Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about Maria Naomi and our mission? Discover answers to some of the most common questions we receive to help you better understand who we are, what we do, and how you can get involved. If you have further questions, contact us.

About Maria Naomi

  • The mission of Maria Naomi is twofold: to empower women in rural Romania through employment and skills training, and to strengthen families through Gospel-centered evangelism, discipleship, and care within local communities. By providing sustainable job opportunities, the nonprofit equips women with practical skills and dignified work, helping them break cycles of poverty and build brighter futures. At the same time, Maria Naomi continually shares the love of Christ through Bible studies and outreach events to the local community. Together, these efforts transform lives by addressing both practical and spiritual needs, creating lasting change for families and communities.

    The name "Maria Naomi," chosen by founder Florina Darvell in 2008, reflects the ethos of the nonprofit. "Maria" embodies grace and compassion, while "Naomi," from the Old Testament, signifies joy, restoration, and transformation. Together, "Maria Naomi" symbolizes our joyful, compassionate commitment to the resilient and faithful women of rural Romania, offering transformation through dignified work and growth.

  • Life in rural Romania involves many challenges for women including poverty, spiritual darkness, broken families due to alcoholism, and limited access to stable employment and economic opportunities. Many women are forced to leave their families to seek work in other countries in Europe, which can result in family instability, children struggling in school, and financial and emotional strain.

    Maria Naomi addresses these challenges by providing dignified local employment through its artisan workshop, where women gain practical skills, steady income, and opportunities to thrive practically and spiritually. Local employment allows them to remain close to their families while contributing to their communities. In addition to employment, Maria Naomi fosters a supportive environment where women are encouraged to grow personally and professionally. By creating opportunities and offering mentorship, the initiative helps break cycles of poverty and empowers women to shape a brighter future for themselves, their families, and their communities.

  • Maria Naomi is funded through a combination of one-time gifts, monthly partnerships, in-kind contributions, and proceeds from our clothing label, Melissa’s.

    • Maria Naomi’s clothing label, Melissa’s: A portion of proceeds from our e-commerce brand, Melissa’s, are reinvested into Maria Naomi’s efforts. This helps fund our initiatives while providing dignified work for artisans. Our long-term goal is to grow this storefront so that Maria Naomi becomes primarily funded by its own profits.

    • One-Time Giving: Many supporters choose to make single donations that directly fund immediate needs, such as materials, program expansions, or community outreach events. Make a donation by visiting our donation page through Good Bureau.

    • Monthly Partners: Our monthly donors provide consistent, reliable support that sustains the ministry's day-to-day operations and long-term impact. These ongoing contributions allow us to plan for growth and serve more women and families. You can become a monthly partner by visiting our donation page through Good Bureau.

    • In-Kind Giving: We also rely on in-kind donations, including sewing materials, equipment, and supplies. These contributions significantly reduce costs, enabling us to maximize the impact of every dollar raised. Contact us to learn about our current needs and how you can make a tangible impact today.

    These combined funding streams ensure that Maria Naomi can continue to empower women, strengthen communities, and share the hope of the Gospel. Every contribution, no matter the form, makes a significant and lasting difference.

  • The artisans at Maria Naomi are professionally trained seamstresses who create a range of high-quality, handcrafted products. This includes natural, organic, non-toxic clothing for men, women, and children. Using natural materials such as cotton, wool, hemp, and linen, they prioritize sustainability and craftsmanship in everything they produce. Through Maria Naomi’s comprehensive training, these women develop the expertise to create high-quality clothing and products which are then distributed and sold through their clothing label, Melissa’s.

  • The long-term vision for Maria Naomi is to expand its programs to reach more women and communities in need. This includes growing the artisan workshop to provide more job opportunities, developing new training programs to equip women with additional skills, and increasing the distribution of their handcrafted products with a sustainable organization model through our own distributor and clothing label, Melissa’s. By expanding partnerships, outreach, and opportunities, Maria Naomi envisions transforming even more lives for generations to come.

  • You can purchase handmade products through Maria Naomi’s storefront, Melissa’s. This clothing label, owned and operated by Maria Naomi, employs additional Romanians in their distribution efforts, ensuring that the artisans’ clothing and products reach a wider, global audience. Every purchase directly supports the artisans and sustains the mission’s efforts, creating lasting change in their communities.

  • A typical day for the artisans begins with gathering in the workshop to review orders and plan their tasks. They spend the day crafting high-quality products by hand, such as natural fiber clothing and other handmade goods, while learning new techniques to enhance their skills and efficiency. The workshop fosters a collaborative and supportive environment where the women work together to achieve production goals and build strong relationships. In addition to their work, the artisans engage in professional development, equipping them to grow in their skills and advance their careers, as well as nurturing relationships that result in Gospel-centered conversations, often including Bible studies.

Donations

  • Yes, you can make a tax-deductible donation to support Maria Naomi through our American-based nonprofit partner, Good Bureau. Good Bureau is a registered 501(c)(3) organization that provides American donors with access to tax-deductible giving for Romanian nonprofits who are focused on social impact and development. All funds raised through Good Bureau’s page for Maria Naomi are exclusively allocated to support Maria Naomi’s activities and programs. This ensures your contribution directly benefits women in rural Romania while also offering a tax benefit. For more information, email us at giving@marianaomi.org.

  • Maria Naomi is funded through a combination of one-time gifts, monthly partnerships, in-kind contributions, and proceeds from our clothing label, Melissa’s.

    • Maria Naomi’s clothing label, Melissa’s: A portion of proceeds from our e-commerce brand, Melissa’s, are reinvested into Maria Naomi’s efforts. This helps fund our initiatives while providing dignified work for artisans. Our long-term goal is to grow this storefront so that Maria Naomi becomes primarily funded by its own profits.

    • One-Time Giving: Many supporters choose to make single donations that directly fund immediate needs, such as materials, program expansions, or community outreach events. Make a donation by visiting our donation page through Good Bureau.

    • Monthly Partners: Our monthly donors provide consistent, reliable support that sustains the ministry's day-to-day operations and long-term impact. These ongoing contributions allow us to plan for growth and serve more women and families. You can become a monthly partner by visiting our donation page through Good Bureau.

    • In-Kind Giving: We also rely on in-kind donations, including sewing materials, equipment, and supplies. These contributions significantly reduce costs, enabling us to maximize the impact of every dollar raised. Contact us to learn about our current needs and how you can make a tangible impact today.

    These combined funding streams ensure that Maria Naomi can continue to empower women, strengthen communities, and share the hope of the Gospel. Every contribution, no matter the form, makes a significant and lasting difference.

  • Yes, you can set up a recurring donation to support Maria Naomi’s mission through our partnership with Good Bureau. As a 501(c)(3) organization, Good Bureau makes it easy for supporters to schedule monthly donations, ensuring consistent funding for Maria Naomi's programs. These recurring gifts provide a reliable foundation to sustain and grow our initiatives, empowering women, strengthening communities, and spreading hope. By choosing to give monthly, you help us plan ahead and make a deeper, long-term impact. Visit Good Bureau’s donation page to set up your recurring contribution today.

Belief and Affiliations

  • Maria Naomi is a non-denominational organization; it is firmly rooted in evangelical Christian principles, emphasizing the authority of Scripture, the centrality of Jesus Christ, and the importance of sharing the Gospel with others. This allows Maria Naomi to partner with individuals, churches, and organizations across various Christian traditions who share our essential beliefs to advancing God’s kingdom. Our primary focus is on proclaiming the Gospel, living out Christ’s love, and serving communities in Southern Romania through practical support and spiritual care. This stance reflects our belief in the unity of the body of Christ and commitment to make disciples of all nations.

  • Maria Naomi collaborates with a range of churches, organizations, and individuals who share our commitment to the Gospel and our mission to serve communities in Southern Romania. While we are non-denominational and not affiliated with any specific denomination, we believe in the unity of the body of Christ and welcome partnerships with those who align with our evangelical Christian values.

    Our partnerships include churches from different traditions and backgrounds, reflecting a shared desire to advance God’s kingdom through practical support, discipleship, and outreach. These collaborations strengthen our efforts, enabling us to provide ethical employment opportunities, share the Gospel, and foster sustainable change in the lives of those we serve. Whether through financial support, prayer, or mission trips, we are grateful for the collective impact made possible by partnering with like-minded believers from various denominations.

  • Maria Naomi’s programs are open to everyone in the communities we serve, regardless of their religious beliefs or background. While our work is firmly rooted in Christian values and principles, we are committed to serving anyone in need.

    Our focus is on meeting practical and spiritual needs through ethical employment opportunities, skills training, and community programs. Participants are never required to adopt our faith to benefit from these initiatives. At the same time, we openly share the love of Christ through our actions, discipleship opportunities, and outreach efforts, inviting anyone interested to explore the Gospel. By serving people of all beliefs, we aim to demonstrate Christ's love in tangible ways, fostering hope and transformation across our communities.

Get involved

  • Yes! Visitors and volunteers are welcome and encouraged to support Maria Naomi’s initiatives at our headquarters in Southern Romania. Over the years, we have welcomed volunteers and mission teams from eight different countries to join us for a week-long (or longer) visit at our location in southern Romania. 

    Maria Naomi hosts families, individuals, and small church groups on short-term mission trips to accompany the team in their business operations and ministry efforts to the local villages. These trips provide opportunities to engage in Maria Naomi’s daily operations and ministry, such as supporting the work at the artisans’ workshop, assisting with Bible studies and home visits, participating in outreach service projects, or leading children’s Bible camps in local villages. Volunteers often bring unique skills and fresh perspectives that help strengthen the impact of our ministry.

    Lodging accommodations are offered on the organization’s property, depending on acceptance and availability. We require at least 90 days’ advance contact before your trip, and all applications are subject to approval by our team.

    Contact us to learn more about how you can get involved, plan your visit, or organize a mission trip. We’d love to have you join us in making a difference!

  • Volunteers with a wide range of skills are encouraged to contribute their expertise to support Maria Naomi’s mission. Specific skills such as marketing, business development, sewing, teaching, event planning, or technical assistance are especially valuable in helping the ministry grow and make a lasting impact. However, formal qualifications are not always required; what matters most is a willingness to serve, a heart for helping others, and a desire to create positive change. Whether you’re assisting with a community event, mentoring artisans, or helping refine operational strategies, your efforts can make a significant difference. Maria Naomi also welcomes volunteers who are open to learning about the culture, connecting with local artisans, and sharing their faith through outreach and service.

  • Your business or company can support Maria Naomi in several impactful ways:

    1. Corporate Sponsorships: Partner with us to sponsor programs, events, or initiatives that align with your values. Your support can make a tangible difference in empowering women and uplifting communities.

    2. Wholesale Partnerships: Collaborate with us to feature and sell artisan-made products in your store or online shop. This helps expand the reach of Maria Naomi’s mission while offering your customers unique, handcrafted items. Contact us for wholesale information.

    3. In-Kind Donations: Donate materials, equipment, or services that can directly support our initiatives, such as sewing supplies, marketing resources, or professional expertise.

    4. Spreading Awareness: Share Maria Naomi’s mission with your networks and customers through social media shoutouts or featured stories.

    To learn more about partnering with Maria Naomi, contact us directly. Together, we can create meaningful opportunities that empower women and transform communities.

  • Your church or organization can make a meaningful impact by partnering with Maria Naomi in the following ways:

    1. Mission Partnerships: Become a long-term partner by supporting our programs financially or through prayer. Your church or organization can adopt Maria Naomi as a mission project and play a key role in transforming lives in rural Romania.

    2. Short-Term Mission Trips: Organize a team to visit Maria Naomi and participate in hands-on ministry work. Whether helping with workshops, community events, or Bible studies, your group can directly support our mission while building relationships with the women and families we serve.

    3. Event Hosting: Host a fundraising or awareness event at your church or organization to spread the word about Maria Naomi’s work. This can include product sales, presentations, or themed events to engage your community in our mission.

    4. Donations and Resources: Collect or donate specific items like sewing materials, equipment, or children’s supplies to support our programs. Financial contributions are also invaluable for sustaining our initiatives.

    5. Prayer Support: Commit to praying regularly for Maria Naomi, the women and families we serve, and the team leading the ministry. Prayer is foundational to everything we do.

    To explore partnership opportunities or learn more about how your church or organization can get involved, please contact us directly. We’d love to collaborate with you in advancing this mission!

  • Prayer is a vital part of supporting Maria Naomi’s mission, and we deeply value your prayers. Here are a few specific ways you can pray:

    1. For the Women: Pray for the artisans to feel empowered, valued, and supported as they learn new skills, work with dignity, and hear the Gospel. Ask for God’s provision and guidance in their lives and for their families to experience hope, stability, and salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

    2. For the Children: Pray for the children who attend Bible clubs and community programs, that they would come to know God’s love and grow in faith. Pray for their families to be positively impacted by these ministries.

    3. For the Ministry Team: Pray for strength, wisdom, and encouragement for the team behind Maria Naomi, including Mark and Florina Darvell and their two sons. Pray for guidance and wisdom to sustain and grow the mission.

    4. For the Community: Pray for the villages we serve, that they would experience economic stability, spiritual revival, and unity. Pray for open hearts to receive the message of the Gospel.

    5. For the Future: Pray for God’s blessing and provision over the expansion of the ministry, for new opportunities to serve, and for continued partnerships with individuals, churches, and organizations.

    Your prayers make a difference, and we are grateful for your support in partnering with us!

  • You can stay connected with Maria Naomi’s mission and progress by joining our email list to receive updates directly in your inbox. By signing up, you’ll be the first to hear about new initiatives, success stories, prayer requests, and opportunities to support our mission. Stay inspired by the work we’re doing together!

Still have questions?

We’re happy to help! Whether you’re looking for more details about our mission, ways to get involved, or how to support us through donations or volunteering, we’d love to hear from you.

Let’s connect and make an impact together.