Windows of Hope
    IVANOVO, RUSSIA
    
    When Rob and Lisa Congedo traveled to Ivanovo, Russia, in October 2001, to adopt their first child, they were not prepared for the harsh circumstances they would encounter. They were even less prepared for the conditions within the orphanages, where babies and children lacked the food, stimulation and love every precious child needs and deserves. As Rob is a builder, he was particularly cognizant of the substandard living conditions –-the lack of reliable heat in the harsh Russian winter, faulty electrical systems, leaky, old windows. Rob and Lisa left Russia forever changed, and after traveling again to Russia to adopt their second child in August 2005, they decided to make a difference for the children who remained at one orphanage in particular, in Ivanovo, Russia.
    
    The Ivanovo Region, with a population of over 1 million, is located in the central part of Russia, 190 miles northeast of Moscow. Within this region, there are a dozen baby homes and orphanages. Rob and Lisa are partnering with Frank Foundation Child Assistance International, (http://www.frankfoundationcai.org/en) a 501(c) (3) charitable organization, and working with their friend, Natalia Osipova, to renovate the Regional State Institution for Orphans and Children, located at 2nd Lagernaya Street, House 51, Ivanovo, Russia. The orphanage is home to children age 4-14, and is old and in grave disrepair. In particular, there are 144 windows which need to be replaced as soon as possible.
    
    Rob has already returned to Ivanovo to measure the windows and has found a New Jersey window manufacturer that has graciously agreed to supply the windows and ship them at cost. Rob is donating his labor to install the windows, transportation costs and in-country expenses. Rob is eager to return to Ivanovo to complete the installation of the windows, but $25,000.00 still needs to be raised.
    
    It’s cold now. Just imagine for a moment not having a warm place to call home. Rob and Lisa know that they cannot meet every need for these unfortunate children. However, they have taken on one piece of the problem, and initiated one very manageable project. With the help of other people who care, they will bring hope into a desperate situation. Any donation, no matter how small, is greatly appreciated and will make a difference. Please send your tax deductible donation, made payable to Frank Foundation, c/o Julie Hogan, 5550 Friendship Boulevard, Suite 230, Chevy Chase, MD 20815. Please include “Ivanovo Windows” in the memo section. We thank you, and the children thank you! Below are pictures of some of the children at the orphanage, and pictures of the orphanage itself.