History

Omie's Home for Children was started in a rural suburb of Secunderabad, a city in south India in the state of Andhra Pradesh as a result of Rev. Mani R. Nadava finding ten children living on the streets of a village where he and a team were digging a water bore well. They were given permission to take these children from the streets of the village by the elders since there was no one to care for them. Mani contacted me about helping provide for these young orphans and I agreed to help as much as possible. I brought the need to my family and friends and together we were able to send funds to help with their daily needs.

One of the first regular contributors and my mother, Oma I. Marketto, known by the children as "Mummy Oma," was asked if the orphanage could be named after her. After prayer and much consideration, it was decided that the name should be Omie's Home for Children. From the start, we wanted to let these children know that they were loved not only by Rev. Mani and his wife Rani (along with the caregivers) but by Mummy Oma and myself. Most importantly, we wanted them to know that Jesus also loves them and that we would do all we could to give them a safe and secure place to live.

On December 26, 2004 the tsunami hit the southern coast of India and Mani was asked to take an additional 20 children to Omie's Home. Generous supporters helped in this effort. Many expressed their desire to help because they "know where their money was going." After this disastrous event, we realized that non-profit status must be established here in the US for those who contribute to this home. Omie's Home for children became an official corporation through the state of New Jersey and a 501( c ) 3 eligible nonprofit. All donations are tax deductible.