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Friends of Russian Orphans
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Implementing Innovative Programs to Help Orphans in Yaroslavl
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Children in the Yaroslavl Region are benefiting from innovative programs, thanks to the efforts of RCWS Board member Sam Harding and the committed staff of the nonprofit organization that he founded, Friends of Russian Orphans (FRO). FRO has recently become an independent Russian nongovernmental organization, while its American arm, FRO USA, joined with Russian Children's Welfare Society last year. Sam Harding closely monitors FRO, making regular site visits to help their dedicated staff develop and implement programs assisting children in need.
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In 2008, FRO began a pilot program for ten orphans exhibiting a range of psychological and emotional problems. Twice a week, the children attend "equine therapy" at a local riding academy with two psychologists and an equine therapist. The academy provides its services free of charge. So far, the results have been encouraging; the new equestrians sent us letters about their experiences with 'their' horses.
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Timur Abdurakhmanov, 13, wrote:
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<i><img src="images/yaroslavl.jpg" alt="" name="horse" width="243" height="200" hspace="5" vspace="7" border="0" align="left"></i>I have a big friend - Seriy. Seriy infects me with energy, gives me strength, and puts me in a good mood. I feel like dancing and singing and becoming a better person! One time, arriving at the stable, I walked up to Seriy. As usual, I smelled of cigarettes. Suddenly, he started snorting and raised his ears and started acting agitated. Then I remembered that horses don't like the smell of tobacco. I was so ashamed. I want to quit smoking thanks to my friend!!! </i>
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After six months of equine therapy, a sense of optimism has replaced Timur's tendencies toward despondency; he displays less aggression and is gaining confidence in himself and his abilities.
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Masha Ovchinnikova, 13, also expressed her love for Seriy: <i>I have a favorite - my horse Seriy! When I come to the stable, I run up to him and pet him and he wags his tail. I love combing his mane. If I bring shampoo and wash his mane, Seriy is so happy. I love taking care of him. When I'm with Seriy, everything is warm and good, just like it used to be with my mother. I will need my horse my whole life!</i>
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Masha has gone from being verbally aggressive and somewhat cold to expressing warmth and a feeling of satisfaction from taking care of someone else.
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Veronika Puchenina, 15, sent the following message: <i>Before I couldn't even dream of being a real rider. Now in a hat and stirrup I spur on the horse, just like in the movies! I direct the horse myself. It's so great! So what if the horse is small; it's a victory - my victory! I'm grateful to Razmakh for everything…for always listening to me, not interrupting, not getting angry with me. After spending time with him, I have learned to hold in my emotions and scream at people less. I can trust Razmakh with any secret, tell him about everything and he will always understand me.</i>
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Whereas Veronika had been irascible, antisocial, and lacking in self confidence, she now makes more of an effort to peacefully interact with her peers and exhibits a more positive mental state.
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Friends of Russian Orphans has also started a professional development initiative for orphanage personnel. During the course of two six-hour seminars, orphanage staff learn about the psychological factors involved with adoption and foster families, and how kids form attachments. They also network with peers in this social services specialty. The goal is to better help children in the transition to foster care and adoptive families. Over 115 orphanage staff in the Yaroslavl region have attended these seminars.
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Foster mother Ekaterina Strekaleva raved about the support she received from the orphanage where she adopted 13 year old Sasha Kruglov. The director, psychologists, teachers and other aides have provided practical help and consultations as necessary to smooth the transition. Ekaterina forwarded us the following note: <i>That Sasha Kruglov would become my son was something I knew before I even met him. The Orphanage, Director Elena Irineevna, told me: "He's a very calm boy - the kind who would rather sit with a babushka chatting and drinking tea than running around with boys his own age. He's very kind. Sasha dreams about having a family." I knew he was mine! During our first meeting we stayed together the whole time talking, walking, swimming, having a picnic. I already had the feeling that he was my son, from whom fate had separated me for 13 years.</i>
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Sasha has assimilated exceptionally well into his new environment and family and is excelling in school with his new mom's help. He smiles all the time now and has more self-confidence than he did as an orphan.
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Last year, RCWS channeled a total of $40,650 to support the Friends of Russian Orphans (FRO) in Yaroslavl. In addition to the programs described above, FRO has done excellent work in building community relations and promoting the concept of patronat, where a family takes in an orphan and offers mentoring and the structure of a home life, without formal adoption. Eleven orphans in the region are also RCWS scholarship recipients. FRO is currently constructing a Web site, where supporters will soon be able to learn of the latest efforts to help orphans in Yaroslavl.
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