Funding 2009-2010

We're excited to announce that KidsFirst Foundation will continue to fund the following crucial programs for the kids at Sovietsk this school year: speech therapist, math tutor, Russian language tutors, foreign language tutor, general tutor (all subjects), massage or cosmetology school for the grads. We are grateful for and encouraged by their support, which we know will have lasting impact on the lives of the children at Sovietsk.

However, there are a number of equally important programs from last year that are still in need of funding, so it's time to get creative. We are in crunchtime since the school year starts September 1 and these programs aren't yet fully funded. We need your help!

The orphanage director has identified the following financial needs for the upcoming academic year:

Soccer coach: $636
Boxing coach: $636
Touring instructor: $636
Guitar instructor: $636
Dancing instructor: $636
Drama teacher: $636
Music School: $240
Transportation fees to and from extra curricular classes and clubs: $804

The total for these programs is $4,860.00 .

We need your help! Any one-time donation of any size will assist us in covering these programs. We need your creativity! Any suggestions for fundraising, or grants available, or any employers who match contributions could help us meet this goal.

There are 2 main reasons we are committed to meeting this goal.

First, the children have had these programs for the last 2 years, thanks to generous funding. We have seen the success bred by these programs, and it breaks our heart to remove something that has become so meaningful in the children's lives.

Second, these programs have immeasurable value. It's easy to see why tutoring is important--we all know that education is key to success all over the world. But extra-curricular activites have value far beyond fun-and fun itself is a worthy pursuit for any child! Sports and music spur brain development, physical development, coordination, confidence, problem-solving, a whole host of life skills that translate across life domains. Most children in orphanages struggle with developmental delays, and the value of music, arts, and sports in increasing developmental competency has been proven time and again. The opportunity to take tours and fieldtrips helps children see a world beyond the orphanage walls and imagine greater possibilities for themselves. And obviously, the programs are useless if we cannot transport the children to participate! :)

While we can measure the practical impact of academic programs, we can never express how deeply these supplementary programs have affected the confidence and self-esteem of the children involved. These children are often overlooked, discarded by society, and expectations for them are quite low. Challenges on a stage or in a competition lead to encouragement and success, which builds over time to help these young children begin to realize their worth and potential. Add to that the knowledge of people who care from the other side of the world (who are willing to support these programs), and the impact is immeasurable.

SO, we would love your help with this. Please spread the word. Please ask anyone who may be interested. We know so many of you have donated toward the trip activities and supplies, and we thank you for that. This is why we need to cast a wider net . . . any help or suggestions are appreciated!

(Checks can be made payable to Children's HopeChest and mailed to 9240 Explorer Dr., Colorado Springs, CO, 80920-5007. Or, visit http://www.hopechest.org/, click on Give, and donate by credit card. Please be sure to mark all donations Sovietsk programming 2009-2010. and THANK YOU!)