History of the Russian Children's Welfare Society

This year, the Russian Children's Welfare Society proudly celebrates the 81st anniversary of its founding in 1926. The original organizers announced their commitment to improving the lives of Russian children throughout the world at the 125th Street YMCA in New York City. They embarked on their mission with a modest contribution that was sent to support Russian shelters in Latvia, and their legacy certainly lives on in the Society's many programs today.

The direction of the Russian Children's Welfare Society support has been steered by many of the 20th century's tumultuous events. The Bolshevik Revolution of 1917 prompted the emigration of large numbers of Russians to Europe, Asia, North and South America. By the early thirties, the Society had ten branches operating throughout the United States and was sending money and material assistance to schools and organizations assisting Russian children in locales as diverse as Estonia, Poland, Finland, France, Germany, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Harbin, Shanghai and Istanbul. The charity was specifically set up to help children outside of Russia.

The occupation of many of these countries during World War II suspended much of the Society's work, which was prohibited after American entry to the war in 1941. After the liberation of France in 1944, the Society worked very closely with the American Committee for Assistance to France and managed to send $25,000 in cash, food and clothing. By 1945, RCWS assistance was providing hot breakfasts in French schools, serving approximately 1,100 children.

During WWII, the Society's leadership decided to professionalize its operations. RCWS eventually gained recognition by the Presidential War Relief Control Board as an approved charity for work abroad during the war. By 1950, the Society was again sending relief to 14 countries.

With the dawn of the Cold War, it became all but impossible for the Society to send aid to countries that fell behind the "iron curtain." The Society did carry on its work helping Russian children in western European countries, particularly France, as well as the Far East, South America and the United States.

With the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the Society again shifted its focus and resources to the many impoverished children living in Russia today. Fortunately, the Society received a $4.5 million bequest from the estate of John Engalitcheff, Jr. in 1990. Through the Society's prudent investments and frugal financial practices, we are now able to channel 100% of our donations to help sick and needy children and orphans in Russia today.

The most recent audited financial statements dated December 31, 2006 show that last year the Society disbursed $634,753 in direct aid to children in Russia.

The Society is proud of its accomplishments in its over 80 year history, and pays tribute to all of our predecessors and donors who transformed the organization into one of the leading charities in Russia today. Along the way, great and important traditions such as the Petroushka Ball have given the Russian community and its friends an opportunity to celebrate Russian culture while advancing the cause of Russian children in need. RCWS remains resolute in its mission and will continue to find ways to implement innovative programs in the 21st century, despite the unpredictability of world events.