About Us

Children are at the heart of everything SOS Children's Villages does, regardless of where we are in the world. SOS Children's Villages is the largest non-governmental organization dedicated to the long-term care of orphaned and abandoned children across the globe.

In addition, SOS provides extensive emergency relief through our trusted partnerships with local agencies and governments, founded upon 70 years of expertise.

Our History

One person can make a difference. Working together, we make lasting change.

The first SOS Children’s Village was founded by Hermann Gmeiner in Tyrol, Austria in 1949. As a child welfare worker, Gmeiner saw how children who were orphaned as a result of World War II suffered. He was committed to helping them by building loving families and supportive communities. Click to learn more.

Take Action

Through our family support and care programs, medical centers, schools and emergency relief efforts, we impact the lives of millions of children and families.

Donate Now