11 years · Jiu Valley, Romania

Without Limits

A Jiu Valley where poverty no longer limits potential, and every young person has the support, skills, and opportunities to build a life of dignity and purpose.

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another." — John 13:34 (ESV)

Our Mission

Unlocking Potential

Fără Limite's mission is to create an environment where children can develop their physical abilities, academic skills, and life skills, grounded in Christian values. We aim to empower the youth to overcome challenges and reach new heights.

Born in Romania's Jiu Valley, a former coal mining region hit by 30-40% unemployment after mine closures, we provide holistic youth development through rock climbing, education support, and skills training. We don't just offer activities; we walk alongside the whole person.

"I tell his teacher that he's doing well in school because he wants to climb. It's been something so good for him." — Mother of a climber

Our Vision

The vision of Fără Limite is to help young people grow into their full potential, grounded in Christian values. The project seeks to love and support the youth as Christ loves us, guiding them in their journey to become who God created them to be.

Community Recognition

"We've had the opportunity to directly observe the extraordinary impact of the Fără Limite day center on children and families from our community."

— Cristian Merisanu, Mayor of Vulcan

"Children participating in the program demonstrate better social skills, have a healthy alternative for spending free time, and acquire problem-solving skills and critical thinking transferable across a wide range of future professions."

— Razvan Bahnarel, Clinical Psychologist

Our Impact

Results That Matter

11 years of measurable outcomes in education, confidence, and life skills.

0 Total Enrollments ~150 per year
0 Years Active Founded 2015
0 % School Retention vs ~80% community average
0 Children Benefited Youth reached through the programme
3 youth have been Romanian National Youth Climbing Team members Including past national champions in age categories—proof that disadvantaged youth can achieve at the highest levels.
Support Our Mission

Raul's Story

A real life, transformed through Fără Limite's programs

Raul comes twice a week to our education programs and never misses a day. With Damaris's consistent support, he passed his history exam — a year when he was on the verge of repeating an entire semester. Now he comes prepared and motivated, growing in responsibility and in his love for learning.

In our leatherworking workshop, Raul made a chalk bag entirely with his own hands — from scratch, with patience and precision. The most beautiful moment came at a climbing competition, when he used that very bag. He brought both his passions together in one moment he was incredibly proud of.

"You could see the confidence in his eyes — he knew he'd created something meaningful and was putting it to real use."

Raul is part of our youth group, participates in the cycling club, summer activities, and our Friday hot lunch program. We walk alongside him in every sphere of his life — educational, practical, physical, and spiritual. Your partnership makes moments like these possible.

What We Do

Integrated Youth Development

Youth participate in all three core components—skills learned in one area reinforce and transfer to others.

Youth Climbing
70 participants Ages 4–19

Rock Climbing Program

More than a sport — climbing is a powerful transformation tool. It builds real trust (your partner holds your rope), develops problem-solving (every route is a puzzle), and teaches perseverance through visible, tangible progress. When youth discover they can climb, they begin to ask: what else is possible?

  • 100% free — equipment, facilities and coaching all provided
  • Certified professional coaches, grouped by age
  • 2–3 sessions per week, 60 minutes each
  • Advanced youth become assistant instructors and mentors
Education
52 participants Ages 7–13

Educational Programme

A safe, nurturing learning environment for children in the Dalas neighbourhood — supporting their academic, social, emotional and spiritual growth through a holistic, hands-on approach.

  • Academic support: Romanian, Geography, Biology, History & more
  • Personal & emotional development — self-esteem, confidence, communication
  • Creative & interactive school projects across all subjects
  • Socialisation, spiritual guidance & moral support
Atelier de Artizanat
31 participants 2-3 days/week

Craft Workshop "I Can Too"

Youth design and handcraft leather goods — wallets, bracelets, bags and Christmas decorations — learning that their hands can create real value. Every piece is made from scratch, building patience, precision and creative confidence along the way. At our annual Christmas Market, each youth sells their own work and keeps 100% of the earnings.

  • Practical craft skills — cutting, stitching, shaping and finishing
  • Design thinking — planning and creating their own unique pieces
  • Financial literacy — pricing, selling and managing their own earnings
  • Confidence and pride of ownership: "I made this myself"
Our Team

Dedicated Professionals

FS

Felipe Rissi Silva

Founder & Executive Director

Born in Brazil. BA in Religious Studies, expertise in Sociology (Northwestern College, USA), certified climbing instructor, and Founder & Pastor of Biserica Ancora. Together with his team and family, built Fara Limite over 10+ years from a small climbing initiative into a comprehensive programme that has impacted over 600 youth across climbing, education, and vocational training in the Jiu Valley. Father of three beautiful kids.

JS

Janelle Silva

Co-Founder & Advisory

Born in Canada. BA in Social Work. Co-founded Fara Limite alongside her husband 13 years ago. Mother of three beautiful kids. Provides advisory support and relationship guidance to staff, leads conflict resolution, and offers biblical counselling when needed.

DM

Damaris Marian

Education Coordinator & Safeguarding Officer

Born in Romania. BA in History (University of Bucharest), MA in Security Management (Babeș-Bolyai University), certified in Psychopedagogy and Project Management. Married to Adrian Marian. Has led Fara Limite's education programme for 5 years, supporting 55 children and teenagers weekly in the Dalas neighbourhood of Vulcan through personalised learning plans and non-formal education.

AM

Adrian Marian

Leathercraft & Cycling Trainer

Born in Romania. Certified trainer and artisan craftsman with hands-on experience in leatherworking and wood burning, running the 'Si Eu Pot' workshop and a cycling program for 40 at-risk youth in Vulcan. Married to Damaris Marian.

IB

Ionuț Bota

Climbing Coordinator & Backup Safeguarding

Born in Romania. Mechanical Engineer and nationally certified climbing coach (Level I, CNFPA) with 7+ years at Fără Limite. Routesetter for the climbing gym and Fara Limite's vlogger. Coaches up to 70 youth annually — including 10 competitive athletes, three of whom have represented Romania on the national youth climbing team.

RS

Ruben Suciu

Climbing Instructor

Born in Romania. Climbing instructor and routesetter at Fara Limite since 2021, coaching youth aged 7 to 18 in indoor and outdoor climbing. First Aid certified, with a background in automotive and transportation technology. Focused on safety, skill development, and mental resilience through teamwork and competition.

Governance & Accountability

Fără Limite is legally registered as Asociația Ancora Valea Jiului. We are governed by a 3-member Board of Directors providing oversight of finances, strategy, and policies with quarterly meetings.

Make a Difference

Your Support Changes Lives

Every contribution helps a young person in Jiu Valley build confidence, develop skills, and create a future of dignity and purpose.

What Your Donation Funds

Running our programs costs approximately €50 per child, per month — covering coaching, equipment, materials, and mentorship.

Sustain what we have Keep current youth enrolled and our programs running with the consistency and quality they deserve.
Open doors for more Help us welcome new children into our programs and continue improving the opportunities we offer.

Secure payments powered by Stripe. All donations go directly to program delivery.

Tax-Deductible for US Donors

Give Through the RCA — Global Mission

Donate through the Reformed Church in America's missionary page for Felipe & Janelle. Your gift is fully tax-deductible in the United States — the same money goes further.

How it works The RCA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Donations made through their platform to support Felipe & Janelle's work in Jiu Valley are deductible from your US federal income tax.
Who can use this US taxpayers who itemize deductions. Simply donate via the RCA link — they handle the tax receipts and paperwork on your behalf.
Donate Tax-Deductibly via RCA

Other Ways to Support

Monthly Giving

Become a sustaining supporter with a recurring monthly donation. Predictable funding helps us plan better programs.

Corporate Partnership

Partner with us as an organization or business. CSR programs, matching gifts, and collaborative opportunities available.

Volunteer

Join our 11-year tradition of international volunteers. We host 2 volunteers annually from around the world.