Open Gates Association
Open Gates Association helps children, families, schools, and communities grow stronger and more resilient through education, practical support, and partnership, with special attention to those affected by war and crisis.
Who we are
The work that became today's Open Gates Association traces its roots to 2011. OGA was formally organized in the United States on June 13, 2012, with an international outlook and a commitment to people facing war, disaster, and difficult life circumstances.
Family-care experience helped shape the organization, but the war in Ukraine became a defining turning point in 2022. Under the leadership of President Viktor Vaivodiss, OGA brought together a wider team and developed the OGA Roadmap: a connected model joining immediate human support, stronger community systems, and responsible coordination.
See how OGA works2011–2012
OGA's early work began in 2011. Open Gates Association was formally organized in the United States on June 13, 2012. Its international outlook and broad humanitarian commitment established a foundation for partnerships across communities and borders.
Family-care experience
Before leading OGA's next chapter, Viktor Vaivodiss worked with An Open Door Adoption Agency for more than 15 years. An Open Door's experience serving children and adoptive families since 1987 helped shape OGA's emphasis on careful coordination, permanent family care, and support that extends beyond a single intervention.
2022
Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine changed the scale and urgency of the need. President Viktor Vaivodiss assembled a wider team of professionals around a shared humanitarian vision. Together they created the OGA Roadmap to connect immediate relief with longer-term resilience and systemic change.
2023
OGA launched the Rapid Response and Resilience Initiative with the KUPINA team, combining immediate on-the-ground response with education and skills intended to help communities prepare for and navigate crises.
Today
OGA's work is organized around one shared operational foundation and two paths to impact. The Support Center coordinates the work; Direct Impact serves children and families; Systemic Impact strengthens the networks and response capacity around them.
The OGA Roadmap
Start with the Support Center, then follow the two connected paths below. Direct Impact serves children and families; Systemic Impact strengthens the networks and response capacity around them.
View the full RoadmapOperational foundation
Path to impact
Path to impact
From local to global
OGA is based in the United States and works across borders with partners connected to communities affected by war and adversity.
Individual donors, organizations, and sponsors help OGA connect resources with focused programs and urgent needs.
Directors, volunteers, specialists, community organizations, and supporters each contribute a distinct part of the response.
Start with OGA's history and Roadmap. Then choose a program, ask Open Gates AI for details in your preferred language, or contact the OGA team directly.
The OGA story
Watch this Open Gates Association film for a closer look at the people, purpose, and experiences behind the organization's humanitarian direction.
Our foundation
Open Gates Association helps children, families, schools, and communities grow stronger and more resilient through education, practical support, and partnership, with special attention to those affected by war and crisis.
Read missionA world in which every person can reach safety, support, and the opportunity to build a hopeful future.
Read visionCompassion, collaboration, dignity, accountability, and thoughtful action guide how OGA works with people and resources.
Read valuesPeople of OGA
AliceVolunteer
Viktor VaivodissPresident
Yevhen TitarenkoR3I Rescue and Training Operations Leader
LisaVolunteer
Mariya LomonosovaDirector of European Operations
RobertVolunteerPartner directory
Take part
Start with OGA's history and Roadmap. Then choose a program, ask Open Gates AI for details in your preferred language, or contact the OGA team directly.
