Orphanages and Homeless Shelters

RCWS is committed to giving orphans a sense of care and love once absent in their lives while also preparing them for the future. Many of the estimated 700,000 orphans in Russia are currently unprepared to take care of themselves or find a job, factors greatly contribute to the high rate of suicide, homelessness, prostitution and crime amongst former orphans. Donations translate to gifts of heat, transportation, improved living conditions, vocational training programs and other educational initiatives that prepare children to lead productive lives. Our goal is to help orphanages to meet basic needs as well as promote comprehensive programs that help children develop into healthy and independent adults.

 

Solba Orphanage

One of the RCWS partners, Solba, is an orphanage for girls near the picturesque Nikolo-Solbinsky Convent in Russia that currently supports 30 talented young girls.

In 2009–2010, RCWS transferred $85,070 to cover the roof and other renovation expenses at the Solba Orphanage building, as well as support the theatre program. Learn more about Solba and ways to help the talented orphans.

 

Granny Program

Seven years ago, RCWS initiated the "Granny Program" to aid grandmothers who lacked financial resources to care for their orphaned grandchildren. After its initial run, the program expanded to include any broken families in straitened circumstances, struggling to care for orphaned children.

Twenty-one year old Katia Schukina, for example, relies on RCWS aid to maintain her status as legal guardian of her niece Ksenia (9) and nephew Danila (6). The children’s biological mother was relinquished of her parental rights due to alcoholism and Katia’s mother died of smoke inhalation when their house caught fire. Katia and the children live in a remote village called Shaturtorf, in a home without sufficient heat and without even a sewage tank. She has abandoned thoughts of studying or working because all of her time and energy are monopolized by providing care for Ksenia and Danila, who has a learning disability and requires particular care.

Sergei Dumansky is a stirring example of a single parent who has devoted himself entirely to his children despite distressing circumstances. Many years ago, anti-Russian violence in Kazakstan forced Sergei, his wife, and twin sons to flee to the Moscow area. As refugees, they were resettled in a rural village besieged by unemployment and given substandard housing without heat or running water. The wife, unable to cope with the struggles of such a life, abandoned the family when the boys were only 2 years old. Sergei is a commendably loving parent who ekes out a modest living as a carpenter. Despite encountering an inordinate number of obstacles and being unable to collect governmental benefits due to their status as refugees, the boys are well-adjusted and doing well in school.

One of the grandmother’s in this program, Zinaida Baladina, took in her four grandchildren when she was 67 years old after her daughter-in-law passed away and her son abandoned the family. The oldest, 25-year old Alexei, is working as a welder and Pavel, 21, is a successful third year student at the Textile University. Both boys have been very supportive of their grandmother and two younger sisters, Anastasia, 13, and Maria, 9, who are excellent students.

The "Granny Program" currently supports 11 families. For $100 per month, per family, 17 children have remained in secure homes.

Your contribution will help children in need. Please click here to help or call 212-473-6263