My Nonprofit Reviews

I’m a lawyer and did not think about orphans until my American friend and colleague adopted a boy from Russia back in 1995. Two years later I visited my friend in USA, and her son was my tour guide. I was amazed by the transformation that had happened in him during his life in US. The boy had joyful and peaceful spirit, good manners and deep self-confidence, his ability to carry small talk with anybody amazed me deeply! His body and even face still had scars caused to him by his cruel and irresponsible biological parents but his soul had been healed and it was obvious that his life and future were very different from a typical orphan in Russia. At that time, I have checked statistic and discovered that not more then 10% of Russian orphans leaving the institution were able to become more or less successful in life without support, and my heart was in pain about the destiny of orphans not adopted and doomed to perish. One can only imagine my joy when I met people from Orphan’s Tree. It was a true response to my concerns! I was excited to discover that Orphan’s Tree provides comprehensive support to the young people who just have left their orphanages and are facing all of the challenges and hardships of independent life, for which they have not been prepared. This organization carries out comprehensive programs that equip disadvantaged youth with skills to manage personal finances, buy and cook food, take care of themselves, to be handy, to communicate effectively, to find jobs, build family relations, raise kids, continue education, etc. Orphan’s Tree operates in four regions of Russia where they’ve established Ministry Centers to this moment. Any orphanage graduate can come there with his/her need, problem, idea or dream and they would get loving support. There is a joinery, handicraft center and gym in Ministry Centers as well as a small farm. Orphan’s Tree often organizes meetings with remarkable people from local communities and tours to interesting places, museums and theaters, among many other things they do. All these efforts reap wonderful results and I’m delighted to see many orphans achieve their dreams, become responsible young people with higher cultural and spiritual values.
I love seeing joyful happy faces of former orphans involved into Orphan’s Tree programs. Practically all of them got permanent jobs while some have even built their own business, impressing their friends with their own success stories. Even orphans with special needs are able to achieve stability in their life, lead healthy lives and enjoy respect of their communities with the support of Orphan’s Tree. I am currently serving on Orphan’s Tree board, and consider it a great honor and privilege for me!