43rd Petroushka Ball - Russian Children`s Welfare Society

RCWS
NEWS
HELPING RUSSIAN CHILDREN IN CRISIS SINCE 1926
Vol. 13
Yelka Celebration
Bringing Christmas Cheer to 2,000 Orphans and Sick Children
The Society's well-known annual Yelka
Party took place on December 25, 2007 at Christ
the Savior Cathedral in Moscow. The event's
1,300 participants included orphans and disabled children from 68 various children's organizations in Russia. The young guests enjoyed a
performance of the Nutcracker and received
beautifully wrapped chocolates as a New Year's
gift.
Given the venue's proximity to the
Kremlin, many of the youngsters also had a
chance to explore the festively decorated Red
Square and marvel at the skating rink and
Christmas tree. Visiting the capital, seeing the
sites, and photographing their memories was a
dream come true and made quite an impression
on the children, many of whom traveled from
locales as diverse and far as Beslan, Ryazan,
Veliky Novgorod, Yaroslavl, Tutaev, the Pskov
Ded Moroz visiting little patients at
St. Vladimir Children’s Hospital
region, Kaluga, Tver, and Novomoskovsk.
The Yelka party was indeed the highlight,
and the youngsters simply couldn't hold back
their emotions, laughing and joking and hugging
Ded Moroz, Snegurochka, and other costumed
43rd Petroushka Ball
The Tradition Continues
On February 8, 2008, the 43rd Petroushka
Ball was held at the elegant grand ballroom of
the Waldorf=Astoria in New York City for the
third consecutive year. Attended by over 800
dinner and dancing guests, the Ball raised over
$100,000 to benefit the charitable efforts of
RCWS. We were delighted with the overwhelming response and happy to see a lot of
new faces enjoying themselves while supporting our annual fundraiser.
A lively cocktail hour preceded an elegant
dinner with superb operatic performances, followed by fantastic balalaika music.
It was another unforgettable evening!
Mezzo-soprano Elina Garanca, lead soloist of
the Metropolitan Opera, performed as the
evening's special guest star, accompanied by
pianist
B r i a n
Zeger.
Elina was
sensational
and
brought
the house
down with
a beautiful
rendition
of
Una
voce poco
Mezzo-soprano Elina Garanca fa
from
enchants guests at the Ball
Rossini's
"Il Barbiere di Siviglia," The Habanera from
Bizet's "Carmen" and Carceleras "Al pensar"
from Chapi's "Las hijas del Zebedeo."
Barynya Balalaika Orchestra provided
additional entertainment, performing the
Russian folk dance "Kalinka-Malinka" and the
Ukrainian folk dance "Gopak." The Lester
Lanin Orchestra, under the baton of Spencer
Bruno, continued the evening's musical program as guests moved to the dance floor.
RCWS owes special thanks to Mr. Art
Saguirian, President of BMC Imports Ltd., for
his generous donation of "Jewel of Russia"
Ultra-Premium Vodka and to Mr. Michael
Jordan for covering a portion of the dinner
wine expenses. We are likewise grateful to Mr.
Peter Tcherepnine for underwriting the cost of
the stunning flower arrangements, created by
Inna Nagibina of The Soft Orchid.
The winners of the silent auction and raffle took home the following prizes: "Florence"
a designer python hand bag by Clara Kasavina;
a diamond cross donated by the Persian Shop;
a mink coat by Louis Feraud; silver cufflinks
by Alex Soldier; etchings by Ivan Valchev; an
amber necklace by Valerio 888; champagne
and French wine; dinner certificates to various
NYC restaurants as well as many other beautiful items.
We would like to thank the following
companies that donated items for the gift bags:
The Estee Lauder Companies Inc., Mr. Gregory
Fall 2008
fairy tale characters. Maria Kiseleva, three time
Olympic champion in synchronized swimming,
was also on hand to greet the children on behalf
of RCWS, thanks to the coordinating efforts of
Anna Sibiryakova and Russia's current Minister
of Sports and former hockey great, Vyacheslav
Fetisov.
Nastia Rutovskaya, a ninth grader at the
Opochka Specialized Orphanage in the Pskov
region, sent RCWS the following letter of
thanks:
“Thank you so much for providing me with
the wonderful trip to Moscow. I really liked Red
Square. I had never been on a train before and
I'm glad I was given this opportunity. I enjoyed
eating at the restaurant “Mu-Mu”. It was just
as delicious as home cooking. I was delighted
while watching the Nutcracker. I will study better now that you gave me such an interesting
trip. I want to thank you once again and wish
you a Happy New Year!”
CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
Tolston and
the
Grand
M a r k e t
International
C o r p . ,
Valerio 888,
Opera News,
Ms. Natalya
Orlova and
the
SaintPetersburg
Trade House,
Dr. Eda Ellis
and Denta
Spa, "Zdor o v i e " Pavel and Natalie Zadorozhny,
M a g a z i n e , young supporters of RCWS
and Ms. Sophia Tovmassian with St.
Petersburg Magazine.
We would like to express our appreciation
to all Petroushka Ball Patrons who brought a
large number of dinner and dancing guests to the
event this year. Among them are Mikhail and
Natalia Filimonov, Paul Rodzianko, Cyril
Geacintov, Andrew Foot, Natasha Fekula,
Vladimir and Beatrice Fekula, Vladimir
Kowalenko, Pavel and Natalie Zadorozhny, Dr.
Igor Holodny, Olga and Eric Jorgensen, Natasha
and Stephen Koll, Gregory Tolston, Nadia
Lipsky, Tom McPartland, Rita Abarbanel,
Douglas Paul, John Pouschine, Natan Shklyar
and Tatiana Pouschine.
We look forward to seeing you at our next
Petroushka Ball, scheduled for Friday,
February 13th, 2009, at the Waldorf=Astoria.
RCWS NEWS
Page 2
Scholarship Project Update
42 Students Receive an RCWS Scholarship Award
During the five years since the inception of
the RCWS scholarship program, the number of
participants has grown from 3 in the 2003-2004
academic year to 42 students in 2008-2009. The
geographic reach has also expanded from Pskov
to the Yaroslavl, Moscow and Velikiy Novgorod
regions. For an annual cost of approximately
$2,000 per student, the Society is helping
orphans take preparatory classes, pay for tutoring
and books, and meet basic living expenses. As
scholarship recipients have reported, this modest
stipend means the difference between successfully completing a degree and living a life of
tremendous economic and social uncertainty.
The methodology used to help orphans transition to student life and to finish their academic
programs includes a number of components.
First our partners at the Pskov Children's Fund,
Friends of Russian Orphans in Yaroslavl and the
Bolshaya Peremena Center in Moscow recommend the most promising students to apply for an
RCWS scholarship. Once selected, these administrators give the students guidance, moral support and encouragement throughout their college
careers. They also require monthly accountability reports on how their stipend was spent and
timely official grade reports to track academic
achievement. Any abuse of funds, poor grades or
skipping classes results in a probation or revocation of scholarship funds. While students
deserve help resolving problems, the goal of the
program is also to promote diligence, self
reliance and responsibility.
RCWS has certainly seen the desired
results. Scholarship recipient Zhenya Neznaikina
received a degree in pharmacology from the
Cyril and Methodius Krestiansky State
University in 2006 and has been working for two
years as a pharmacist in the Pskov region.
Zhenya earns enough money to sustain herself;
she finds the work satisfying and hopes to continue her education in the future. Victor
Sadkevich finished the Opochka Pedagogical
College in 2007 with a major in physical education and a minor in massage therapy. Victor now
works at the Pushkinogorsky orphanage where he
shares what he has learned with his students.
Dear Members and
Supporters of the RCWS,
My name is Aelita
Makovetskaya and I am a graduate of the Krasnogorodsky
Agricultural Orphanage.
I am a student at the Pskov
Polytechnic Institute and have been an RCWS
scholarship recipient for the past 12 months. In
this letter, I would like to share with you my
accomplishments and tell you how important
your support is to me.
I am in the second year of my studies
in the Department of Information Technologies,
considered one of the toughest on campus. This
year has been quite difficult for me. Last semester I took Physics, Advanced Mathematics and
RCWS Board Member Sam Harding traveled to Pskov, Moscow, Velikiy Novgorod and
Yaroslavl in May 2008 to meet with scholarship
recipients and applicants. Mr. Harding reported
the following: "Not only did they appreciate the
financial support from their scholarships, but
they valued the control and discipline created by
their obligation to report monthly on their
expenses and academic progress, knowing that at
least one caring person maintained high expectations of them."
Stipend recipient Liubov Lukina echoed this
sentiment, remarking: "The main benefit is not
the size of the stipend, but the attention I
received. At the orphanage, everything was done
for me and I was taken care of. Going out into
the world, I was kind of shaken up in the beginning. The most important thing is that I wasn't
left without support."
2008 annual reunion of RCWS
scholarship recipients in Pskov
One avenue to provide support for the students is a yearly reunion where students share
their past experiences and goals for the upcoming
year. The Pskov contingent met on July 4th and
lunched at a cafe before embarking on a boat
excursion around the city. The meeting opened
up with a presentation of certificates to new students and a reminder of the strict guidelines governing the scholarship program. This year, special mention was given to RCWS donors Natalya
and Pavel Zadorozhny, whose generosity covered
all stipend recipients in Pskov in 2007-2008 and
will extend into the current school year.
Oksana Demidova, a student in the
Accounting Department of the Naumovski
Technical School in the Pskov Region, sent us a
note of thanks for the summer reunion:
Calculus, Philosophy, Political Science,
Computer Graphics, Automata Theory, Coding
Theory, Probability Theory, etc. Now I sit back
and wonder how I managed to master all of
this! Anyway, studying is very important and
that is why I fully dedicate myself to this
process.
Learning English has been very difficult and didn't go well at first, but I am pleased
to report that I am now earning good grades.
Overall, I think this year has been
quite good for me and I hope next year will be
even more engaging and exciting. I hope to gain
more knowledge about computers and information technology.
Next year, I am going to take more
specialized classes. But because I lacked programming knowledge, I needed to enroll in a
Vol. 13
"Thank you so much for organizing these
meetings. I am grateful to our friends in America
because without them, I would have never experienced so much happiness in my life. Thank you
for the love, joy and warmth you give to us!"
Friends of Russian Orphans in Yaroslavl
also held their first annual meeting of stipend
recipients. Seven students were in attendance, as
well as youngsters interested in applying for
financial assistance. Veteran students have been
visiting orphanages to educate orphans as to the
possibilities of winning a scholarship. Gloria, a
fourth year student at the Yaroslavl Pedagogical
University, related to children at an arts and
music oriented orphanage the challenges of
being on her own and integrating into society as
an orphan. Gloria is studying to become a social
worker and has received top scores in her classes while simultaneously taking part in athletics
on campus. She has set up a cozy apartment,
complete with a refrigerator and computer and
pays all of her bills on time. Gloria is a great
model for potential applicants and for the troubled children she hopes to work with after graduation.
RCWS is also helping four students at the
Bolshaya Peremena Rehabilitation Center attend
preparatory classes before enrolling in vocational and technical colleges. The center caters to
orphans with developmental delays and psychological issues, therefore, expectations for the
type of education the scholarship program will
eventually support for them have been adjusted
accordingly. Bolshaya Peremena has designed
classes to meet the individualized needs of each
student. These efforts, together with RCWS
funding, will help these children to maximize
their potential.
We would like to acknowledge the
Bridgeway Foundation grant of $15,000 to benefit the RCWS scholarship program.
The Society anticipates more success with
the scholarship program this year. The latest
applications received by RCWS described serious and mature youngsters who want to build a
promising future. We ask for your support for
an initiative that has a tangible impact on children who have experienced violence, abandonment and neglect, but strive to rise above them.
preparatory class at the institute. That is when I
received help from RCWS and was able to pay
for the necessary training to advance my skills.
I want to thank all of you for making
this happen. Besides the chance to study well,
take additional courses and purchase books,
there is also something very important that you
give us - a feeling that someone thinks of us and
is willing to help. I want to live life to the fullest
because there are a lot of people in the world
who do good for others. Thank you for helping
us to experience life’s triumphs and to believe in
a world of goodness. I hope we won't disappoint you and that we can in turn bring you joy
and uplifting feelings.
Sincerely,
Aelita Makovetskaya
RCWS NEWS
Fall 2008
Helping Children with Facial Deformities
Having a facial deformity is a
wretched burden for thousands of Russian children suffering from congenital defects, tumors,
cleft lip and palate, or other trauma. The social
stigma places families under severe stress, causing parents to abandon 10% of such children to
state orphanages.
The good news is that high-tech medical technology can help cure many maxillofacial problems, although several surgeries are
usually necessary. Unfortunately, state of the
art medical care is expensive and falls outside
the reach of children from families of meager
means. Imagine the pain of knowing there are
doctors who can repair your child's disfigurement, but you simply cannot afford to travel to
a major city and pay for treatment.
Irina Balushkina was desperate to
save her daughter Arina, who was found to have
an aggressive tumor in her cheek when she was
only two weeks old. The growth extended into
her aural cavity and neck, with life-threatening
consequences. Doctors unsuccessfully tried to
reduce the tumor using hormone therapy. As
Arina approached two months, her mother was
growing frantic, but doctors refused to operate,
citing her young age. Eventually, Irina sought
help from the
Center for
Maxillofacial
Surgery in
Moscow. The
renowned
director,
Dr. Vitaly
Roginsky,
performed a
highly complicated surgery that
could have
paralyzed the
girl's face, as
Arina before the surgery
a key nerve ran right through the tumor. He
used ultrasound ablation to remove the tumor
and a laser to clear the aural cavity in a subsequent operation. Arina is expected to have a
full recovery and to develop normally.
The only way Arina could have this
life saving and life changing operation was
through the generosity of the "Let's Give
Beauty Back to the Children" program. This
very successful program was started by the
RCWS in 2007. During the first year, we raised
over $400,000. It is projected that in 2008 we
will raise a higher amount. One of our major
sponsors, the Russia Aid Foundation (RAF) was
formed by the Russian daily newspaper
Kommersant to garner funds for such projects.
The RAF team
prints the stories of children
needing surgery at the
Center for
Maxillofacial
Surgery in the
newspaper
Kommersant
and appeals to
the Russian
public directly
for help.
Remarkable difference few Through the
months after the surgery joint efforts of
RCWS and RAF, this year over 90 children
with facial deformities have escaped a fate of
cruelty and isolation. In addition to surgery,
funds are used for pre-op observations and the
expertise of trauma specialists, oncologists, neurosurgeons, speech therapists, etc. Transportation costs for families living in areas with substandard care are also covered.
Viewing the before and after pictures
of the patients helps us to appreciate the great
importance of this humanitarian project.
Supporting Terminally Ill Children in St. Petersburg
The Children's Hospice was founded
in 2003 in St. Petersburg to offer free services
to terminally ill children and their families.
Currently, 200 children, ranging from one to
twenty one years of age and at various stages
of disease, are receiving hospice care.
Doctors and nurses are on staff to
make sure the patients are examined regularly
and receive medicine and/or treatments to
improve their quality of life. The social component of the program arranges for home
schooling, birthday greetings, the fulfillment
of a child's wish, as well as the provision of
food and other everyday needs. The
Children's Hospice also provides psychological support to the dying child and his/her family. Group therapy is available to families for
14 months after the loss.
RCWS is supporting the expansion
of this critical palliative care effort to the larger St. Petersburg region with a $7,500 grant.
The funds will be used to purchase medicine
and sanitary items for the sick as they cope
during their final days.
Making new friends while recovering
at the Children’s Hospice
Page 3
RCWS EXTENDS HELP
TO ORPHANS IN SIBERIA
The Irkutsk region stretches over
770,000 square kilometers of Siberia, covering
approximately 4.5% of Russia's territory. The
area is extremely rich in natural resources such
as coal, iron, gold, mica and lumber, and is
home to Lake Baikal, the UNESCO designated
world heritage site that holds 20% of the
world's fresh water.
Amidst this vast wealth and growing
local economy, 26,000 children today still eke
out an existence in orphanages, shelters and
rehabilitation centers.
During the worst years of food shortages, the collapse of the Soviet Union and the
country's subsequent economic implosion,
many orphans were literally starving and
would hide pieces of bread under their pillows
at night. They were tucked away in institutions in villages dotting the Siberian expanse,
far away from the area's urbanized 2.25 million inhabitants, unseen by the public eye.
Thankfully, in the last twenty years,
the largest non-governmental advocacy group
for children in the area, the Irkutsk branch of
the Russian Children's Fund, has made great
inroads in making sure that orphans at least
have enough food to survive. Yet, they still
live out in the middle of nowhere and need
care and support beyond just staying alive.
Ready to farm at new mini-tractor
In December 2007, the RCWS
teamed up with the Russian Children's Fund of
Irkutsk to purchase a plow and mini-tractor for
the 60 children at the "Romashka"
Rehabilitation Center in Kyzigirovka. The
institution has reported that it was able to purchase the equipment in time to cultivate the
ground and plant vegetables. The harvest will
certainly augment food supplies for the cafeteria. The young farmers are gaining valuable
skills that will assist in obtaining gainful
employment in this agricultural region.
The Society also approved the purchase of wood cutting and carpentry equipment for the Lesogorsky Orphanage. New carpentry workshops will be available during the
school year and will hopefully provide some of
the youngsters with professional direction.
The Society's $10,500 total investment in the region aims to give disadvantaged
children a chance to participate in the work
force and reap some benefits from the region's
advancing prosperity.
RCWS NEWS
Page 4
"Nelishnie Deti"
Helping Children with Special Needs to Find a Home
Pasha Lilak came home from his friend's
house several years ago to find his parents murdered, victims of an organized crime ring that
his father was battling in a professional capacity. His grandmother took care of Pasha as he
coped with post-traumatic stress disorder,
depression, and difficulties at school.
Born with cerebral palsy and a cleft
palate, Andrei Gorshkov experienced a
Dickensian childhood, floating from orphanage
to orphanage. Other children made fun of him
and beat him up, causing emotional problems
and developmental delays. One of the caretakers made him clean the infant potties, toilets
and floors and would beat him with a wet floor
rag if he did not comply. Andrei had several
operations to help him walk, but at times
resided in hospital wards filled with alcoholics
and drug abusers, where he was afraid to leave
the room. He was somehow placed in a retirement home for aged veterans.
Olga Artemova adopted Alyosha two
years ago. He suffers from epilepsy and
exhibits severe behavioral problems. Difficult
integration into the family put Olga on the
brink of bringing Alyosha back to the orphanage many times.
The non-governmental organization
"Nelishnie Deti" (“Needed Children”) was
formed in Moscow in 1998 to take on such
tough cases and provide psychological assistance to children and families in crisis. The
goal is to keep adoptive families intact and to
Andrei Gorshkov tells his life story
offer services to biological parents who feel
unable to deal with their child's physical and/or
mental problems and are considering sending
them to an orphanage. Support is also offered
to orphans like Andrei, who have experienced
severe abuse.
Children and youth attend group
therapy sessions appropriate to their age. The
youngsters enjoy the supportive atmosphere
where they can talk about their problems with
empathetic peers. A psychotherapist is there to
promote responsibility and conflict resolution
and help with behavioral issues.
The "School for Parents" helps them
learn how to talk to and respond to adopted
children. Seminars outline ways to set boundaries within the family and curb the child's bad
habits in an encouraging way. The parents
learn how to deal with hyperactivity and how
to raise the level of their child's academic
achievement. As one parent told us, "Here I
meet people like me and see that I am not
Vol. 13
alone. At every stage, I am always offered concrete and qualified help."
The organization is staffed by psychologists, psychiatrists, teachers, and specialists in family law and children's rights.
Professional assistance is always available via a
hotline or through the Internet. Currently, over
fifty families benefit from the programs
described above, conducted in a friendly and
family-like atmosphere. Parents hold birthday
parties for the children and gather to celebrate
holidays and the end of the school year.
"Nelishnie Deti" also organizes
nature trips and cultural excursions for these
families. In June 2008, twelve disabled children, four parents and the Center's psychologists and psychiatrists took a trip to St.
Petersburg. All were grateful for the new experience. Parents were happy to receive instruction on dealing with their children's erratic
behavior outside of the home.
RCWS offered a first time grant of
$10,000 to "Nelishniye Deti" in 2008. Through
their efforts in the last ten years, none of the
families attending the center have given up
their children and great progress has been made
in all of the cases described at the beginning of
this article. Pasha enrolled in a technological
institute to study information technology.
Andrei is working with several advocates
who are assisting his efforts to improve his
healthcare, education and living conditions.
Olga has the support she needs and no
longer considers reversing her decision to
adopt.
All Russia Pediatric AIDS Center Continues to Help Young Patients Beat the Odds
Official government statistics indicate
that there are over 330,000 Russians infected
with HIV, making Russia home to the highest
number of people living with HIV/AIDS in
Europe today. Since many more are unaware of
their HIV status, international organizations
estimate the true figure to be somewhere
between 800,000 to 1.5 million. Medicine has
fortunately advanced to the point where transmission of the virus from mother to child during
pregnancy and birth can be prevented. Yet,
thousands of children are born with HIV every
year and many are abandoned by their mothers
soon after.
Playing and leading a normal life
at the Pediatric AIDS Center
The Foundation "Future without
HIV/AIDS" was formed in 2001 to assist infected orphans and pregnant women at the All
Russia Pediatric AIDS Center in St. Petersburg.
The organization focuses its work on educating
and socializing orphaned children growing up in
a hospital environment. Many of the children
have been transferred from hospital to hospital,
never interacting with other children or playing
with new toys. At the Pediatric AIDS Center,
there is a community of 40 sick and orphaned
children who receive the attention of a dedicated staff of medical and educational professionals who foster their emotional development and
integration into society.
The Society's $11,500 contribution in
2008 is providing funds to equip the facility
with furniture that creates a homelike atmosphere within the hospital. The children will
also have the opportunity for trips to the theatre
and circus, parks and overnight excursions to a
sanatorium.
Increased interaction with the outside
world and with other children and adults is having a positive impact on these sick and isolated
kids. One girl arrived at the hospital when she
was one-and-a-half and wouldn't talk, smile, or
Holding hands and helping each other
before routine tests
express emotions other than fear. After a year,
her language comprehension increased and she
reacted more normally with adults. It took
another year for the child to become interested
in her surroundings. Now, at the age of fiveand-a-half, the girl shows curiosity in her environment, communicates well and has made
friends. She also derives much pleasure from
trips outside the hospital.
The Society commends the Pediatric
AIDS Center for its commitment to children
many regard as a lost cause. We hope these
kids continue to beat the odds, overcome their
developmental delays and maintain their health.
RCWS NEWS
Fall 2008
Kitezh Village Creates a New Model
of Family Life for Orphaned Children
Sixteen years ago, prominent Russian writer and
journalist Dmitriy
Morozov implemented a
unique plan to help
orphaned children.
Morozov started a "therapeutic community," a village called Kitezh in the
Kaluga region made up entirely of adoptive parents and their children. Each of the ten families
lives in its own house. The community has a
farm, church, banya, cafeteria, carpenter's workshop and a government accredited and licensed
school. Since the teachers live amongst the
children, they are better able to design individualized academic programs for the students. This
therapeutic model unites the collective spirit of
the orphanage with the intimacy of family life.
The underlying philosophy at Kitezh
is that being an adoptive parent is a profession
in and of itself. Prospective adoptive parents
are therefore required to receive training for one
year at the village before they are accepted.
Such preparation and subsequent support have
generated outstanding results for orphans.
Of the 84 children who have grown
up in Kitezh thus far (51 orphans, 22 at risk
youths from disadvantaged families and 11 biological children), not one has been involved in
crime, succumbed to drug abuse or committed
suicide. All have found gainful employment
and many pursued professional education. In
stark contrast, general Russian statistics show
that 40% of orphanage grads end up breaking
the law, 40% have substance abuse problems,
and 10% commit suicide. Clearly, the therapeutic community has helped these kids beat the
odds. Kitezh has been recognized by the
Russian and British governments as an authority
in the area of adoption of orphans.
Not surprisingly, a number of Kitezh
grads decided to replicate this effort in another
community called Orion. The effort got underway in 2004 and ten families have already constructed their own houses. But constructing a
workable village with electricity, water systems
and paved roads takes time, especially when
government funding is slow to materialize.
To hasten progress, RCWS approved
a $10,000 grant for a carpenter's workshop in
Orion. The villagers can use the machinery and
tools to meet the needs of the community and
erect new buildings, as well as to make and sell
furniture to generate income. The children will
also be able to acquire vocational skills.
Happy smiles from little residents of Kitezh
Orion also plans to develop farmland
and greenhouses in order to reduce grocery bills
for the families. The school is already open,
though in need of additional funds for educational materials. The government currently
pays the teacher’s salaries. Long term goals
include the establishment of a summer camp for
kids in crisis and a consultation center for adoptive parents in the Kaluga region.
The Kitezh and Orion Children's
Community Partnerships represent an important
option in dealing with the problem of orphans
in Russia today. RCWS would like to thank
Dr. Richard Lipsky for a $10,000 direct donation toward the Kitezh community activities.
Page 5
CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES BENEFIT
FROM NEW EXERCISE EQUIPMENT
IN VELIKIY NOVGOROD
The "Victoria" Rehabilitation Center
for children with disabilities in Velikiy
Novgorod is the only such institution in the city
with a specialized playground. The center
appealed to RCWS for a $4,000 grant in 2007
to acquire suitable equipment that would foster
participation in sports and healthy exercise out
in the fresh air. Since the government provides
only enough funding to cover 7% of the center's budget, prior to the Society's intervention,
the 300 disabled children enrolled in programs
had been deprived of this special opportunity to
strengthen their motor skills and respiratory
system.
Nine year old Denis suffers from a
severe form of cerebral palsy, unable to sit up
or speak, though he shows no signs of intellectual impairment. Denis started making weekly
visits to the center where his physical activity
alternated between the indoor gym and the new
outdoor playground. After only one month, his
muscle spasms are much less frequent and he
moves his arms and legs in a less chaotic fashion. This muscle control means that Denis can
now attend school since he is able to press buttons on a computer to communicate with the
teacher.
The potential for improvement, however incremental, amongst the city's estimated
1,000 disabled children is immense. Unfortunately, many are languishing in their homes
since public transportation is not handicapaccessible and parents cannot easily afford
taxis to make regular attendance at the center
possible. RCWS recently approved a request
for $17,363 to purchase a 12-person minivan to
help resolve transportation issues. Now even
more children with special needs can progress
more rapidly in their rehabilitation.
Nevelski Juvenile Detention Center
Providing Teens with a Second Chance and Job Skills
The Nevelski Juvenile Detention
Center in Pskov currently houses 160 youths,
ranging from fourteen to eighteen years of
age. It is a familiar story. Many of these
teenagers come from poor homes or orphanages, suffer from learning disabilities and have
severely limited academic and/or practical
skills. Tenuous connections with their families breed feelings of isolation and disbelief
that they can actually turn their lives around.
The squalid and dilapidated conditions at the
center do not encourage rehabilitation, but
serve to further embitter the troubled young
men.
The Society's close collaborators at
the Pskov Children's Fund consider the
Nevelski Juvenile Detention Center one of the
poorest institutions in the region. Since the
surest way to cut the recidivism rate is to provide job training to the detainees, RCWS has
stepped in with a $10,000 grant for new
equipment for vocational workshops.
The local job market has a high
demand for electricians and welders, so the
teens will now have the opportunity to acquire
these professional skills. RCWS funds are
underwriting the purchase of equipment for
welding, cabinetmaking and carpentry workshops, as well as equipment for electrician and
locksmith training.
In addition, the teens learn how to
operate sewing machines while in detention.
Part of the Society's funds was used to buy the
fabric and supplies to produce 200 sets of
linens for the children at the Velikolukski
Orphanage in Pskov.
Achievement Awards of Excellence
at Nevelski Juvenile Detention Center
This program benefiting the juvenile
delinquents is called "Preparing for a new
life." Intervention at this stage will hopefully
empower some of these teenagers to reject old
habits and assimilate into the broader lawabiding community upon their release.
RCWS hopes to give a second chance to those
who seek a fresh start in life.
Page 6
Yelka Celebration
FROM PAGE 1
The Society shares the success of the Yelka
with the many individuals and charities dedicated to helping disadvantaged children. RCWS
extends a big thanks to Tatiana Bodrova of the
Pskov Children's Fund, Irina Kudrina, head of
the Russian charity Severnaya Korona and wife
of the Minister of Finance, and to Yevgeniy
Primakov, who chairs the Russian Chamber of
Commerce and Industry as well as its charitable
arm. These RCWS partner organizations underwrote a significant part of the event's transportation costs.
Dreams come true for a young participant
of RCWS Yelka event
We also greatly appreciate the volunteers
from Moscow State University, and the Institute
of Pedagogy and Psychology and the Rostok
Center, who accompanied the children from
Beslan, Veliky Novgorod, and Pskov during the
Christmas celebrations and whose extra attention made these orphans feel special.
There were many children who, through
sickness or other unfortunate circumstances,
could not attend the Yelka, yet the Society managed to bring a little Holiday cheer to them, as
well. RCWS hired a professional actor to play
Ded Moroz and distribute gifts to 110 patients at
the St. Vladimir Children's Hospital and 200
others at the Institute of Emergency Surgery and
Trauma. We also surprised 38 children at an
orphanage in Tugolessky Bor with individualized gifts based on their letters to Ded Moroz.
The Society again visited a juvenile prison on
the outskirts of Moscow, bringing books and
sweets to young inmates, many of whom are
twelve or younger. Perhaps the most grateful
recipients of our Christmas program were the
130 street children and orphans at the
Morozovskaya Children's Clinic, who received
no other holiday visitors. They enjoyed playing
games and learning new tricks from Ded Moroz.
RCWS appreciates the in-kind donation of
sweets and presents for sick children, which was
made possible by a donation from the Zodiak
Co.
RCWS also provided sweets to partner
organizations Bolshaya Peremena and
Nelishniye Deti to help enhance their Christmas
parties, as well as to three families in the
Society's "Granny's program."
RCWS would like to specially acknowledge Irina Rappoport for her generous contribution toward the Yelka event. For many sick and
lonely children, the Society's holiday program
has proven to be a gift that keeps on giving.
RCWS NEWS
Vol. 13
Preodolenie L Rehabilitation Center
Giving Hope and New Life to Children with Disabilities
Maksim Nikiforov first came to the
Preodolenie L Rehabilitation Center when he
was three years old. Suffering from a severe
case of cerebral palsy, he was unable to sit,
speak, or hold his head up. After three years of
therapy at the center, he has made such progress
that he is preparing to enroll in school.
Yuliya Simonova suffered from depression
after a severe accident left her in a wheelchair.
She hadn't left the house in four years until her
mother brought her to the center. She took computer classes and demonstrated a particular aptitude in English, for which she won a trip to
study in America. Upon her return, Yuliya started teaching English, finished college, found a
job and got married.
Nikita Baranov's blindness has not deterred
his development as a musician. During his three
years at the center, he learned to play the flute
and has participated in music festivals.
These are just three of the many youngsters who have attended "Preodolenie L" since
its founding in 1992. The variety of their cases
demonstrates just how versatile the center is in
meeting the needs of children with different disabilities. The classes offered include computers,
English language, carpentry, hairdressing, weaving, sewing, wood painting, and flower arranging. The youth theater gives children opportunities to learn acting, choreography and costume
design, while promoting positive social interactions. One of the innovative physical therapy
techniques used at the center involves bringing
the youngsters to nearby stables where they sit
on horses. This exercise increases balance and
agility
and
is
v e r y
effective
in treating the
m a n y
physical
impairments
associated with
Yuliya Simonova
disabiliat
the
Preodolenie L event
ties such
as cerebral palsy and Down's syndrome.
"Preodolenie L" is beginning a new program called "The World of Hope" with a
$10,582 grant from the RCWS. This project
will continue to run classes for the 109 disabled
children currently enrolled at the Center.
However, healthy children will now participate
with the special needs kids in small integrated
groups. The philosophy is that the disabled children can observe and learn patterns of interaction from their peers. In return, the children
without physical limitations will gain empathy
for the disabled and thereby help change societal prejudices.
This organization has been identified by
the Russian government as one of the most
effective in assisting disabled children from
orphanages and low income families. Thanks to
RCWS supporters, "Preodolenie L" is able to
offer such invaluable services.
Promoting Learning and
Academic Achievement
in the Caucasus
The St. Nicolas School in
Kislovodsk offers an outstanding educational
environment for its 222 students. The school's
classical curriculum focuses on Greek and
Latin, as well as Church Slavonic and religious history. Since the school's founding in
1992, the administration has struggled to
make the building a safe and sanitary place for
academic inquiry, outfitted with the books,
technology and other materials necessary to
promote a very high level of achievement.
Throughout the years, RCWS has
provided funding for capital repairs, medicine,
and food, as well as direct support to students
in need and their families. One such case is
Ludmila Tarabaeva, who had proven to be a
diligent and eager learner after enrolling in the
school as a fifth grader in 1999. In 2003, her
father was killed in a terrorist attack on the
Kislovodsk-Mineralniye Vody train line, leaving Ludmila's mother to raise three children
on her own. RCWS’s support kept this family
Celebrating the new academic year
at the St. Nicolas School
intact and allowed Ludmila to continue her
studies and eventually earn a silver medal
upon graduation from the St. Nicholas School.
She now studies biology at the Timiriazevskaya Academy in Moscow.
The Society's most recent grant of
$14,210 will underwrite student lunches, provide additional aid to families in need, and
help update the school's fire safety equipment
and protocols. The St. Nicolas School nurtures its students' intellectual, physical and
moral growth, while looking out for those
who have financial difficulties at home. We
wish all students and staff a successful school
year!
RCWS NEWS
Fall 2008
Friends of Russian Orphans
Implementing Innovative Programs to Help Orphans in Yaroslavl
Children in the Yaroslavl Region are
benefiting from innovative programs, thanks to
the efforts of RCWS Board member Sam
Harding and the committed staff of the nonprofit organization that he founded, Friends of
Russian Orphans (FRO). FRO has recently
become an independent Russian nongovernmental organization, while its American arm, FRO
USA, joined with Russian Children's Welfare
Society last year. Sam Harding closely monitors
FRO, making regular site visits to help their
dedicated staff develop and implement programs assisting children in need.
In 2008, FRO began a pilot program
for ten orphans exhibiting a range of psychological and emotional problems. Twice a week, the
children attend "equine therapy" at a local riding academy with two psychologists and an
equine therapist. The academy provides its services free of charge. So far, the results have been
encouraging; the new equestrians sent us letters
about their experiences with 'their' horses.
Timur Abdurakhmanov, 13, wrote:
I have a big friend - Seriy. Seriy infects me with
energy, gives me strength, and puts me in a
good mood. I feel like dancing and singing and
becoming a better person! One time, arriving at
the stable, I walked up to Seriy. As usual, I
smelled of cigarettes. Suddenly, he started
snorting and raised his ears and started acting
agitated. Then I remembered that horses don't
like the smell of tobacco. I was so ashamed. I
want to quit smoking thanks to my friend!!!
After six months of equine therapy, a
sense of optimism has replaced Timur's tendencies toward despondency; he displays less
aggression and is gaining confidence in himself
and his abilities.
Masha Ovchinnikova, 13, also
expressed her love for Seriy: I have a favorite my horse Seriy! When I come to the stable, I
run up to him and pet him and he wags his tail.
I love combing his mane. If I bring shampoo
and wash
his mane,
Seriy is so
happy. I
love taking care
of him.
When I'm
with
Seriy,
everything is
warm and
Young orphan learning to take care good, just
of her best friend Seriy
like it
used to be with my mother. I will need my horse
my whole life!
Masha has gone from being verbally
aggressive and somewhat cold to expressing
warmth and a feeling of satisfaction from taking
care of someone else.
Veronika Puchenina, 15, sent the following message: Before I couldn't even dream
of being a real rider. Now in a hat and stirrup I
spur on the horse, just like in the movies! I
direct the horse myself. It's so great! So what if
the horse is small; it's a victory - my victory!
I'm grateful to Razmakh for everything…for
always listening to me, not interrupting, not getting angry with me. After spending time with
him, I have learned to hold in my emotions and
scream at people less. I can trust Razmakh with
any secret, tell him about everything and he will
always understand me.
Whereas Veronika had been irascible,
antisocial, and lacking in self confidence, she
now makes more of an effort to peacefully
interact with her peers and exhibits a more positive mental state.
Friends of Russian Orphans has also
started a professional development initiative for
orphanage personnel. During the course of two
six-hour seminars, orphanage staff learn about
Page 7
the psychological factors involved with adoption and foster families, and how kids form
attachments. They also network with peers in
this social services specialty. The goal is to better help children in the transition to foster care
and adoptive families. Over 115 orphanage staff
in the Yaroslavl region have attended these seminars.
Foster mother Ekaterina Strekaleva
raved about the support she received from the
orphanage where she adopted 13 year old Sasha
Kruglov. The director, psychologists, teachers
and other aides have provided practical help and
consultations as necessary to smooth the transition. Ekaterina forwarded us the following
note: That Sasha Kruglov would become my son
was something I knew before I even met him.
The Orphanage, Director Elena Irineevna, told
me: "He's a very calm boy - the kind who would
rather sit with a babushka chatting and drinking tea than running around with boys his own
age. He's very kind. Sasha dreams about having a family." I knew he was mine! During our
first meeting we stayed together the whole time
talking, walking, swimming, having a picnic. I
already had the feeling that he was my son,
from whom fate had separated me for 13 years.
Sasha has assimilated exceptionally
well into his new environment and family and is
excelling in school with his new mom's help.
He smiles all the time now and has more selfconfidence than he did as an orphan.
Last year, RCWS channeled a total of
$40,650 to support the Friends of Russian
Orphans (FRO) in Yaroslavl. In addition to the
programs described above, FRO has done
excellent work in building community relations
and promoting the concept of patronat, where a
family takes in an orphan and offers mentoring
and the structure of a home life, without formal
adoption. Eleven orphans in the region are also
RCWS scholarship recipients. FRO is currently
constructing a Web site, where supporters will
soon be able to learn of the latest efforts to help
orphans in Yaroslavl.
House of Hope
A Short-Term Care Center for Cancer Patients Visiting Moscow for Medical Treatment
Young cancer patients come from
far and wide to seek medical help at the
Russian Children's Clinical Hospital in
Moscow. After the early and intensive phases
of care, the hospital can eventually release the
child for treatment on an outpatient basis.
Unfortunately, many families cannot afford to
rent an apartment during this stage of recovery. The hospital's on-site accommodations
for families meet only a fraction of the need.
As a result, many parents leave their children
at the hospital for many extra months, which
in turn takes limited beds away from others in
need of hospitalization.
To help alleviate this serious problem, RCWS is lending its financial support to
"House of Hope," a short-term respite care
and rehabilitation center for children suffering
from blood cancers. This facility was opened
in the Moscow region in September 2006
through the efforts of the Regional Charity
Foundation (RCF), which provides help to
seriously ill and abandoned children. This
important project liberates these sick children
from the confines of the hospital, allowing
them to live with family members and enjoy
fresh air and games, while receiving counseling to help them cope with the stresses of
chemotherapy.
"House of Hope" is a new four-story
structure, with five cozy bedrooms, a large
kitchen, an indoor recreational room and an
outdoor play area. The family environment
definitely gives sick kids a boost as they battle
Future artists at the “House of Hope”
for their lives. In the last two years, over 150
families have benefited from "House of
Hope." This outstanding project also provides
some financial and mental relief to parents
while they attend to their children's medical
needs. RCF hopes to further expand its reach
and open another facility for orphans who
need outpatient care at the Russian Children's
Clinical Hospital in the near future.
Page 8
RCWS NEWS
Donor Support Transforms Orphanages
RCWS Allocations in the Pskov Region Top $430,000 from 1999 to 2008
In May 2008, RCWS Board member
Sam Harding traveled to the Pskov region of
Russia. As our supporters already know, the
Society has contributed extensively to the
improvement of living conditions and to the
expansion of educational opportunities in the
area's numerous orphanages.
Mr. Harding was able to meet with
Tatiana Bodrova, Director of the Pskov's
Children Fund, with whom we collaborate on
many projects. He also conducted site visits to
the Bobrovsky and Opochka Orphanages and
the Opochka Pedagogical College. Mr. Harding
assessed the staff at these institutions as highly
competent and utterly committed to the children
in their care and reported that RCWS funding is
having a tangible impact on the quality of life
of orphans and the disabled.
Here is a brief rundown on all of the
Pskov orphanage programs that received RCWS
support in 2007-2008:
The Bobrovsky Orphanage works
with approximately 100 children with severe
mental handicaps and motor disabilities. A
$12,752 grant was approved for the purchase of
specialized soft modular furniture and play sets
to help with their physical development. The
children can now sit in chairs that conform to
the shape of their bodies, allowing them to relax
in a position that limits muscle spasms. The
children are also able to play building pyramids,
houses, roads, etc., with the brightly colored
recreational pieces. Local artists have volunteered to paint the walls of the newly renovated
rooms with scenes from Russian fairytales.
Over two years ago, Jerri Tankersley
of the California Nail and Supply Company
started the ball rolling with a $2,000 direct
donation to the orphanage through RCWS. We
share the following letter of thanks we received
from Victor Lesnikov, Director of the
Orphanage:
“The children are getting used to this
great new gift. The furniture is not only comfortable and safe, but captivates their interest
all day long. And it's now easier for the staff to
feed them in these chairs. The multi-purpose
modules serve as a gymnastic apparatus and
rocking chair, a multicolored labyrinth and a
big couch. We send our deepest expression of
thanks and gratitude for this help and your participation in the lives of our students!”
The Opochka Specialized
Orphanage is adding capacity to its information center with five new computers and work
stations, printers, a scanner, multimedia projector and screen. The students love doing their
homework and exploring the Internet!
Eleven year old Nikita Shevchenko
sent us a letter he wrote on the new computers:
“I love studying on the computer because it
seems to me that today, not one machine or factory can run without a computer. And I imagine
Future “Bill Gates” at Opochka orphanage
that when I grow up, I also will work at a computer or use it to find information. Thanks to
you we now have such a great center in our
school where we can study using the latest technology!”
In addition, new kitchen equipment
and furniture is giving students the opportunity
to learn about cooking and running a household
at the Opochka Orphanage. The Society's total
contribution for 2008 is $12,975.
Over 1/3 of the students who live in
the dorms at the Opochka Pedagogical College
are orphans. RCWS gave a $6,000 grant to furnish a social and study area within the dorm for
the students to use on weekends and holidays
when others are with their families. The student
center now has computers, kitchen appliances,
dishes and other electronic equipment to facilitate food preparation.
The Idritsa Orphanage was reputed
to be one of the poorest orphanages in Pskov
until the RCWS became involved in 2001.
Approximately $50,000 in awards has been
given over the years providing the isolated
facility with a minivan, car, and vocational
workshops. In 2008, RCWS provided $6,000 to
purchase furniture and equipment for the two
play rooms. The children are delighted by their
new surroundings and treat them with much
respect. These seemingly small touches lift
their spirits immensely!
The Society is helping the
Krasnogorodsky Specialized Orphanage realize its "Home and Family Project." The staff
has created an apartment unit where they teach
the children home economics, cooking and
hygiene. Renovations and the purchase of furniture, bathroom equipment, kitchen appliances
and decorative pieces were made possible with
an $11,000 grant. Jerri Tankersley of the
California Nail and Supply Company also channeled a direct donation to the project through
RCWS. Now, the children have a nice learning
environment and a place to meet with visiting
relatives or prospective foster parents.
Tatiana Ivanova wrote to us:
“We are lucky that there are such good and
generous people in the world! Now when my
mother visits me, we can sit together in this
magnificent apartment. And maybe she too will
want us to have such a cozy home and start to
behave better.”
Vol. 13
Furthermore, the Krasnogorodsky
Orphanage is still developing its cycling program, hoping one day to take the children on
overnight camping/biking trips. In the meantime, their health is showing improvement
thanks to the increased physical activity.
Previous RCWS support to the
Pytalovo Specialized Orphanage for deaf and
hearing impaired children helped with the
acquisition of equipment to improve learning
and aid in speech therapy. As a result, teachers
have noted a dramatic improvement in speech
intelligibility amongst these students. In 2008,
the Society granted $10,200 to create 6 homelike settings for individual and group therapy
sessions. The students seem to have better
results outside the austere classroom environment.
Four years ago, Natasha Krylova
entered the Pytalovo orphanage with very
severe hearing impairment and incapable of
speech. After a year, she began to speak in
basic sounds and syllables, but now can articulate distinct sentences. She is an avid reader
and devours books from cover to cover.
According to orphanage director and "Teacher
of the Year" recipient Gennady Komar, this
story would not be possible without Natasha's
hard work, the care of her teachers and the
response of RCWS supporters.
The Belsko-Ustinsky Orphanage
serves 100 children with various injuries to the
central nervous system. State tests in the fall of
2007 showed that the students exhibited below
average endurance and coordination. Thanks to
the Society's $8,000 grant for athletic equipment the orphanage's gym teacher now has the
tools to raise the level of physical fitness. New
gymnastic mats, a trampoline, weights, horizontal bars, skis, and roller blades will give the
children the opportunity to improve their physical and consequently their mental health. Since
June, ten children have mastered rollerblading
and will learn to ice skate on the orphanage's
outdoor rink. The special athletes are now
enjoying healthy leisure activities and look forward to participating in sports competitions.
The Pushkinogorodsky Orphanage
houses 200 children who have been exposed to
tuberculosis or are at risk of developing the disease. The institution works to prevent the
spread of TB through public outreach programs.
In house, the staff tries to teach the children
about hygiene and prepares them for independent living. The current $9,350 RCWS grant
has been allocated for the acquisition of washing machines, dishwashers, and a large electric stovetop.
The Society wishes to acknowledge
Mr. John Thomas for his direct contribution
for the purchase of sewing machines at the
Velikoluksky School and Orphanage and the
Vorontsovsky Specialized School and
Orphanage, both in the Pskov region.
Together, RCWS and its supporters are transforming orphans from outcasts into contributing members of society.
RCWS NEWS
Fall 2008
Page 9
“Tsvetik-Semisvetik” Center
“Sisters of Mercy”
Assisting Disabled and Visually Impaired Children in Veliky Novgorod
Saving Abandoned Babies
"Tsvetik-Semisvetik" is an educational
center for disabled and visually impaired children in Veliky Novgorod. Most of the 135 students at the center have normal mental faculties,
as evidenced by the 80% who went on to higher
education institutions in 2007. Their disabilities
do however necessitate special accommodations
for the learning process.
A $5,000 RCWS grant for information
technology is having a great impact in this
regard. New computers with Braille keyboards
and special diagnostic software are available for
vision impaired students. New media projectors
are facilitating student research-based presentations. All the youngsters enjoy using the
Internet and there are plans for a studentdesigned website for Tsvetik-Semisvetik. And
homebound students can now attend classes via
distance learning with the new computer installation.
One participant in the programs at TsvetikSemisvetik merits particular mention for his single-minded motivation to learn despite severe
physical limitations. Alyosha straddled between
life and death for the first days of his life. He
survived even though doctors had given up
hope, but was diagnosed with a severe form of
cerebral palsy several days after his birth. On a
very bright note, Alyosha's parents became
strong and loving advocates for their child,
Creating a new puppet show
to overcome their disabilities
showing no favoritism when a healthy baby girl
was born in the family.
While Alyosha cannot speak, he learned to
read and count. He absorbs fairy tales, stories
and the children's encyclopedia voraciously.
Given limited motor control of the arms,
Alyosha gets down on his knees and presses the
buttons of his calculator with his nose in order
to solve problems. Many administrators denied
him entrance to school citing his inability to
respond to teachers. Alyosha's tenacity and
desire for knowledge eventually prevailed and
his swift mind allowed him to skip the second
grade.
Alyosha loves being around people and has
made many new friends on the Internet. School
and life will always present difficulties to
Alyosha, but to his family, his teachers and his
doctors, he is a source of great inspiration.
Currently, 25 abandoned infants and
20 street children live in a special ward at
Children's Hospital #7 in Tushino, on the outskirts of Moscow. They wait for placement in
shelters or orphanages or with foster families
while receiving treatment, with hospital stays
averaging about six months. The feeling of
hopelessness is palpable in the long glasswalled corridor where the traumatized patients
are barely able to smile.
The "Miloserdie" charity and its
corps of volunteers, called Sisters of Mercy,
were invited by the hospital administration several years ago to help create a brighter environment for these unfortunate children. RCWS
granted the group $6,000 in May 2008 to renovate and equip a playroom at the hospital. A
big screen television replaced a small one and
now everyone can watch DVDs together. There
is new furniture, a music center, educational
books and developmental games and art supplies to enhance leisure time.
In Memory of Mrs. Nika Pleshkova Thayer
Nika Pleshkova Thayer, one of the Society's great friends
and patrons, died at the age of 89 at her home in Connecticut on
February 19, 2008. Mrs. Thayer's primary philanthropic interest
focused on assisting Russian children, building on the work of her
mother, who established and endowed the Vera Townsend
Foundation. Through the later named Thayer-Townsend Foundation, she also extended her generosity and counsel to museums, arts
centers, libraries, and nursing organizations.
A Sister of Mercy caring for young patient
Mrs. Thayer was a driving force behind the Society's decision
to establish a scholarship program for orphans in 2003. She demonThe Sisters of Mercy try to emphastrated her resolve to underwrite an initiative with tangible results
size cooperative learning, such as drawing
for disadvantaged Russian youth by commissioning and examining
murals or listening to stories, and team competia feasibility study before making a financial commitment. RCWS
tions that promote some physical activity within
presented her with the John Engalitcheff Award at the 2004
the confines of the play area. They are doing
Petroushka Ball and named her an Honorary Board member to
great work to help alleviate the stress of chilrecognize her outstanding contributions. Mrs. Thayer bestowed a
dren whose short lives have been marred by
great honor on the Society by bequeathing a substantial gift to
violence, cruelty and neglect.
ensure the expansion of the scholarship program.
Mrs. Thayer's charitable work was only one layer of her long and interesting life. She was born in
Vladivostok, Russia in 1919. Her father, Mikhail Mikhailovich Pleshkov, was a first class cavalryman who served
Late Nika Pleshkova Thayer as an Aide de Camp to Tsar Nicholas II and General of her Majesty's Blue Cuirassiers. He barely escaped death duras a young Russian girl
ing the Russian Revolution, but eventually moved the family to safety in Harbin, China before immigrating to the
United States in 1921. Mrs. Thayer eventually earned degrees from Bennington College and Yale University, finding employment as a code breaker
for the U.S. government during World War II, and later securing positions at Radio Free Europe and the Museum of Modern Art, both in New York
City.
Mrs. Nika Thayer was a sharp and straightforward woman and a devoted humanitarian. Her husband, John Lloyd Thayer, passed away in
1985. She is survived by nine nieces and nephews. Her legacy will live on through the countless numbers of Russian children who will benefit from
her altruism.
Page 10
RCWS NEWS
Vol. 13
Rehabilitating Orphans and Disabled Children through Art
This year, the "Our Help" Rehabilitation
Center in St. Petersburg established the first
audio library in Russia with the help of a $13,440
RCWS grant. The mission of the center is to support disabled children and build self esteem in
orphans through exposure to the arts. Its
"Talking Book" program aims to expand access
to academic materials and literature to 500 blind
or vision impaired children in orphanages and
specialized schools absolutely free of charge.
Now these children can listen to history,
philosophy and fiction on CD, greatly expanding
their knowledge. Many of the recordings are narrated by famous artists and actors from St.
Petersburg, and the number of available "talking
books" is growing rapidly. Gifted children will
also have the opportunity to record stories at the
on-site recording studio. Overall, increased
access to information will help children with this
particular disability feel less isolated from society.
This innovative effort follows in the footsteps of other long-term "Our Help" programs
that focus on art and music to build courage and
foster mastery of self expression in children. The
"We Draw the World" project organizes art lessons, trips to theaters and museums, and meetings with famous painters and artists. The children's vibrant and imaginative work has been
exhibited at over 100 venues throughout St.
Young artists at the
“We Draw the World” exhibit
Petersburg and has traveled abroad for display in
many countries.
Youngsters from various children’s institutions with vocal abilities have had the chance to
sing in front of notables from the Russian music
world, such as Yuri Shevchuk and Alexander
Rosenbaum. The stars mingle with the kids and
offer prizes and gifts such as autographed posters
and CDs. The whole event means the world to
kids longing for validation and acceptance in the
world.
These important initiatives are designed to
curb bad behavior that leads to vagrancy and
juvenile crime. Children learn how to communicate and observe accepted standards of etiquette
so that they can fit into society. "Our Help" is the
only rehabilitation center of its type for abandoned and disabled children in St. Petersburg.
In Memory of Mrs. Irina Baronova
RCWS Honorary Director Irina
Baronova passed away at her home in Australia at
the age of 89. Ms. Baronova was one of the famed
"baby ballerinas" of the Ballet Russe de Monte
Carlo, gaining world renown at the age of 13.
Ms. Baronova was born in Petrograd in
1919 to a wealthy family whose property was confiscated by the Bolsheviks. The family escaped to
Romania where her father, a former naval officer,
found work in a factory. Their new home was a
dilapidated apartment in Bucharest, where Irina
Irina Baronova in 1937
took her first ballet lessons. Fortunately, her
teacher recognized Irina's talent and advised the family to move to Paris, where
many of Russia's finest artists and dancers settled in the post-Revolution years.
While in Paris, thirteen year old Irina was hired by none other than
George Balanchine for the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo. During her years with the
company, she also worked with Michel Fokine and Leonid Massine, major choreographers of the day. She moved to New York with her parents, before the Second
World War, and lived in Sea Cliff, Long Island. She joined the American Ballet
Theatre in NY as a leading principal. Irina Baronova was an integral part of the
Russian ballet community abroad that maintained Russia's premiere ballet tradition.
Irina's career wound down after her second marriage, in 1948, to the theatrical agent Cecil Tennant, with whom she had two daughters and a son. Irina later
taught dance in England, eventually earning the position of Vice President of the
Royal Academy of Dance. She worked for the Australian Ballet, staging a production of Les Sylphides in 1986, and eventually moved there to live with one of her
daughters in 1999. Ms. Baronova published her autobiography Irina: Ballet, Life
and Loves in 2005.
RCWS mourns the loss of a wonderful friend who played a notable role
in 20th century Russian culture and performance.
8TH PETROUSHKA ON THE HUDSON
The 8th Petroushka on the Hudson
event took place on Thursday, June 5, 2008.
Over 200 guests were in attendance, including
special guest Diana Vishneva, Prima Ballerina
of the Kirov Ballet and the American Ballet
Theatre. Ms. Vishneva is also an Honorary
Director of RCWS.
Live music was provided by Ljova
and the Kontraband, featuring Inna Barmash of
Romashka. In addition to dinner and dancing,
Petroushka on the Hudson guests enjoyed a lottery (known as "fanty" in Russian), which was
arranged by jeweler Valerio 888. A lucky winner took home an exclusive set of amber jewelry. All guests received gift bags filled with
Elemis skin care products, Valerio 888 amber
pendants and KIND health bars. Our thanks go
out to all those who helped make this evening
such a success.
ABT Prima Ballerina Diana Vishneva
enjoying the cruise on the Hudson
Helping Children with
Cleft Lip and Palate
Moscow State Medical Stomatological University
(MSMSU) is one of the premiere hospitals in Russia treating
pediatric facial deformities. Over 500 maxillofacial surgeries
are performed on children each year using the most advanced
techniques and technology. The Smile Train sponsors the cleft
treatment for disadvantaged children and RCWS administers
the program.
In 2002 and 2006, the Society, MSMSU and Smile
Train together organized symposiums on cleft care in Moscow
and invited surgeons from all over Russia to attend. MSMSU
administrators viewed this as a positive beginning toward
bringing advanced care to children living far from the capital.
The University went on to establish the Healthy
Child Foundation to conduct on site training in underserved
areas, such as Irkutsk, Krasnodar, Saratov, and Nizhnevartovsk.
MSMSU surgeons have traveled to such locales to conduct
master classes and certify various specialists involved in treating maxillofacial deformities: surgeons, pediatricians, anesthesiologists, orthodontists, radiologists, and speech therapists.
Over 70 children have received surgeries on these trips so far
and now local surgeons will be able to use state of the art techniques for future cases.
RCWS granted the Healthy Child Foundation
$10,000 in 2008 to expand its mobile training units to Ufa in
the Republic of Bashkorstan. Doctors anticipate performing 50
surgeries and providing over 100 consultations, in addition to
conducting seminars and lectures. This medical initiative will
help many children avoid the stigma of facial deformities and
help them have happier and healthier lives.
Fall 2008
RCWS NEWS
Page 11
RCWS Grants to Russia in 2007 - 2008
How You Can Help
Hospitals and Rehabilitation Centers:
"Let's Give Beauty Back to the Children" Project - $120,000 grant toward facial surgeries for disadvantaged children at the Moscow Medical Center of Maxillofacial Surgery. (See article, p. 3)
Moscow State Medical Stomatological University - $17,950 grant toward field missions to Saratov and Ufa
regions to treat over 90 children with cleft, as well as to conduct training for local doctors. (See article, p. 10)
Institute of Rheumatology, Russian Academy of Medical Science, Moscow - $5,000 grant to equip a relaxation and rehabilitation area for children with juvenile arthritis who are staying at the hospital.
All-Russia Children's Hospital for HIV-infected Children, St. Petersburg - $10,000 grant toward creating
a homelike environment and educational programs for 26 HIV infected orphans. (See article, p. 4)
The Smile Train Project - continued sponsorship of cleft lip and palate surgeries together with The Smile
Train organization. A total of $15,000 was transferred toward this program in 2007.
Rehabilitation Center "Our Help," St. Petersburg - $13,440 grant to create an audio library for visionimpaired children. (See article, p. 10)
Children's Hospice, St. Petersburg - $7,500 grant for medicine and sanitary items. (See article, p. 3)
Rehabilitation Center "Romashka", Irkutsk Region - $7,000 grant to purchase a mini-tractor and a plow.
(See article, p. 3)
"Preodolenie L" Rehabilitation Center for Disabled Children, Moscow - $10,582 grant toward the horse
therapy program, children's theater, transportation, field trips, computers, furniture and food. (See article, p. 6)
Rehabilitation Center "House of Hope", Moscow - $7,555 toward utilities expenses, maintenance of boiler,
septic system and diesel engine. (See article, p. 7)
Center "Nelishniye Deti", Moscow - $8,125 for psychological assistance of families with children who have
experienced trauma, adopted children and/or children with disabilities. (See article, p. 4)
Rehabilitation Center for Disabled Children, Krasnoyarsk region - $6,928 grant to purchase a new computer with software for psychological training and test programs for children with disabilities.
Rehabilitation Center "Inspiration", Nikolskoe-Gagarino - $21,770 toward food, clothing and shoes for
children, as well as medicine, utilities and communication expenses.
Rehabilitation Center for Children with Special Needs "Victoria", Velikij Novgorod - $6,000 grant to create an outdoor sport facility for children and a $17,363 grant to purchase a minivan. (See article, p. 5)
"Shelter for Childhood" shelter, Moscow - $10,000 grant to assist a group of young people and homeless single mothers with room and board for the period of one year.
Educational Center "Bolshaya Peremena", Moscow - $14,823 to underwrite an accelerated academic program for 7 orphans during an 11 month period.
Charity Fund "Miloserdie"/ Children's Hospital #7, Tushino, Moscow region - $6,000 grant to equip a
playroom for children living at the hospital. (See article p. 9 and photo on p. 12)
Art Rehabilitation Center "Maria's Children", Moscow - $8,000 grant toward theater productions, summer
rehabilitation camp, art exhibits and end of school year celebration.
Rehabilitation Center "Kupel", Moscow region - $12,000 grant to equip a playroom for 100 children.
Orion Children's Community Partnership, Kaluga region - $10,000 to start a carpenter's shop at the family-based therapeutic community Orion. (See article, p. 5).
Educational Center for Disabled Children "Tsvetik - Semitsvetik", Velikiy Novgorod -$5,000 grant toward
a Braille display, monitor and other equipment to improve educational programs for children. (See article, p. 9)
Orphanages and Shelters
Belsko-Ustinsky Specialized Orphanage, Pskov - $7,950 grant toward sporting equipment. (See article, p. 8)
Krasnogorodsky Specialized Orphanage, Pskov - $11,000 grant for furniture, kitchen appliances, bathroom
equipment and renovations; a $3,553 grant to support the orphanage's bicycle club activities. (See article, p. 8)
Pytalovo Specialized Orphanage, Pskov region - $10,200 grant to create 6 homelike setting for individual
and group therapy for 74 hearing impaired children. (See article, p. 8)
Idritsa Specialized Orphanage, Pskov region - $5,950 grant toward equipment and furniture for two children's playrooms. (See article, p. 8)
Opochka Specialized Orphanage, Pskov region - $12,975 grant to purchase 5 computers and printers, a scanner, 5 desks and multimedia equipment, kitchen appliances; $11,650 grant to furnish the orphanage medical
center with necessary diagnostic equipment and supplies. (See article, p. 8)
Bobrovsky Orphanage, Pskov region- $12,752 grant for specialized soft furniture & play sets (See p. 8)
Lesogorsky Orphanage, Irkutsk region - $3,500 grant for carpentry equipment. (See article, p. 3)
Specialized Orphanage for Children with Learning Disabilities, Velikiy Novgorod - $6,827 grant to purchase 40 beds for children and a digital camera.
Orphanage and School for Deaf and Hearing-impaired Children, Velikiy Novgorod - $5,000 grant to create a "Sensory Room" for 182 children.
Orphanage # 2, Novomoskovsk, Tula region - $12,000 grant toward an advanced vocational training program
Pushkinogorodskiy Orphanage, Pskov - $11,355 grant for medical equipment to treat children suffering from
tuberculosis, and a $9,350 grant for a washing machine, dishwasher and electric stove. (See article, p. 8)
Schools
Pushkin School in Novomoskovsk, Tula region - $12,000 grant to cover 3 computers with printers, Internet
access, books and development of school’s web site.
St. Nicolas Orthodox School, Kislovodsk - $14,210 grant to cover lunches for 222 students, provide financial
support to 11 needy students and install fire safety features in two of the school's buildings. (See article, p. 6)
Russian Orthodox School, Yaroslavl Region, Tutaev - $14,007 and $11,433 grants to cover furniture, computers, books, field trips, vocational training programs, renovation expenses and food
Secondary Specialized/Evening School, Novomoskovsk, Tula region - $12,000 grant in order to equip classrooms with computers, new interactive boards, training CDs and books for the children.
Opochka Pedagogical College, Pskov region - $6,000 grant to equip a Student Center at the dormitory with
two computers, furniture, kitchen appliances and dishes. (See article, p. 8)
(List incomplete)
RCWS is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization
recognized by the IRS. The Society relies on
private donations to support its various programs. Our endowment allows 100% of
donations to go directly to help Russian children. We are also seeking corporate sponsors
to help fund our ongoing programs in Russia.
All contributions are tax deductible.
Save the Date!
44th Annual Petroushka Ball
at the Waldorf=Astoria,
February 13th, 2009
call RCWS at 212-473-6263 for tickets, ads,
auction donations and special sponsorships.
Please join us in helping - and thank you
in advance for your kind support!
__ Please accept my gift of $_______
__ Please direct my gift to:
_Orphanages & Homeless Shelters
_Medical Programs
_Scholarship Program
_General Fund_________________
__ I enclose my check
__ Please debit my credit card
(Master Card, Visa, or American Express)
No______________________________
Expires__________________________
Signature________________________
__ I wish to make a gift of stock.
Please contact me.
__ I/We have remembered RCWS in
our Will. Please contact me.
__I can help with RCWS fundraising
activities. Please contact me.
__I would like to volunteer.
Name____________________________
Address_________________________
City_____________________________
State_________Zip_________________
Phone___________________________
E-mail___________________________
PLEASE CONTACT US WITH COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS:
Vladimir P. Fekula, President & CEO
Anna Sergeeva-Gross, Director of New York Office
Ksenia O’Neill, Assistant Director
Ludmilla Koroleva, Director of Moscow Office
RUSSIAN CHILDREN'S WELFARE SOCIETY
200 PARK AVENUE SOUTH, SUITE 1617
NEW YORK, NY 10003
888-732-RCWS, 212-473-6263
EMAIL: [email protected]
WWW.RCWS.ORG
RCWS NEWS
Page 12
Vol. 13
Announcements
To view a video of this year's Petroushka on the
Hudson, please access via the Society's Web Site
www.RCWS.org. The footage includes interviews with RCWS Board members, patrons, and
with newly named RCWS Honorary Board member Diana Vishnieva, one of the world's top ballerinas. The video also captures the convivial
atmosphere of this annual fundraising event.
SAVE THE DATE
The Society’s 44th Annual Petroushka Ball will
take place on Friday, February 13th, 2009 at the
Waldorf=Astoria. You and/or your company can
help us to assist orphans and sick children in
Russia by making a donation, purchasing tickets,
donating prizes for the auction or raffle, supplying products for the gift bags, and/or purchasing
advertisements in Petroushka Ball program.
“Play and fun time” at the Department for
abandoned infants at the Children’s
Hospital #7 in Tushino,
north-west of Moscow
DONATIONS IN LIEU OF GIFTS
You could help children at risk in Russia by asking family and friends to donate to RCWS in their
names instead of buying you birthday, wedding
or holiday gifts. Please contact our office at 212473-6263 or [email protected], if you have any
questions.
JOIN US!
INCLUDE RCWS IN YOUR WILL
Please help us bring the joy and happiness of
Christmas to an orphan or a sick child. $25 will
provide a Christmas gift and a ticket for a special
holiday show at the Moscow’s Big Circus for one
orphan or disabled child. We have raised $23,000
and need an additional $20,000 to cover RCWS
Yelka festivities this year. In December 2008,
RCWS hopes to bring Christmas to over 2,000
orphans and sick children in Russia.
Leaving a gift to charity in your Will is a wonderful way for your generosity and kindness to
extend beyond your lifetime. Without this precious income, many of the vital projects supported by RCWS would not be possible. Next time
you update your Will or Trust, consider RCWS
for a lasting legacy of helping children at risk in
Russia.
Russian Children’s Welfare Society, Inc.
RCWS NEWS
Board of Directors
Vol. 13 Fall 2008
Vladimir P. Fekula, President & CEO
Dr. Igor P. Holodny, Chairman
John L. Pouschine, Treasurer
Peter A. Basilevsky
Beatrice M. Fekula
Dr. Cyril E. Geacintov
Samuel Harding
Michael A. Jordan
Nadia Lipsky
Georges Nahitchevansky
Thomas McPartland
Serge M. Ossorguine
Douglas L. Paul
Raisa A. Scriabine
Peter Tcherepnine
Editor & Graphic Design:
Anna Sergeeva-Gross
200 Park Avenue South, Suite 1617
New York, NY 10003
Contributors:
Tricia Rattigan and Vladimir P. Fekula
RCWS NEWS is published by the
Russian Children’s Welfare Society
200 Park Avenue South, Suite 1617
New York, NY 10003 USA
Toll Free: 888-732-RCWS
Telephone: 212-473-6263
Fax: 212-473-6301
NON-PROFIT ORG.
US POSTAGE PAID
NEW YORK, NY
PERMIT NO. 6493