Pearl S. Buck International, Inc.

My appreciation for the aims and objectives of Pearl Buck International, Inc. was started many years ago (('m 86 years now) when I read "The Good Earth" by Pearl Buck as a child. My work at the United Nations and an organization working with unaccompanied minors from Viet Nam and Cambodia encouraged my response to help this organization. In the nineties, I sponsored several young students from Viet Nam. Presently, I am sponsoring a college student from the Phillipines who is furthering her education with some of my assistance.
I heartily encourage this person-to-person aid and recommend this organization to all!

My parents began sponsoring a child from Thailand over 50 years ago. Since then that child has become my sister. We started to sponsor a child from Pearl Buck because we saw the benefits of helping a child in need with their education and medical needs. We’ve seen first hand how Pearl Bucks mission can save a child.

David’s Welcome House Story
This is the story about a little boy born in Rochester New York in 1947.
He was the son of a 17-yearold American woman who lived in India with her
parents and an Indian man who was the son of their housekeeper. When the
young woman returned to the United States, she gave birth to the little boy who
was immediately placed up for adoption for a variety of reasons, the main reason
probably being that she wasn’t married.
An adoption agency in New York attempted to find a family to adopt the young
East Indian American boy. Indian families were not interested because the child
was half American and considered an outcast in their religion. American families
were not interested because of the color of his skin.
At the age of one, the child was no longer eligible to continue in the agency’s
adoption program because he was too old. The only option left, was to place him
in an orphanage in Rochester where he would live his childhood.
Pearl S. Buck was contacted about this little boy as she was known for her
involvement in civil rights and her humanitarian efforts and had previously
adopted seven children from a diversity of nationalities. Pearl Buck requested the
child be sent to her and she would take responsibility for him as she felt he should
not be raised in an orphanage just because of his cultural background.
On the cold Christmas Eve in 1948, the child was delivered to Pearl Buck here at
Green Hills Farm. It was that night that Pearl Buck changed the course of my life
and Welcome House began.
I lived in Pearl Buck’s home for several months before she found me a home
with Lloyd ‘Poppy’ and Viola Yoder and their two children, Dale and Charlotte.
The Yoders moved into the farmhouse just up the road from Green Hills Farm,
Pearl Buck’s Estate, which was properly named “Welcome House”.
In March of 1949, Pearl Buck then formalized the Welcome House Adoption
Agency and my Yoder family quickly grew with the addition of 7 more boys and 2
more girls – all of Asian American background and considered “unadoptable”. The
plan was that we would all be adopted by people in the community. For the ten of
us, that never materialized. Instead, we were all given the opportunity to stay
together as a family to be raised by the Yoders with the assistance of Pearl Buck
and the Welcome House Adoption Agency.
We were also supported by community celebrities such as Oscar Hammerstein II
of Broadway fame, David Burpee of Burpee Seed Company and author James
Michener to name a few who were all founding Board members of Welcome
House and who we considered our uncles. My brothers and sisters have
maintained a close family relationship to this day although some of them are now
living outside Pennsylvania.
As I grew up, I considered Pearl Buck my grandmother - and I called her Gran. I
spent a lot of time at Green Hills Farm just being a kid growing up. Pearl Buck
allowed me to experience what it is like to grow up in a loving family, just like
every child TODAY who was adopted through Welcome House. Gran and the
Yoders gave me a sense of self-worth and I established a good work ethic
regardless of my background and skin color and the fact that I was not wanted by
my mother.
I was not fully aware of Gran’s importance and the significance of her work until
much later in life. She was just a loving caring Gran to me back then.
While growing up Pearl Buck and the Yoder’s continually reinforced in me that I
could do anything I wanted to do. The fact that I was Asian American had no
bearing on what I could do. Pearl Buck attended my graduation from Pennridge
High School. The Welcome House Adoption Agency and Pearl Buck found a
sponsor for me so I could attend Muhlenberg College where I received a Bachelor
of Arts Degree in Social Sciences.
After graduation I served in the Armed Forces and have since worked and lived
all over the US and the world. I am currently retired.
Throughout the years I maintained contact with Welcome House, now Pearl S
Buck International, as I never forgot about the opportunity given to me by Gran
and the Yoder family who raised me as their son.
I moved back to the area about 15+ years ago. When I was recruited to
be a Board Member for Pear S. Buck International in 2005,
I was extremely honored. I served as Chairman of the Board 2011-2013, and now
am an emeritus board member.
Since that time, I have gained a much greater appreciation for what my
Grandmother really accomplished during her life time and what this
organization is doing to continue her legacy – bringing children, families and
cultures together through child sponsorships, Diversity and Inclusion Training
Programs, cultural events and Leadership programs, as well as
maintaining her legacy through the maintenance of this National Historic site.
I was once a little boy, heading for a life in an orphanage with a bleak future.
Pearl S Buck International, the organization that changed my life and
continues to change the lives of 100’s of children and families around the world
every year.
My name is David Das Yoder.

In 1974 we adopted twin boys from Korea through the Pearl S. Buck agency, Welcome House. We thought our family was complete, but not so. Soon, just one year later, a traumatic event happened that again changed our lives.The event was the sudden, chaotic end of the Vietnam War. Armed, victorious Viet Kong soldiers were rapidly approaching Saigon’s airport.

Pearl S. Buck International had a Welcome House orphanage in Saigon in partnership with a local Saigon organization. The orphanage was directed by Welcome House staffers Victor & Malini Srinivasan with local Vietnamese help. Welcome House informed the U.S. Embassy in Saigon about the orphanage ,and the Embassy alerted Victor to be prepared for an emergency evacuation in the next 48 hours because Viet Kong soldiers were getting close.

The next morning, April 28, 1975, with gunfire all around them, several Marines went to that orphanage They loaded 67 orphans, Viktor and Malini, and all the relevant qualification paperwork into trucks and raced back to the airport. The situation there had become desperate. There were three airplanes ready to take off, one directly behind the other. The Marines crammed the Welcome House group into the second plane - a C-130 cargo plane carrying heavy military equipment. No seats. No toilets. The group sat or lay on the metal floor of that plane. There was no Air Traffic Control either - everyone for themself. Meanwhile, the Viet Kong soldiers with their weapons had reached the airport. The first plane then raced down the runway and took off. They were unlucky. As they gained altitude, the Viet Kong soldiers shot heat-seeking missiles at the plane. One missile hit the jet’s engine. The plane exploded and crashed. Tragically, all 154 on board died, including 64 children.The C-130 cargo plane with the Welcome House orphans group, full of fear and panic, then took off at almost an 80-degree angle. They were lucky. The Marines had found heat flares which they shot into the air near the plane. These intensely hot flares attracted the heat-seeking missiles which basically were diverted into the plain air. So the plane was safe. It headed to Clark Airbase in Manila, then (after fueling) continued on to Anchorage, Alaska - its destination.

The people at the Pearl S. Buck HQ in Perkasie, PA, anxious to learn the fate of their Welcome House orphan group, finally got word that the cargo airplane had successfully taken off. However, they had no idea how many orphans were actually on it, what their medical condition was, etc. Also, they had the challenging task of figuring how to get the orphans from Anchorage to Philadelphia, and how to assemble a group in Philadelphia of Welcome House nurses, social workers, and volunteers to organize, treat, and take care of the orphans once they arrived. By now the national TV news channels were giving non-stop coverage of the story of these orphans and their gripping saga, identifying Pearl Buck/Welcome House as the orphanage and Perkasie as its HQ location. Pearl Buck started receiving numerous phone calls in Perkasie from people throughout the country who expressed a desire to adopt one of the orphans on the plane, asking how they should proceed. But the Welcome House team in Perkasie did not know these people. The clock was ticking. So they immediately began calling families who had already adopted a child through Welcome House, and where that prior Welcome House adoption was working well. Donna was home and answered the surprising call from Welcome House (John was in a Procter & Gamble meeting in Cincinnati). A caseworker explained the chaotic situation to Donna, stressing that they needed a decision from us within 24 hours on whether we would take one of the orphans. Donna called P&G, and John took the next plane from Cincinnati to NYC. When John got home, we quickly made the decision to adopt one of the orphans. Donna called Welcome House, said yes, and also expressed our desire (if possible) to have our new child be young and be a girl.

When the cargo plane arrived in Anchorage, two things happened. First, the orphan contingent was “inventoried” and individually matched with the paperwork by people recruited by Welcome House. The Welcome House people back in Perkasie then began assigning orphans with the adopting parents. Soon, Welcome House called us in Wilton and said – great news! - they had matched us with the youngest person on the plane – a beautiful 3-month old girl named Nguyen Thi Kim Anh.

The second wonderful thing that happened was that Welcome House contacted the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce, who agreed to raise $200,000 from its members to lease an Alaskan Airlines 727 plane to bring the orphan group to Philadelphia. Welcome House met the flight on May 4, and brought them to Media, PA where a large private home owned bya former Welcome House adoptive parent had been organized by Welcome House to serve the needs of all 67 orphans. Furniture had been removed to accommodate all the cots, cribs, bassinets, diapers, medical stations, etc. that were needed. Waiting doctors and nurses checked out each orphan. Donations of food and clothing were handed out by Welcome House volunteers.

We adoptive parents had been told by Welcome House that we could pick up our child at the Media home the next day. Remarkably, Welcome House had found places for all 67 children at the homes of families who had previously adopted a child through Welcome House. Donna and John arrived in Media on May 5, and it was quite a scene. Welcome House volunteers were playing with the children, helping to keep them entertained and in some cases helping them deal with the trauma they had just gone through. Many were suffering from malnutrition. Some were sleeping (jet lag) or watching the first TV program they had ever seen. Doctors and nurses were tending to the sicker children. Two Vietnamese translators recruited by Welcome House were relaying questions or requests from the children to the volunteers. A couple of newspaper photographers were taking pictures. Volunteers were handing out snacks, fruit, and baby formulas in the kitchen. Some children were playing with dolls which had been donated. And adoptive parents were arriving to pick up their child. A processing station had been set up in the dining room to handle the necessary paperwork and to escort the parents to meet their child. The entire scene was seamlessly organized by Welcome House. While walking to the processing station, Donna and John noticed a woman on a cot gently and lovingly rocking an infant in a cradle. Lo and behold, a few minutes later a Welcome House administrator introduced us to that woman and then pointed to the child in the cradle and said, “Here is your daughter, Nguyen Thi Kim Anh!” Wow! After completing the necessary paperwork, we drove immediately to Wilton CT where our pediatrician was waiting to give our daughter (now named Karen Anh) a medical exam, prescribing anti-biotics to treat her broken eardrums and malnutrition. Then we went home. Our family was complete! However, little did we know the surprising, despiriting development that lay ahead of us. It began when we applied for an I-600 “preferential visa” on September 24,1975 to make Karen a permanent member of our family. We followed the same petition procedure we had successfully done for Alex and Jason, enclosing all the required forms and using the same attorney to handle the legal paperwork in the Doylestown court. Then came the surprise. Unexpectedly, on May 13, 1976 the Immigration & Naturalization Service (part of the U.S. Department of Justice) informed us, in a letter, that our petition was denied. They explained to us us that Section 204c of the federal Immigration & Nationalization Act stipulates that no more than two such petitions (to make a foreign person a permanent member of a family) may be approved per family, and we had used up our two petition approvals already for Alex and Jason. No one had ever told about this restrictive federal law. We were devastated. On May 26, 1976 we appealed this decision to the Board of Immigration Appeals, enclosing a new set of forms and also a written Brief consisting of our humanitarian rationale and supported by wonderful letters from some of our friends, John’s employer, and Welcome House. However, the Board of Immigration Appeals rejected our appeal, stating the same Section 204c rationale. We then exercised our right to make a final appeal to the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in California, where all cases involving Vietnamese orphans were being aggregated. After some time, we received their decision that they too rejected our appeal, citing the same 204c rationale. We were out of options, facing the prospect of having only temporary custody of Karen. But then a miracle happened. We met our local CT Congressman Ron Sarasin, who together with our Ct Senator Lowell Weike sponsored legislation through their Judiciary Committees that exempted us from Section 204c. We quickly got that coveted "preferential visa" for Karen. Our family was complete!

Pearl Buck had the vision of helping desperate orphans receive help. Her powerful legacy, Welcome House, changed our lives and the lives of over 7,000 Asian orphans and their adoptive families forever. We, the Ferries family will always be grateful. Current Pearl S. Buck International humanitarian programs in Asia and Africa continue that amazing legacy.

Donna & John Ferries
10/1/22

The Pearl S. Buck Foundation has always been quite open and honest in how funds are used, where, and when.
My representative (Stephanie) for forwarding donations, letters, and gifts has always been quite thoughtful, respectful, and timely.
Back-up personnel at the foundation know what they are doing and get things done giving a more trustful feeling of teamwork.

Pearl S. Buck International strives to fulfill the goals of it's founder Pearl S. Buck. The issues that were of importance to PSB are still areas of concern 59 years after her death. All her life PSB sought to find solutions to the issues of unwanted children, of mixed race children, of racial divides, of women's rights, civil rights and the challenges facing the handicapped. But PSB wasn't one to just write a check. No, she strove to find ways that would not only make the public aware of the problems but would also begin the process which would eliminate them.

When she discovered mixed race children were "unadoptable", she established her own adoption agency to find loving homes for them. She proved to the American adoption industry that these were adoptable children. American agencies soon followed her lead.

When she discovered the plight of the thousands of mixed race children in Asian countries, children with American fathers and Asian mothers, she made it her task to improve the lives of as many as she could. These children were usually not citizens in the countries of their birth. They were discriminated to the point of being denied schooling and any other social benefits normally afforded citizens. PSB established a foundation that would identify these children, provide the medical and nutritional support they would need to grow up healthy and strong. But, most important, she saw to it that had educational opportunities to make them valuable members of their societies. She proved that a one on one sponsorship was a valuable tool for success.

It is these examples of PSB's dedication, plus others, to improve the world that is continued today by the Pearl S. Buck International that has kept me a volunteer since 1982.

Visitors always rave about the informative tours and remark of how little they knew of Pearl Buck and her works before taking the tour of her home. Many want to purchase a book of hers at the gift shop or return for another tour bringing a friend. who has never been to the house. They are always impressed with who Pearl Buck was, discovering she was much more than just an author.

In working for several years as the architect for the restoration of Pearl S. Buck's historic house, I was always inspired by her own story and not just by the beautiful stories that she authored. She did so much during her lifetime to serve those at risk, particularly children, who would otherwise be denied basic nutrition, health care, and education. The lovely house where she lived and worked still evokes her commitment to: 1) break down barriers and build bridges among cultures, 2) advocate for diversity and cultural awareness, and 3) take care of and equip all young people with the skills to thrive and be happy in the world. PSBI effectively continues Pearl's inspirational goals and achievements and I am honored to be among their supporters.

I came to Pearl S. Buck house for a tour. A PSB volunteer then suggested I attend a writing workshop. That inspired me to join the Writers Guild that meets once a month. I went through orientation and became a volunteer, assisting in the Archives due to my interest in books and ephemera. Not long after a need for a person with graphics experience led to my formatting a book for publishing on Amazon's CreateSpace. Some 12 books later, our Writing Center Press is flourishing with memoirs, short stories, a poetry collection and a novel under our belts. During my time at PSBI the focus has changed from adoptions to furthering the legacy Pearl Buck through multi-cultural enrichment, training for better workplace communication, and creating forums that bring together people from all over the world. PSBI continues its outreach in several Asian countries to support schools and students' families as they further their education. The men and women who lead tours of Pearl's historic house, maintain exhibits highlighting her contributions to literature and social action around the world, lead workshops for writers, teach yearly high-school leadership classes, staff the superb gift shop and the annual craft show, put in uncounted hours supporting the legacy are all full of love and dedication to this remarkable woman's talent and contributions to mankind.

I first knew Pearl Buck because she was my mother's favorite author, so it was natural that I would read The Good Earth and, after that, many more of Ms. Buck's books. I began volunteering at Pearl Buck's home mostly as someone who loved her books and wanted to know more about her. I am so glad I did. Pearl S. Buck International has reinforced my belief that the best way to make the world a better place is to reach out to people who, at first acquaintance, seem different from me. Not just that it is important to reach out, but this organization has shown me tangible ways to do that. As a docent and someone who helps out in the gift shop, I've heard countless stories of people who were inspired and enriched by Ms. Bucks's example. They want to be a part of her legacy, to learn about other cultures, and to share their knowledge with others. In short, though this remarkable woman has been dead for nearly fifty years, she continues to be a bridge of understanding. The ideals and work of Pearl S. Buck International are, I believe, our best hope to achieve the seemingly impossible goal of peace on earth.

I was very privileged to be in the right place at the right time, the beginning of the century and living near her home and the office of PSBI. I was enthralled with Pearl's biography and being a docent in her home. I was always ready to volunteer and was asked to do many things with and for the organization. I went on several trips with PSBI and met many people in the USA and eastern Asia that were part of PSBI and learned so much about Pearl and the world.

The staff of PSBI are terrific people. Being asked to be a member of the board was one of the greatest thrills of my life. From that experience, I saw how the staff works so hard to keep Pearl's name in front of the public, make sure her home in Dublin was always in good repair and a fabulous tour of Pearl and what she stood for and caring for impoverished children.

As I traveled to China, South Korea and Vietnam with tours run by PSBI and by accompanying staff and board members, I had the great experience of meeting many of the wonderful Asian staff and many of the children that PSBI cares for. I have seen first hand the terrific mission PSBI has done for the impoverished children in South Korea, China, Vietnam, Taiwan and Thailand.

I have been a docent at PSBI for 8 or 9 years, telling the story of Pearl Buck and how far ahead of her time she was. Recently, I have also been facilitating the Taking Action tour. This is a discussion tour on some of the activist topics that were important to Pearl Buck in her time and still relevant in ours. It's exciting to lead this tour since it involves the thoughts and ideas of our guests. It is different every time and endlessly interesting! Not only was Pearl Buck ahead of her time, but PSBI continues to be at the cutting edge of our time in this field!

I have been a volunteer/docent at Pearl S.Buck's home since 1994. The stories I hear from many of our visitors about their experiences with PSBI (Pearl S.Buck International) are truly inspiring. Pearl Buck was a woman so far ahead of her time. She was raised in China by missionary parents and early on learned first hand what it was like to discriminated against because of the color of one's skin. She spent her adult life fighting discrimination whenever and wherever she encountered it. She was an early member of the NAACP. She started international adoptions (she claimed that every child needed a family and they did not have to 'look like' their parents). I like to describe Pearl Buck as an 'equal opportunity annoyer'. She would take on the rich and powerful if she felt that justice was not being served. Pearl and Eleanor Roosevelt were soul mates and good friends. We need more Pearl Bucks in this world. The PSBI sponsorship program does so much good on a 'one to one' basis. My husband and I sponsored a boy in the Philippines until he aged out of the system.

Terrific mission of inclusion and diversity based upon the legacy of Pearl S Buck. Tours of her home are updated. Work with sponsored children is wonderful and so much more.

Pearl S. Buck International provides health care, education and a better life for thousands of children through its sponsorship program, founded by its namesake in 1964 and continuing today in six Asian countries. Additionally, Pearl Buck's National Historic Landmark home in Hilltown, PA tells visitors the story of her inspiring life as an author and advocate for the human rights of people around the world. Pearl Buck's personal goal of broadening minds and softening hearts is definitely in evidence through the work of this wonderful organization!

I have been a volunteer at Pearl S. Buck International for over 11 years. I am continually impressed by the passion and commitment of those involved with the organization to continue the work begun many years ago by Pearl S. Buck.

I have been involved with Pearl S Buck International for 18 years. I have served on the Board and have been Chair of our fundraiser called Taste of the World. What a wonderful organization!!!

I've been a sponsor since 19 74. I love getting to know the kids and the funny, cheerful letters I get from them and their families. Best of all, my daughter (Amerasian) came from Vietnam in 1975. She is smart and pretty, and has a son who I adore. I am so lucky to have her in my life, and to have the chance to get to know kids from Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines. Pearl S Buck International is the best!

Jean Goldfine, Maine

I volunteer in the gift shop and for special events. Everyone is always so friendly, pleasant, and appreciative of my time. The organization does so much to help children around the world and to help people appreciate diversity. It tries to continue Pearl Buck’s work of bridging the gap between different cultures.

I started volunteering here as a retiree because I had heard about the place since my high school years. My grandmother and mother often spoke with interest about Pearl S. Buck and some of the adopted children were in my school district, so this was always a curiosity for me.

I love the way this organization continues Pearl Buck's legacy by making it relevant to today's world. From the Welcome Workplace initiative to the Taking Action tour, good work is being done to make the world a better place.

I've been involved as a donor and volunteer with PSBI for decades. I've seen first hand the impact they have on children's lives both locally and abroad. Their new programs encourage cross cultural understanding, an appreciation of history, and leadership.
The grounds are beautifully maintained as tribute to Pearl S. Buck, her historic home, providing tours and events, and supporting this worthwhile organization's efforts.
I recommend visiting PSBI in person as well as contributing to their programs. Sponsoring a child is particularly rewarding.

I volunteer here at the gift shop and enjoy meeting all the people who come to visit. I also sponsor a child in Vietnam. I am love that the volunteering I do locally has both a local and global impact

Every time I come to Pearl Buck International I learn something inspiring and want to do more. I feel so proud of the life-changing and world-changing words that were written and actions that were taken right here in the heart of Bucks County. Pearl Buck’s legacy lives on through continued programs, teaching, sponsorship opportunities and tours. We need her appreciation and love for diversity, culture, activism, education, and her generous spirit more today then ever.

I was most inspired by the authenticity of this house and property along with the history of Pearl Buck and the foundation. It has accomplished so much and continues towards bridging cultures, in helping young children of other countries through sponsorships. While here at home educating students through leadership programs to become tomorrows leaders.

Of course there are the tours throughout the year such as Halloween and the festival of trees.
I believe there is something for everyone children thru adults.

Go and tour shop and become part of the rich history at Pearl S. Buck.

Pearl S. Buck International (PSBI) is one of the most reputable and efficient nonprofit organizations that I have had ever come across. Its uniqueness lies not only in the wonderful charitable work it is diligently engaged in (spanning from sponsoring children through financing special projects in areas of most need to offering scholarships), but also in its efforts to preserve the legacy of first American female Noble Prize winner in literature (who was also an avid activist in many areas that are still applicable in today's society, such as equality) and its tireless efforts to increase awareness and provide training in diversity and inclusion, sensitivity to which in today's world is extremely important. Personally, through PSBI, I have been sponsoring a child in the Philippines and the experience has been humbling and fulfilling on many levels for me. For just a dollar a day we can make a difference in a young human's life! Finally, I find the staff and volunteer members of this organization to be very dedicated, altruistic, and inspiring.

I've been supporting children or a group program through the Pearl S. Buck International since Christmas of 1965. You can correspond with child/children you support. You can visit the PSBI in Buck's county, Pennsylvania and tour Pearl s. Buck's home.. They have several events at the Foundation. Many of the children have American fathers but not all. The PSBI works in at least six countries. You can even take trips to your child's country with the Foundation tour leaders. It is the best group I've continued to support. They've helped many children and their families. They have very low administrative costs. Greatest organization!

Pearl S. Buck International, Inc has been improving the lives of children around the globe for decades thru adoption programs and in country programs for children and families and children sponsorship programs. Their commitment to children and giving a "hand-up" that can change the lifetime of a child and possibly the life of a family for generations to come, is unparalleled. Pearl S. Buck International absolutely belongs in the Great Non-Profits category!

30 plus years ago my husband and I were trying to decide how to change our Christmas giving to each other .. we had everything we wanted and instead of trying to "just come up with a gift" for each other we wanted to do something for someone else that would really impact their life. We started researching and my husband recalled his time in the service in Korea and the terrible plight of the Amerasian children there when we came across the Pearl S. Buck Foundation as it was called then. So we decided to make sponsoring a child our Christmas gift to each other. We did that for 12 years or so and then after he died I continued as a Champion of Children and made annual donations in his memory. I still do carry on and know what a difference it has made through the years for the children recipients.

For nine years I have participated as a docent and presenter for Pearl S Buck International. I was very well trained to be a docent, giving guided tours as a volunteer for these eight years. The manual very well described the artifacts in Pearl S Buck Historic House and further help was given by having the opportunity to 'shadow' five other well qualified docents. Then the expertise of the Curator of the house was provided in a walk through. Such good preparation led me to be a happy well-prepared docent.
Book groups meet reading books written by or about Ms. Buck. A group also meets monthly to discuss the short stories Ms. Buck has written. In addition the Writing Center holds seminars to open the door for aspiring writers to pursue the art of writing.
PSBI also leads tours to Asia to see the Pearl S Buck sites in China and visits to places like the Philippines to see the work of affiliated child care agencies. The opportunity is also available to be a host family to young people from China touring the United States, sharing for a week life experiences.
I have participated in all these activities and found them to be richly rewarding. PSBI knows how to treat volunteers sharing valuable experiences with them and making available a rich cultural experience to the public. Edgar Roosa

I have been sponsoring two children through Pearl S. Buck International and contributing to some of its life-saving projects for many years. I have the greatest admiration for the outstanding work of Pearl S. Buck and her legacy, and I congratulate her Foundation for carrying on her ideals to perfection.

I am so proud to be a volunteer and a supporter of Pearl S Buck International. to be able to give a child hope and a chance to better them selves measns so much to us (my husband Mark and myself).
The entire staff put their whole heart and soul in helping children get a start in life and to help achieve their dreams.
I was honored when asked to manage and be a buyer for the gift shop. The best way I can help Pearl S. Buck International is by helping make the gift shop successful.

Sandra de Porry

I have volunteered at the PSB Foundation (now Pearl S. Buck International) since 1977. I am a tour docent, served as president of the Volunteer Association, and am an emeritus member of the Board of Directors (Secretary, for 4 years).

I receive financial reports that show positive results that my donations of time & money make a huge difference in the lives and education of the children & families PSBI supports in our Asian countries.

Pearl Buck's legacy of diversity and education continues to live through Pearl S. Buck International.

Pearl Buck is an incredible organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and families. Because of their great work, we were able to adopt our son from Russia 22 years ago. We are forever in their debt and know many other children and families are too!

I have been involved with PSBI for 30 years and watched sponsor children grow into adulthood and to be productive members of society.
The organization is small and thus sponsors get personally to know staff, who while being 'employees' are really concerned and involed in the lives of the children and sponsors.

We have been sponsoring children through Pearl Buck International, Inc since 1988, one year after adopting our first child from South Korea. We believe in the mission and success and commitment of the organization to children and their families all over the world. Our part has been small but we know that Pearl Buck is making a huge difference in the lives of so many children. Thank you, Pearl Buck International!

This charity goes the extra step to allow sponsors to help their child (or children). That personal touch makes a difference to the child and sponsor. It is hugely important to me that I can go above and beyond sponsorship and provide extra help to my child, along with frequent communication.

I WAS FORTUNATE TO HAVE LIVED AND WORKED IN THE PHILIPPINES FOR ELEVEN YEARS, AND AS SUCH, SAW FIRST HAND THE FABULOUS JOB PEARL BUCK WAS DOING TO HELP EDUCATE AND FURTHER SUPPORT(CLOTHING, FOOD) THE CHILDREN, MOSTLY AMERASIAN, OF THE AREA I LIVED. IT WAS DIFFICULT FOR THESE LIGHT-SKINNED CHILDREN TO LIVE A NORMAL CHILDHOOD DUE TO THEM BEING HARASSED AND ABUSED BY THEIR FELLOW PILIPINO PLAYMATES. IN THE ENVIRONMENT OF PEARL BUCK THEY WERE TREATED AS EQUALS, AND THE OTHER CHILDREN LEARNED TO ACCEPT THEM. THESE CHILDREN WOULD HAVE A VERY DIFFICULT TIME GROWING UP HAD IT NOT BEEN FOR PEARL BUCK'S ORGANIZATION.

PSBI continues to fulfill Ms. Buck's legacy by providing support for children adopted through Welcome House (and their parents), sponsorship of children in need, and educational programs. Funding continues to be a major need. Additional stable funding sources would be beneficial.

I visited the Pearl S Buck’s house in Pennsylvania and was struck by the passion she had for the plight of children around the world. Through her novels she gave a voice to millions of peasants in China and reminded readers of their humanity. The volunteers at the house impressed upon the visitors the importance of preserving the history and legacy of Pearl S Buck. This legacy continues through her charitable foundation, Pearl S Buck International, which helps children across Eastern Asia get access to vital services like education.

I visited PSB estate in 2015 and was amazed by how beautiful her house is, as a writer, she has an extensive collection of first edition books! All the people I have encountered at PSB are extremely warm and kind, even though I could only volunteer remotely, they would still welcome me to as many discussions as possible. I told Janet Mintzer I grew up in Suzhou, Anhui, where PSB lived for a few years, Janet sent me a photo she took of the PSB museum in China! People who have heard of PSB probably only know her as a writer, a Pulitzer prize winner, what they don't know is that there is a philanthropic organization under her name fighting better lives for children less fortunate around the world. It is difficult to run a nonprofit and raise the awareness of its mission and vision, but I believe PSB is continuously improving and achieving its goals.

As a volunteer here, I find inspiration every day from the people who visit, work and volunteer here as well as from the story of Pearl Buck and the work that she did to fight injustice around the world and at home. She was a woman ahead of her time and her work continues here at Pearl S. Buck International.

I have nothing but good things to say about Pearl S. Buck International. I have visited several times, and I am always impressed by the organization's dedication to the memory of Pearl S. Buck, to keeping her words and values alive. In continuing Pearl's mission of helping the underprivileged children of the world, they are truly doing their part to make this world a better and more humane place for all of us. I am sponsoring a child in a Vietnamese orphanage, and it brings me joy to see her flourish under the program.

Can you go wrong by helping an organization which benefits children? The story of Pearl Buck lives on in her ongoing legacy of building bridges across oceans.

Pearl S. Buck International, Inc. is a wonderful organizations that does great things to help promote tolerance worldwide, They have a museum which celebrates the life and work of Pearl Buck. They have a large contingent of dedicated volunteers. I have been to the house, gift shop, Holiday sale, and annual fundraier.

Lovely setting and lovely people. Tours of the famous writer's house are an eye opener to all she did for the less privileged, and visitors learn her story as they walk through the rooms where she lived with her husband and children. There is always something going on there, from writing classes to kid's camps to high school leadership programs. A fabulous gift shop isrun entirely by volunteers dedicated to Pearl S. Buck's mission of helping disadvantaged children.

Pearl S Buck International has so unexpectedly enlarged my life. As a recent retiree, I was interested in taking one of their writing seminars- yes; writing at a writer’s house is one of the many programs available. However, I was lured by the history and stories around the house and large family who called it home, and quickly became a docent. Wanting to know more, I soon volunteered to assist the curator in projects, and joined a book club reading Pearl Buck’s books. Before I knew it I was sponsoring a child in the Philippines, hosting students from China, and attending a seminar on cross-cultural understanding. Today, I cannot read a news story without thinking about Pearl Buck’s worldview and wondering how she would have responded. A visit to the house becomes an inspiration. Come visit and be moved!!

Pearl S. Buck International literally saved my life! Fifty years ago I was living in an orphanage in Seoul, Korea - abandoned at birth on a doorstep, I was fortunate to be taken to a Christian orphanage that cared for me my first 4 years of life. And then through the Pearl S. Buck adoption program, I became a "chosen child"! Yes, that is how my American family of 6 referred to my adoption - they chose me because they really wanted another child. Today, with the love of my adopted family, I have the privilege of being a wife, mother, and professional nurse. None of this would have been possible without Pearl S. Buck International. They are literally saving the lives of children like me every day, every year. My only wish is that I had millions of dollars to donate to the organization. The mission and work of PSBI is amazing!

My involvement PSBI is all because of the volunteers. Because of their enthusiasm, I have willing donated my art and ideas to help in their ongoing efforts to raise money to benefit the organization's mission. The professionalism of the volunteers is truly inspiring as they work in concert with a dedicated staff.

The Pearl S. Buck International, Inc. is a beautiful oasis that tells the truly remarkable and inspiring story of a woman determined to make a difference in the world. She did it with her writing and her dedication to mixed race children who needed a home, and needed to be accepted. Everyone who visits leaves a changed person. This is a place where there is a place for everyone.

I am taken by the dedication of the staff and the volunteers to the mission of the organization.

I have volunteered at PSBI for the past 3 years and have found it to be an extremely well run organization with a keen focus on increasing intercultural understanding and improving the lives of Asian children. Pearl Buck would be so proud to see how the organization has carried on her legacy.

I have been a volunteer at Pearl S. Buck International for 35 years. I have seen many changes, in mission, leadership, personal. The past 10 years this non profit has fulfilled its mission of helping those children Peal S. Buck had the vision to know needed forever families and care and education to give them a base to expand their dreams. There are so many success stories and children who have been welcomed into homes that it makes your head spin. My husband and I have been donors and now with my granddaughter sponsor a girl the same age. We hope by introducing her to the mission of PSBI, she will continue our legacy.
The staff, lead by CEO Janet Mintzer and Teri Mandic, are the most professional people we have known. We are retired professionals and can truly give this staff a 5 Star rating and HIGH FIVES for their commitment to continuing the legacy of a woman of vision, Pearl S. Buck

Having attended numerous events at Pearl S. Buck's barn as a teenager I always knew when I retired from teaching that I wanted to become a docent there. Having done so for nearly a year my results have even exceeded my expectations. The volunteers are some of the nicest people I have ever met, the professionalism trickles down from the CEO to all who help out. It's apparent that the volunteers truly love their jobs and care about the mission of Pearl S. Buck International, Inc. A more dedicated group I have never been a part of.

For the last four weeks I have volunteered as an intern at Pearl S. Buck International. I am forever changed by the ever-present spirit of Miss Buck, that is very much alive and well at Green Hills Farm. I am now a sponsor of a beautiful girl who shares my daughter's name. I am struck by how little I really knew about this woman who used her voice, her pen, and her position to bring the plight of the world's children to the public doorstep, and then challenge society to act. So I have been challenged. So I will act.

My wife, Norma, and I have been involved with PSBI since our organization, the Filipino American Association of Bucks County, Inc. started sponsoring children from the Philippines in 1988. However, Pearl 's legacy gave us even a new meaning and profound impact when we started visiting the children and witnessed firsthand the difference it made . Not only did the children's lives change tremendously but the whole family too. For a small amount of money, a whole new world was open to them . Norma has been on the board for 10 years now and is honored and proud to be part of this wonderful organization with the best staff under the leadership of Janet Mintzer, CEO.

I am honored to be involved with this wonderful non-profit organization. I have volunteered, sponsor a child from Thailand, have an ongoing commitment to financially contribute, and attend many functions throughout each year. The staff and volunteers under the outstanding leadership of Janet Mintzer, are extremely dedicated, professional and promote the mission and legacy of Pearl S. Buck to the fullest. One of the best non-profit organizations!

I have been involved in promoting the mission of this organization for two and a half years. Last year I travelled to the Philippines and saw this mission in action firsthand. The work they do on behalf of children is wonderful and the stories of the lives that have been changed as a part of the legacy and mission are heartfelt and inspiring.

I have volunteered at Pearl Buck for about 10 years. The staff is so hardworking, sincere, honest and dedicated to improving the lives of children and making "forever families". It is an honor to be to be a tiny part of this effort. The CEO, Janet Mintzer has been amazing in building the program, restoring the house, and leading the organization. The house is really a treasure of museum. So different from other sites. We know people who have adopted their children through Pearl Buck. Each family has such loving, professional, and positive life-changing story to tell and rejoice in.

I wish all non-profits were run as well as Pearl Buck.... or even run 1/2 as well.

My husband and I have had the privilege of hosting numerous social workers and foster mothers from Korea, China and Vietnam in our home near Pearl S Buck International over a period of quite a few years. It is such a joy to learn to know these women and the staff at PSBI over the 4 to 5 days that lodging is needed. The dedication of the staff and also the workers from other countries is truly inspiring. The joy that that they bring as children and adoptive families are brought together is poignant as they carry on the legacy of Pearl S Buck. We have been blessed by volunteering with PSBI.

We are also sponsoring a child from Vietnam and are thankful for this opportunity to enrich the life of one child by adding to his financial support for schooling, clothing and food.

The more I learn about Pearl S Buck, the woman, the more impressed I am that she was able to accomplish so much in the lives of children at a time when they were mostly ignored. Continuing the work she began is important to me not only because she started her organization here in our community, but more importantly because of bringing love, encouragement, and family to the children who otherwise have little to look forward to.

PSBI is an incredible foundation. Janet Mintzer (CEO/President) has dedicated her time and energy to help continue Peal Buck's Legacy. Her leadership and her staff are terrific all around. We sponsor a child from Thailand, have a nephew that will be participating in the Korean Culture Camp next week, we are Corporate Sponsors, and have helped with the Legacy Tour promotions. I have attended and helped with many events at PSBI and find the attendees have nothing but praise to say about the grounds and the employees at PSBI. This organization is run like a real non-profit should be run...responsibly...Congrads to all the employees and the volunteers at this organization...your work is incredible

I will admit bias, I worked for Pearl for a year in '04-05. Aside from all the good work the organization does in this world, there is one greater good here: This is an organization dedicated to an amazing woman. How many organizations are there out there dedicated to the legacy of a woman? Not many. This is one of them. She was not only globally recognized - she was globally focused. If they had more money, the good that PSBI could do in this world is without bounds. The worth of an organization is in its ability to touch the lives of specific individuals. Research them and discover.

We are using PSBI to adopt a baby from China. They have been wonderful! PSBI has helped us navigate the uncertainty of International adoption, and smooth the inevitable up's and down's. While I've observed other agencies engaging in questionable behaviors to place children, PSBI is honest, professional, trustworthy and always "does the right thing". It has been a pleasure working with them to grow our family.

As a nonprofit professional, and also a neighbor and part-time house-museum staff, I am continually amazed at the executive director's impeccable organizational management and leveraging of human resources that make PSBI not only a world-class health and human services organization but also a mecca for people interested in racial equity, human rights and women's leadership. That such an important international organization can also have the feel of a community based organization - through its garden and readers-and-writers' clubs, teen leadership programs, and family days - is quite magic.

PSBI has a strong and deep mission; an outstanding staff; an impressive and dedicated Board; and results which have literally changed lives for decades. One cannot help but be moved by the success stories of women and children helped by PSBI in countless ways - through adoption, through provision of health services, through assistance with education and livelihood training, through support in orphanages, and through partnership with other countries who are building their own infrastructure to assist disenfranchised children. And in addition PSBI preserves and reinforces the legacy and homestead of a remarkable woman whose humanitarian efforts complement her luminous literary accomplishments.

The staff at Pearl Buck is so hardworking and professional. Pearl Buck International helps children to be adopted by loving families, they support schools and medical needs for hundreds of thousands children. They preserve a beautiful National Landmark in the heart of Buck County. Pearl Buck International has truly improved the lives of millions.

It is an honor to be on the Board of an organization that started with Welcome House by my Gran. The growth the organization has made through some tough times has been one that would make our founder proud. The mission and legacy of the organization will continue.The first Welcome House child, David Das Yoder

For me it is about the stories of lives changed forever through the vision of one extraordinary humanitarian and the good works of ordinary citizens inspired by her legacy. We are the stewards of that legacy. When a child who has no one, no hope, nothing at all, then has YOU because Pearl Buck inspired you to act, we write new stories for the human family, we continue the legacy of caring. That is extraordinary. That is Pearl S. Buck International.

It is such a pleasure to work with such a professional Board at Pearl S. Buck International, Inc. where the enthusiasm for the legacy of Pearl Buck is so evident. What a wonderful mission we have to affect the lives of so many young people and their families both here in the United States and throughout the world. And what a treasure we have in the Pearl S. Buck House where a tour of this historic home can tell the story of compassion and caring in vivid and colorful ways.