WHO WE ARE AND WHERE WE ARE GOING
Leadership Update
After decades of faithful service, our founders Curt and Helen Braun have stepped down from the Board. Curt poured his heart into building personal relationships with so many of you from the very beginning. His legacy remains the foundation we continue to build on today. The remainder of the original Board remains intact, including Shelley DeVault, Dale Lommasson, Peter Khoo, Xiou Xiou.
In June 2024, the Board entrusted the role of Chair to Wendi Akers, who brings a deep commitment to our mission and a clear vision for the future. We know that for some, change can feel bittersweet, and we are deeply grateful for your continued trust as we walk forward together.
August Newsletter: Stories from Ukraine
There are three sisters in my family: myself (LeeAnn), my twin Laura, and our younger sister Lindsay. Our father died when we were nine. Our mother raised us alone after that, and in 2013 Lindsay was born — her father left before she arrived and never came back.
Life was hard. Our mother had no work, and there was always more responsibility than hands to carry it. I helped where I could, especially with Lindsay. I loved her fiercely and hoped we’d always stay together.
In 2017, our mother passed away. I was sixteen; Lindsay wasn’t yet four. Our uncle became guardian to all three of us, but my twin and I still had school to finish, so in 2018 we moved away to study.
Distance never loosened my hold on Lindsay’s life. I visited often, sat with her through hospital stays, and stood by her each year through the rehabilitation treatments her disability requires. Every school break, she came to stay with me.
Once I finished my education, I applied for legal guardianship myself — the paperwork, the medical exams, the hearings, every review the child welfare system required. It was granted. Having Lindsay with me means everything. I get to be the one who gives her the love and stability she deserves.
You can partner with LeeAnn and Lindsay directly — a gift of $50 a month helps this family stay together.
This is what $50 a month makes possible.
Our team has now identified more children in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine who need the same support. Please click on the next page of Children We Sponsor and consider sponsoring one of these children. They need our help.
