California self-storage operator A-1 Self Storage is providing monetary support to ROCK (Reaching Out to Christs Kids) Ministries, a Rialto, Calif.-based non-profit organization that provides care to abandoned or homeless children of Romania. In addition to a foster-care and family assistance program approved by the Romanian government, the group provides emergency intervention in a state-run hospital.
ROCK was formed in 1997 by founder Nannette Gonzalez, who had been on a mission in Bucharest, Romania, helping to pioneer a ministry that worked with orphans. She wanted way to place abandoned children into loving homes rather than institutionalize them. Since that time, ROCK has placed hundreds of children into homes throughout the world.
According to the ROCK website, Romania is the focus of the ROCK effort because of oppression that occurred in the country in the 1960s when Nicolae Ceausescu became dictator. In an attempt to raise a large army and make Romania a world power, Ceausescu instituted laws requiring women to have five children by the age of 45. At the same time, he exported most of Romanias food to pay off the large national debt. Unable to feed their children, parents were forced to send them to state orphanages. In December 1989, the Romanian people overturned the Ceausescus. Though conditions have improved, children are still sometimes abandoned at state-run institutions or in the streets.
A-1 Self Storage has 16 locations in the San Diego County area and more than 40 locations statewide. It is the self-storage division of the Caster Cos., a third-generation, family-owned company headquartered in South California since 1959. Caster Cos. develops and manages A-1 Self Storage, A-1 Car Storage and other commercial properties in California. Its portfolio includes more than 4 million square feet of real estate.
Sources:
- Reaching Out to Christs' Kids Website: Why Romania?
