The Kostroma Kids Program is part of Ascent Russian Orphanage Aid Foundation's effort to expand its programming to include three orphanages--Kostroma's Volzhsky Orphanage, Kostroma Orphanage #1, and the Svirstroy Orphanage.  Since 2004, we have been working with the orphanage staffs to benefit the children still living in the orphanages (about 125 kids) as well as the children who leave the orphanages, often as early as 16 years old, to overcome the tremendous obstacles they face.

Program Director:

Jody helping Igor, Vanya, and Vadik transfer the photos they took onto his laptop

Jody Payne is the Director of the Kostroma Kids Program, where he works to fund and expand a summer program since 2004 with other American and international organizations working with Russian orphans.  He worked with children at the Svirstroy orphanage (2004), Kostroma #1 (2006 and 2007), and Volzhsky (2008 and 2009) during our summer programs.  Jody oversees the fundraising and financial aspects of the Kostroma Kids Program, along with the creation and maintenance of the program’s video productions and website.

Jody is also an elementary school teacher at Novi Meadows Elementary School in Novi, Michigan.

Program Coordinator:

Tom, Cerosha, and Masha looking at photos

Tom Michalski is already hard at work coordinating our 2010 program in Kostroma.  He worked with the children at the Volzhsky orphanage in 2008 and 2009.  His trip in 2008 was his first trip to Russia (and outside the U.S.).  He continues working to raise funds to expand the program there.

Tom is also an elementary school teacher, having the unfortunate luck to be in the classroom around the corner from Jody.

Summer Volunteer and Fundraiser:

Cary, doing his part to make sure Sasha doesn't finish his chores

Cary Grimm made his first trip to Russia during the 2009 program in Kostroma as a program volunteer and fundraiser.  He coordinated our returnable bottle and can drive in 2008 to raise money for the program.

Cary is also an elementary school teacher, with his classroom far enough from Tom and Jody that they do not cause too much trouble.

Make a donation to help these children

For additional information, contact us at [email protected]

• We are a 501(c)(3) charity, and all donations are tax deductible

• 100% of your donation will go toward helping these forgotten children defy the odds

• We are not an adoption agency

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