New/on-going projects in need of support: 

Abilitation Center
Since 2006, CHSFS has substantially funded the Abilitation Center at Byelskoe Ustye."  The purpose of this project is to provide an alternative (safe-house) residence, for older children with high potential to live independently. At an early age, these children are often inappropriately placed in psycho-neurological orphanages. After 3-4 years of safe-house living, it is planned that these children will be ready to move into the work and living force and others take their place. In addition, the plan for 2009 is to expand the number and age range of children this project serves by adding the following two new components: 1) Starting a Youth Club at the Porkhov location and 2) Beginning of a Patronat (long-term foster care) program at the Baranovo location. The purpose of the youth club is to help break down the stigma surrounding orphans, and to break down barriers in general between orphans and the local youth. The purpose of the Patronat program is to improve the health and care of children by having them grow up in a family environment rather than an institutional one.

Korsakovo Children's Home - Grounds and Gardens Project
(Sponsorship Project-  Learn more.  Register NOW!)
This project is designed to contribute to the health, safety and physical education of the children who reside at the Korsakovo Children's Home by improving the conditions of the outdoor grounds and creating outdoor physical education opportunities.

Foster Family Training Program
This pilot program is the first step in exploring ways of training and equipping foster families to effectively "parent" children in their care. The ultimate goal is to reduce barriers to success and allow for these children to stay within the foster family environment rather than returning them to an institutional setting. CHSFS social workers will develop and present 3 days of training to Russian social workers who will then work with foster families. Initial efforts will be in Kursk and Novosibirsk where they are experiencing a poor rate of success. Our goal is to raise $20,000 to develop and present this program. 

More Information on completed projects: korsakovo Boy's Workshop and Washing machines for Russian orphanages.

Video of need in Russia

Contact the Russia Program with questions, at 651-255-2266 or e-mail us.

 with our On-Line Secure Donation</ST