer and meditation.

Her guiding motto is: “It is not so much about the greatness of our deeds, but the love with which they are done.” — St. Teresa of Ávila. This quote not only inspires Jane’s humanitarian work but also her passion for painting icons with depth and devotion.

Recognition and Legacy

Jane’s dedication and passion for the Romanian people have been recognized over the years. In 2013, she was awarded the title of Member of the British Empire (MBE), and in 2015, she received the “Initiative in Support of Others” award at the Woman of the Year Gala, organized by Avantaje magazine. The award was presented by Princess Marina Sturdza, who was also an ambassador for FARA Foundation. In her laudatory speech, Marina Sturdza concluded: “I want to tell you that Jane Nicholson is a person of extraordinary beauty and humility.”

The fact that FARA Foundation is celebrating 30 years of activity in Romania is a testament to Jane’s tireless work, passion, devotion, ambition, intelligence, and unwavering commitment. Through her experience, professionalism, creative talent, innovation, and visionary leadership, Jane has built a family a dedicated and compassionate team guided by faith, respect, and solidarity, working for the benefit of the most vulnerable.

This collective effort would not have had the same impact without a constant openness to collaboration, sharing of knowledge and experience, and the mobilization and coordination of local, national, and international resources. Jane’s inspiration and vision have been the foundation for transforming personal connections and experiences into support for thousands of vulnerable children and young people facing poverty, limited access to education and development opportunities, abandonment, lack of parental care, disabilities, and the absence of specialized services and community support.

Through her work and alongside her team, Jane has transformed the lives of at least 10,000 beneficiaries and created a unique model of care and support.

The core elements of this model combine a focus on the needs of beneficiaries with the practical application of research and theory in areas such as child rights protection, disability support, therapy and rehabilitation for children with disabilities, support for at-risk individuals transitioning to independent living, poverty alleviation, and community development.

Jane made the decision to dedicate her life to helping the most vulnerable, constantly seeking alternatives for those she met during her travels. She remained close to people whose life circumstances were harsher than most, particularly in Romania’s poorest communities.

Her early volunteer work in Romania, in the massive child protection institutions—such as orphanages and neuropsychiatric hospitals—left over from the communist regime, inspired Jane to shape what would become her life’s mission: the FARA Foundation. It was her response to a deep calling to serve the most vulnerable by spreading love and hope. The name “FARA” was chosen to draw attention to the hardships faced by children and young people in these communities: without family, without love, without resources or support, without equal access to education and opportunities, without hope, and without smiles.

Jane’s leadership experience with the humanitarian organization Sue Ryder, which operated in the healthcare sector both in the UK and internationally, along with her work in Central and Eastern Europe, proved invaluable in ensuring FARA’s success in its early years. She demonstrated that it was possible to make a real difference in the lives of the most disadvantaged children—and in Romanian society as it transitioned toward a stable democracy.

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