our mission
Making long-term, life changing impacts in the lives of struggling people internationally.
At VOTC, we envision a future where no one is forgotten. Through faith-driven care and local partnerships, we provide resources and support that restore dignity, empower lives, and create lasting change. Reaching the forgotten internationally with Christ's love and hope for a real future. We are responding to God's lead wherever it takes us, to a world that seeks hope, dignity, and opportunity.
Our story
A Journey of Faith and Service
Alex Gorelik was born in St. Petersburg, Russia, and raised in Ukraine and Israel. At 13, he gave his life to Christ after hearing a radio program in Nazareth. After moving to the U.S., he became a bush pilot in Alaska. In 1992, during a flight in Far East Russia, Alex shared a meal with homeless children. That experience changed his life. He returned to St. Petersburg to care for street children, eventually opening New Life Orphanage and leading outreach programs.
In 1998, Alex married Marta, a Colombian-American pediatrician with a passion for serving the poor, both domestically and internationally. Together, they founded VOTC and moved their young family to Russia, where they opened a second orphanage and ran camps for hundreds of children. They came home to California in 2005, and turned their attention to Central America, Cuba, and Central California.
Today, they continue their ministry through long-term work in Cuba and more recently with Ukrainian soldiers and their spouses, offering healing, hope, and Christ-centered support. Their two children have grown up serving alongside them, sharing in their heart for ministry.
CORE VALUES
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Serving with compassion to bring hope and relief to those in need.
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Partnering with churches and leaders to create lasting change from within.
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Providing long-term support through education, medical aid, and essential resources.
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Guided by Christian principles, we serve with love, integrity, and humility.
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Encouraging believers to step into their mission with the right tools and support.
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Creating real friendships that strengthen communities and foster dignity.
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Ensuring transparency and responsible use of resources for the greatest impact.
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Acting swiftly in times of crisis to deliver aid where it’s needed most.
LEADERSHIP TEAM
ALEX GORELIK
Born in St. Petersburg, Russia, Alex moved to Ukraine as a young boy before later immigrating to Israel. At age 18, he immigrated to the United States, where he has lived for more than thirty years. As a commercial pilot, he flew cargo and passenger aircraft in Alaska before beginning outreach to homeless street children in Russia in 1993. Since then, he has served in Cuba, California, Armenia, Guatemala, El Salvador, and now Ukraine.
President
marta gorelik
Born in Colombia, Marta came to the United States as a young child. She attended Stanford University and received her M.D. from Michigan State University. She has a longstanding interest in the care of the underserved and has volunteered her medical services in Africa, Latin America, and India. She practices Pediatrics focused on the underserved. She continues practicing medicine today in a small town in California.
Vice President
Board Member
felix del campo
Dr. Martin del Campo has donated vast amounts of his time and energy in volunteer service worldwide. He teaches in many countries, returning year after year to build lasting improvements in local dental care in impoverished nations. He also serves on the board of Masters College and Seminary, as well as another large international Christian relief organization. He brings great experience and wisdom to VOTC.
Board Member
bob filice
Bob Filice is a longtime Gilroy farmer, Christian, community leader, and one of the enduring faces of the Gilroy Garlic Festival. As the owner of Bob Filice Farms, Bob has deep roots in the agricultural heritage of the Santa Clara Valley. For decades, Bob has shared his gifts through farming, cooking, and serving his community. His Christian faith shapes his commitment to serving others and giving back to the Gilroy community he loves.