The Orphan's Abba | April Jurgensen

Because God knew that abandoned children would need help to survive, He tells us to actively meet the needs of orphans in James 1:27.

And, that’s exactly what we’ve been doing since 1999 by focusing our support on entire homes, caregivers, and communities—instead of individual children.

If you also feel the weight of this responsibility and the desire to make a real difference, consider partnering with us. Through our innovative in-home care model, specialized caregiver training, and humanitarian aid, you’ll help children not just survive—but truly thrive.

When you choose to partner with The Boaz Project, you'll restore hope, ensure a brighter future through education, and share the love of Jesus with children who desperately need it.

Just imagine the impact you can have—from saving a child from the horrors of the streets to helping them become community leaders, educators, and nurturers of the next generation.

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Join the James 1:27 Circle Membership

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Orphan Advocate Training Certification Courses and FAQs

Required Courses for Certification:

Fundamentals of Orphan Advocacy

This self-paced course serves as the primary course for our orphan advocate training certification. By taking this course, you will:

gain a basic understanding of orphan advocacy and why it matters
learn practical, real-life ways to support orphans and make a difference
understand best practices for orphan care based on years of experience
discover how to use your voice to advocate for vulnerable children
join other like-minded people working together for good

Assisting Orphans: Helping Orphans in Their Need

This course highlights The Boaz Project’s foundational area of impact—assisting orphans. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the global orphan crisis, the urgent needs of vulnerable children, and the real difference you can make by stepping into their stories.

Every number tells a heartbreaking truth:

Over 153 million children worldwide are considered orphans.*
Millions live in institutions or on the streets, without the consistent care of a loving adult.
Many suffer from trauma, neglect, and exploitation, leaving lasting scars that only intentional care can begin to heal.

This course offers more than information—it equips you to take action grounded in compassion and wisdom.

Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Orphan Advocacy must be completed before enrolling.

Supporting Caregivers: Upholding Caregivers as They Serve Orphans

Continue your advocacy journey by learning to support and strengthen the caregivers serving orphans daily.

Through powerful stories, practical tools, and proven methods, you’ll gain the knowledge and confidence to make a lasting difference in their lives and the lives of the children they love.

Join us and become a source of strength for those on the front lines of orphan care.

Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Orphan Advocacy must be completed before enrolling.

Engaging Others: Using Your Voice for Orphans

The orphan crisis is real—but getting involved is easier than you think. The Boaz Project offers a variety of simple, meaningful ways for you to make an impact and inspire others to do the same.

As you discover God’s heart for orphans, you’ll be equipped to engage in ministry, advocate effectively, and mobilize your community. From sharing resources to starting conversations, you’ll learn to be a strong voice for the voiceless.

You don’t have to do everything—just do something.

Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Orphan Advocacy must be completed before enrolling.

Becoming Certified: Impacting Orphans with Ongoing Advocacy

As the final course in The Boaz Project’s Orphan Advocacy Certification series, this capstone experience builds on the foundation laid in the Fundamentals, Assisting, Supporting, and Engaging courses. You’ll combine everything you’ve learned and apply it through personal reflection, skills development, and Bible study—all designed to solidify your calling and prepare you for continued impact.

This course doesn’t just complete your certification—it launches you into ongoing opportunities to influence lives, support caregivers, and advocate for vulnerable children with wisdom and confidence.

Become a certified orphan advocate.
Be ready to make a difference that lasts.

Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Orphan Advocacy, Assisting Orphans: Helping Orphans in Their Need, Supporting Caregivers: Upholding Caregivers as They Serve Orphans, and Engaging Others: Using Your Voice for Orphans must be completed before enrolling.

FAQs

Do I have to live near Greenwood, Indiana to complete the training?

No! This certification was intentionally created to allow opportunities for anyone in the United States to participate fully.

How much of a time commitment is it?

This is completely up to you. The entire process is self-directed. There are no deadlines, and you may take as much or as little time as you need to complete each course.

Can I do this training with my spouse? Or a friend?

Yes! Going through the training with a spouse or friend can provide accountability and motivation. As you progress, you may be able to accomplish more together!

How much will it cost?

All Orphan Advocate Training courses are free to join! While you may choose to spend money while completing some projects, there are only minimal costs involved (such as a book or a few supplies) depending on which course you choose to do.

Is there an age requirement to become a Certified Orphan Advocate Trainee?

This would be answered on a case-by-case basis. This would also be open to middle schoolers or high schoolers looking to complete volunteer hours (i.e. National Honor Society) or build college applications. We always encourage young people to be involved if they feel led by God to do so!

What if I don’t have any social media accounts?

We will adjust your requirements to accommodate you and provide different opportunities to engage.

If I complete the Orphan Advocate Training Certification, can I put it on my resume or LinkedIn profile?

Yes! When you complete all of the courses required to become certified, you will receive a final certificate and you will be able to use the title "Certified Orphan Advocate".

Will I be able to get a signed letter to verify my volunteer hours?

We are sorry that we cannot verify volunteer hours that are done outside of the office or an event due to the fact that these hours are not supervised. However, we can write about the quality of work that was done, your commitment level, and the training courses achieved. We can also say that your self-reported, unsupervised hours fit into the typical number of hours that are usual for that course.

How do I get started?

If you would like to begin Orphan Advocate Training Certification begin by completing the registration form. Make sure to select the Certification course. You will then be assigned an OAT Coach. Once your coach reviews your information, he/she will send you an email with your next steps!

Who do I contact if I have any other questions?

Please complete the form below or contact OAT@boazproject.org with any questions.

FAQ

Do I have to live near Greenwood, Indiana to complete the training?

No! This certification was intentionally created to allow opportunities for anyone in the United States to participate fully.

How much of a time commitment is it?

This is completely up to you. The entire process is self-directed. There are no deadlines, and you may take as much or as little time as you need to complete each course.

Can I do this training with my spouse? Or a friend?

Yes! Going through the training with a spouse or friend can provide accountability and motivation. As you progress, you may be able to accomplish more together!

How much will it cost?

All Orphan Advocate Training courses are free to join! While you may choose to spend money while completing some projects, there are only minimal costs involved (such as a book or a few supplies) depending on which course you choose to do.

Is there an age requirement to become a Certified Orphan Advocate Trainee?

This would be answered on a case-by-case basis. This would also be open to middle schoolers or high schoolers looking to complete volunteer hours (i.e. National Honor Society) or build college applications. We always encourage young people to be involved if they feel led by God to do so!

What if I don’t have any social media accounts?

We will adjust your requirements to accommodate you and provide different opportunities to engage.

If I complete the Orphan Advocate Training Certification, can I put it on my resume or LinkedIn profile?

Yes! When you complete each level, you will receive a certification that you can use to enhance your professional profile and to show involvement in community service.

Will I be able to get a signed letter to verify my volunteer hours?

We are sorry that we cannot verify volunteer hours that are done outside of the office or an event due to the fact that these hours are not supervised. However, we can write about the quality of work that was done, your commitment level, and the training courses achieved. We can also say that your self-reported, unsupervised hours fit into the typical number of hours that are usual for that course.

How do I get started?

If you think you would like to begin Orphan Advocate Training, please complete the registration form, and you’ll be assigned an OAT Coach. Once your coach reviews your information, he/she will send you an email with your next steps!

Who do I contact if I have any other questions?

Please complete the form below or contact OAT@boazproject.org with any questions.

Event Sponsorship Levels

	Friend of the Cause $1,000	Beacon of Hope $2,500	Champion of Children $5,000	Legacy Partner $10,000
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Recognition on event tables
Verbal recognition during the program

Orphan Advocate Training Registration

Thank you for joining The Boaz Project in advocating for orphans. Once we receive your completed registration, we will reach out soon with the next steps, so keep an eye on your inbox. We can’t wait to support you!

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Fundamentals of Orphan Advocacy

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Strengthen your faith with The Orphan’s Abba: Stories from Orphan Care that Reveal God’s Love for You.

When April Jurgensen started working in orphan care, she didn’t realize it would rock her theology.

In fact, since the founding of The Boaz Project and the many hours spent ministering to orphans—she’s found that new light has been shed on Scripture and her heart has been revived.

Looking for more resources to help you understand the mission to show Christ’s love to orphaned children?

Because God knew that abandoned children would need help to survive, He tells us to actively meet the needs of orphans in James 1:27.

And, that’s exactly what we’ve been doing since 1999 by focusing our support on entire homes, caregivers, and communities—instead of individual children.

Join the James 1:27 Circle Membership

Get Prayer Updates & News

What does an orphan mission trip include?

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Orphan Advocate Training Certification Courses and FAQs

Required Courses for Certification:

Fundamentals of Orphan Advocacy

Assisting Orphans: Helping Orphans in Their Need

Supporting Caregivers: Upholding Caregivers as They Serve Orphans

Engaging Others: Using Your Voice for Orphans

Becoming Certified: Impacting Orphans with Ongoing Advocacy

FAQs

Do I have to live near Greenwood, Indiana to complete the training?

How much of a time commitment is it?

Can I do this training with my spouse? Or a friend?

How much will it cost?

Is there an age requirement to become a Certified Orphan Advocate Trainee?

What if I don’t have any social media accounts?

If I complete the Orphan Advocate Training Certification, can I put it on my resume or LinkedIn profile?

Will I be able to get a signed letter to verify my volunteer hours?

How do I get started?

Who do I contact if I have any other questions?

FAQ

Do I have to live near Greenwood, Indiana to complete the training?

How much of a time commitment is it?

Can I do this training with my spouse? Or a friend?

How much will it cost?

Is there an age requirement to become a Certified Orphan Advocate Trainee?

What if I don’t have any social media accounts?

If I complete the Orphan Advocate Training Certification, can I put it on my resume or LinkedIn profile?

Will I be able to get a signed letter to verify my volunteer hours?

How do I get started?

Who do I contact if I have any other questions?

Event Sponsorship Levels

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Fundamentals of Orphan Advocacy Course and FAQs

FAQs

Who can join this course?

How can I get my questions answered as I progress through the course?

Can I do this course with friends or with my small group?

How long does the course take?

What does it cost?

How do I sign up?

FAQ

Who is this course for?

How can I get my questions answered as I progress through the course?

Can I do this course with friends or with my small group?

How long does the course take?

What does it cost?

How do I sign up?

Orphan Advocate Training Registration