KidSave, a non-profit organization dedicated to finding forever-homes for foster children and orphans in foreign countries, is bringing Tatiana from Colombia to Alexandria for the summer.
With the ability to sponsor a child, fund a scholarship, or be a host family through this organization, many children can and have been helped out of poor living conditions in countries, such as Colombia, Russia, and Sierra Leone.
All it takes is an “open heart and open home,” said Delta Ninow, assistant manager of KidSave International. “After the kids go through the application and screening process, we [the workers] love to see the kids when they arrive.”
Because of the organization’s Summer Miracles program, Helene Mullaney is hosting Tatiana in her Alexandria home this July. Mullaney, a single business woman, will host the foster child for a four-week period, giving Tatiana a feel for American family life. During Tatiana’s time in the states, KidSave organizes events to not only give children like her the opportunity to meet each other, but to give local residents the opportunity to meet the boys and girls in need of a home.
Ninow expressed to me how deserving these children are of this opportunity; “After the kids go through the application and screening process, we [the workers] love to see the kids when they arrive.”
Jen Fulwiler, blogger, satellite radio show host, wife, and mother of six, experienced being a host for the Summer Miracles program in 2009 and said, “Summer Miracles was as much of a blessing for our family as it was for our host child. It introduced us to a wonderful child, who remains a friend of the family, and helped us see the world through her eyes.”
KidSave began in 1993 and after the debut of the Summer Miracles program in 1999, has helped more than 1,700 children find families. Also during this trip, KidSave teams up with the local social workers, adoption agencies, health professionals, and government officials to ensure a good stay, exposure, and a potential permanent family for the child.
“I hope she has a summer she can look back fondly on,” said Mullaney, “I want her to feel special this summer.” She learned about the program through one of KidSave’s events a couple years ago and, ever since committing for this summer, has been preparing for her arrival by buying some clothes, shoes, and workbooks for Tatiana to enjoy during her stay. Both Ninow and Mullaney say Tatiana is a very bright, dedicated, and curious young girl who is diligent in her school work.
If residents are interested in learning more about being a host family, contact Deltak@kidsave.org and visit www.kidsave.org/programs/orphan-hosting.
“When you sign up for this, you're part of a community. There's a whole world of resources you didn't know were available to you,” said Mullaney.