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"Helping Children Connect with the World"
I’m writing to ask for your help. The photos above are of the Negino Orphanage in the Bryansk region of Russia. Negino is located 350 miles southwest of Moscow near the Ukraine border. It’s home to over 80 children between the ages of 9 and 18. I am in the process of adopting one of those children. His name is Max and he’s 10-years old. He’s an amazing boy who has kept his sense of humor despite all that life has dealt him. Adopting a Russian child can be a long and challenging process, but I remain hopeful that it will be complete in the months ahead and Max will finally be coming home.
Max:
While visiting Max in Russia over the past two years, I asked what I could do to help. The answer I received from both the Bryansk Ministry of Education and the Director of the orphanage was that these children desperately need the opportunity to communicate with the outside world to support both their social and educational development. As the photos show, Negino is an isolated place. The nearest city is 100 miles away. Many of these children have never even seen a computer. The creation of a computer lab - complete with a bank of computers, printers and restricted internet access – would go far in helping these forgotten children to thrive.
Not only would the computers help them to develop lifelong skills that they could use in a trade, but they could also assist them to continue with their education at a university. In addition to implementing the lab, our goal is to hire instructors to work with the children as well as maintain the equipment. What I personally find most exciting about this fundraising effort is the opportunity of raising awareness for international adoptions. Once up and running, a website will be designed for the orphanage featuring a photo of every child and their story. We will also install a secured web cam, allowing prospective parents the opportunity to speak face-to-face with children online. This is truly an endeavor that will change lives.
I’ve partnered with my adoption agency World Links International Adoption Agency in Scranton, PA in this fund-raising effort. I am asking for any donations, large or small. All contributions will be tax deductable. Checks should be made out to World Links International Adoption Agency and sent to 13636 Ventura Blvd., #308, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423. I am working with a non-profit organization in Russia to make sure that all monies raised will go directly to the orphanage and to this specific project.
I've just returned from my latest trip to Russia this past June. My niece, Meghan, and I had an incredible time visiting Max and his friends. We spent five wonderful days living in the orphanage with all the kids. (We spent a lot of time swimming in the local river everyday since they don't have hot water and the water in the shower is from their well which is just too cold to use.) I also met with the Director of the orphanage to discuss the purchase and placement of the computer equipment. We then arranged a meeting with the phone company concerning the installation of the internet lines. All I can say is that this remote orphanage is in need of so much and my hope is that this project is just the begining to help expand the world for all the children at Negino.
On behalf of Max and all the children at the Negino Orphanage, thank you for any help you can give. Just know you will be making a difference for them. Please call me at (818) 209-5352 if you have any questions. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Patrick Kienlen
Max and Me:
Mail:
13636 Ventura Blvd., #308,
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
Payable to:
World Links International Adoption Agency
Pictures of Max and his two best friends, Dima and Andre. They are also really great boys who also need families.
Max and Dima
Max and Andre
