Albania

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One Heart Children's Foundation expanded into Albania in 2022 and is officially recognized there as One Heart Albania since 2024. 

Current Programs

Baba Program:

In partnership with Albania's Ministry of Social Services, we have extended our beloved Baba (Grandmother) Program to Albania’s children's facilities! Because of the generosity of an Albanian donor, we have hired nine Albanian grandmothers to work at six orphanages in Albania (Tirana and Shkoder)! But with so many children and orphanages, more grandmothers are needed. Please help provide a loving grandmother to do activities with the children and give them personal love and attention. This program not only helps the children, but also the grandmothers who are in need of connection and income. It’s a win-win for everyone! 

Shelter for Women and Children:

In 2025, One Heart Albania partnered with Social Services of the City of Korce to establish a shelter for women and children. The shelter is located on the second floor of one of Mother Teresa’s former orphanages! A complete renovation was required for the entire floor. The shelter assists an estimated 80-110 women and children a year who are fleeing abusive situations and don’t have anywhere else to go. Victims will be housed for up to two weeks while they rest, receive food, shelter, clothing, therapy and access to important resources. They will also be assisted with relocating to other towns to ensure their continued safety. This is just one example of One Heart Children’s Foundation's work to help women and end child abandonment in Eastern Europe. Because of this shelter, women who are fleeing abusive situations no longer have to leave their children at an orphanage. These programs and efforts advance our greater mission, which is to eliminate the orphan crisis at its roots. Excited doesn’t even begin to describe how we feel!  

Watch this video of Deborah Dushku, our Executive Director, Co-founder, and descendant of Albanian refuges, walk through and talk about the building of the shelter.

This shelter was made possible due to the generosity of CMS, a Dushku Family Related Organization,  Erjola Xheko,  co-founder of One Heart Albania, and through collaboration with government authorities of the city of Korçë. Renovations were overseen by Erjola Xheko of Aluflor Construction Group. 

View our One Heart Albania brochure that outlines our efforts in Albania

One Heart Albania is also on social media:  Facebook Page   |   Instagram Page