The end of 2015 in the orphanages for our special children and adults was intensive and productive. In particular, children from the Kirovo orphanage went to a New Year party, with the Foundation covering bus rental and gas. We also helped to hire nursing aid for a girl, who could lose her sense of hearing forever. Besides, an UFO heater was provided to ensure more comfortable environment in the premises where bedridden children stay. In future, we plan to pay for hiring additional staff not only in Kalinovka, but also in the Kirovo orphanage.
Probably the main event of December and of the previous year in general was adoption of three special children by an American family. Those children used to stay in Kalinovka but they found a family already after being transferred to Kirovo and Zaporozhye orphanages. Vlada, Sveta and Dima are no longer orphans. Now they share home with other children of the Osborn family.
In December-January, food products were purchased for Kalinovka in the amount of 450 USD and 100 USD were allocated to purchase gasoline to take children and adults with special needs to healthcare institutions. A big part of this money was spent to transport Sasha K. as there is a suspicion that the boy may have a tumor in his abdomen and may require a surgery. In their turn, a doctor and a rehabilitation professional continued their work and renewed all wheelchairs for children under individual rehabilitation programs.
Now the Happy Home for boys has Internet connection, so children may keep in touch with their friends who have already drawn their lucky tickets to start new lives in their new families. Besides, we were happy to welcome our regular sponsors Maya from the USA and Kisha from the New Zealand.
Report on the work of educators and medical staff in Kalinovka
Girls learned poems dedicated to St. Nicolas Day and the New Year, engaged in drawing and coloring activities, did clay modeling, and decorated the Christmas tree with garlands they made on their own.
Boys were making various souvenirs/magnets of polymer clay, using silicone forms. They baked them in the oven and colored them. Besides, they made topiaries: dwarf Christmas trees of sack cloth, various beads and bells. Traditionally, they also did some beading works. Girls made several bells to decorate the Christmas tree. They colored toys and made a Christmas tree of glossy magazines. On the eve of St. Valentine’s Day, children made souvenirs, including all kinds of hearts and felt trinkets.
The situation in healthcare department remained more or less stable in December and January. Regular treatment and prevention measures allowed having low level of infections even despite cold weather. A psychiatrist and a dentist paid regular visits to children. Another positive development was certain improvement of the psychological climate and discipline among the doctor , medical aid personnel and nurses.
The date of creating two family-type children’s homes in Kalinovka has not been settled yet. Another step in this direction will be the session of the regional council on 25 February, with agenda including the relevant question. Now it is already clear what future families will need because certain items procured to the Happy Homes from the pensions of children and adults with special need will have to officially remain in the orphanages.
To ensure smooth operation of the family-type children’s homes, we will need:
General needs of Kalinovka
- developmental toys (construction set, logical games)
- musical instruments
- training equipment
- tires
- water filters
- computers for adults
- record player
- musical toys
- big puzzles
- mosaic
- color books
- laundry box
- remote control for LG air conditioner
- silicone forms for polymer clay magnets
- watering can
- breath freshener
- speakers for computer
- bagging and bagging rope
- zigzag scissors for fabric
- white and beige canvas 1 m
- AA batteries, big and very big round batteries
- materials to make soap
- black fabric 3m, white fabric 2m
- plastic cups - 5
- spangles
- disposable tableware (forks, spoons, plates, straws)
We appreciate all previous support and constant encouragement! Remember that we are the ones who can help these children and adults! Each and every dollar and minute of your attention to children and adults with special needs are priceless and as good as gold. Let’s do good!
