This summer, Frank Foundation Child Assistance International (FFCAI) was pleased to expand its long-standing cooperative programs within the Kirov Oblast through a campaign to support some of the most disadvantaged children in the region. In partnership with the Office of the Governor and the Department of Education, FFCAI launched three specific programs: Housing Grants, Family Preservation Program, and support for TB orphanage. All three programs followed existing protocols established through FFCAI pilot programs conducted in other Oblasts in Russia and Kazakhstan as well as with existing government programs.
    
    FFCAI is extremely grateful to those families who responded so quickly to our request for assistance. While the campaign remains ongoing, to date, a total of $6,435.00 has been raised towards the $30,000 goal.
    
    In addition to these programs, FFCAI was thrilled to immediately respond to a plea for help from the Specialized Correction Educational Institution for Students with Developmental Delays Boarding School of the City of Belaya Kholunitsa in the Kirov Oblast. New furniture for the bedrooms and common areas, along with new linens, blankets and pillows were donated. Additional funds are being raised to supply the orphanage with its own bus to transport the children for necessary medical services as well as to other places for recreation and life enhancement.
    
    English Translation for Letter:
    LETTER OF GRATITUDE
    
    The Special Correction Educational Institution for Students with Developmental Delays Boarding School (Class IV) of the City of Belaya Kholunitsa, Kirov Oblast
    
    extends it gratitude to
    
    The Representative Office of Frank Foundation Child Assistance International for its humanitarian support in the provision of furniture for children with disabilities.
    
    2007
    
    
    “ Vyatka”newspaper
    
    10 August 2007
    
    Support for the Children of Boarding School for Disabled Children
    Children’s bedrooms are to be upgraded
    
    They are the student residents of the Boarding School. They will enter the new school year under brighter and more comfortable conditions. The majority of these special children however, will never see the new furniture, but delightfully recognize the gifts only by touching them. They are visually impaired. The furniture will arrive and be set up on August 25, as confirmed by the government order today.
    
    Mr. Alexander Galitsky, the Deputy Chairman of Kirov Region Government reported:
     “The Department of Education is in close cooperation with Frank Foundation Child Assistance. Recently, the President of Frank Foundation met with the Governor of our Oblast. We are pleased that Frank Foundation continues its support to render assistance to our orphans.”
    
    For nearly forty years, the Boarding School has been under the leadership of Director Tatyana Korobeinikova. The Head of the District has endorsed her professionalism as evidenced by the upkeep of the orphanage. Nevertheless, for the last ten years, the furniture has needed replacement, but with very tight budget this has never been accomplished.
    
    As Mrs. Tatyana Korobeinikova, the Director of the boarding school (Belay Kholunitsa) remarked:
    “ Everything is old but we lack finances to purchase new ones. Thus, we are thrilled when someone comes to our assistance. The school will celebrate your generosity; the children eagerly await these gifts with joy. It is our duty to create the most comfortable environment for our children.”
    
    Arguably, September the 1st is not the most popular holiday for kids, but this year, this date brings joyful news.
    
    Elena Zasukhina