2013 EASTER APPEAL
Dear Friends:
Spring is approaching, and soon we will be celebrating Easter with our family and friends. During this time of joy and rebirth we are asking you to remember the children in Russia, many of whose lives have been improved thanks to your care, kindness and support, through the work of the Russian Children’s Welfare Society (RCWS).
One of the examples of the rehabilitation centers that RCWS supports is "Inspiration" (Vdokhnovenie) in the Moscow region, founded by Father Ilya Dorogoichenko over 14 years ago. "Inspiration" Center has assisted several hundred abandoned children, many suffering from a variety of psychological and physical disabilities.
The tireless professional team of psychologists, social workers, and teachers, take care of children’s psychological needs by placing them in a nurturing environment. It is hard for abandoned children to receive a good education, find a job, start a family. Such "difficult" teenagers often turn to crime, mostly because no one has offered them a different path in life. They arrive at the Center feeling withdrawn, aggressive, disappointed in life, but gradually after being at the Center they develop confidence, begin to feel better and even smile. «Inspiration’s» programs are designed to help children to acquire a sense of belonging and self-worth. Among the current programs are cooking classes for orphans allowing them to have a sense of home and family; finding local adoptive parents for the children in their care (they have assisted over 50 children to find a home); the «Happy Family» rehabilitation program for mothers who nearly lost their parental rights; vocational training programs for teenagers from local orphanages; rehabilitation programs for sick children preparing or recovering after complicated surgeries.
Among the children at the "Inspiration" Center is Dima Tverdokhlebov, who was born with cerebral palsy. He was brought to the Center 6 years ago and was unable to walk. Most of his life before the "Inspiration", Dima spent in hospitals and orphanages; he was angry and withdrawn. Thanks to the care, love, rehabilitation, and treatment he received, Dima started to paint, read, sing songs, and ride horses. Now, Dima is able to walk and has become a kind, warm, smiling, open young person, eager to help others. Recently, Dima took first prize at a local horse riding competition for children with special needs.
Such miracles happen at the "Inspiration" Center on a regular basis. Lost, abandoned, broken down youngsters find a new family and a healthy environment allowing them to blossom and develop confidence in themselves. With the support of people like you, the «Inspiration» Center hopes to continue their mission of warming up hearts and changing the lives of abandoned children.
The Center "Inspiration" is just one of the many organizations helping children in Russia that the Society supports. We hope that you will continue to help RCWS in our work and respond to this Easter appeal with as much generosity as you have in the past. Wishing you and your family a joyous Easter!
Sincerely,
Vladimir P. Fekula
President & CEO
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OUR PROGRAM AREAS
Medical Programs:
RCWS improves the lives of thousands of children at risk in Russia by funding their medical care and supplemental training of the doctors who serve them.
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Scholarship Project:
In 2003, RCWS launched a scholarship program to help orphans attain higher education. It has been enormously successful, providing a complete support structure to students as they transition from living in an orphanage to independent life…
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Orphanages and Homeless Shelters:
Our goal is to enable orphanages to meet basic needs, and to promote comprehensive programs that help orphans develop into healthy and independent adults…
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Annual New Year's Party for Orphans in Moscow:
What began as a modest venture less than 10 years ago has grown into very important and highly anticipated celebration for children in Russia…
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Rehabilitation Centers for Disabled Children:
Treatment of children with mental or physical disabilities is limited in Russia. RCWS continues to support rehabilitation centers that provide these children with educational activities, vocational training, art therapy and innovative horse therapy….
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History
The Russian Children’s Welfare Society is dedicated to improving the lives of disadvantaged children living in Russia. Founded in 1926, RCWS has since funded numerous programs and supported orphanages, hospitals, educational institutions, and rehabilitation centers that enhance the individual and social welfare of Russian children. Learn More...
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SUCCESS STORIES
 Read stories about how RCWS has helped children and students prevail. Read more
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