"Orphans International New Orleans" Announced
Orphans International (OI) Worldwide announced today that Orphans International America will partner with a local organization south of New Orleans to create "Orphans International New Orleans" with possible foster homes for orphaned children.
New York (PRWEB) September 8, 2005 -- Orphans International (OI) Worldwide announced today that Orphans International America will partner with a local organization south of New Orleans to create "Orphans International New Orleans" with possible foster homes for orphaned children. "Our emphasis has been on Haiti and Indonesia, but today we are seeing an enormous need in our own country," states OI founder Jim Luce from New York. The organization is currently working to establish ties to a rural community south of Katrina-ravaged New Orleans, possibly in Plaquemines Parish.
Orphans International has already announced two other Katrina-related initiatives: a scholarship fund to send displaced professionals to volunteer in Haiti or Indonesia for one year, and flying in the OI Sumatera Tsunami Relief Medical Team from Aceh to assist in recovery efforts. Last week, OI announced the establishment of a fund to cover transport, room, board and stipend to flood victim professionals who wish to volunteer for the next year assisting flood orphans in both Banda Aceh, Indonesia, and Gonaives, Haiti.
Orphans International America has received bi-partisan support from leaders such as former president Bill Clinton, Mayor Mike Bloomberg, Sen. Chuck Schumer, and Sen. Hillary Clinton, as well as many New York City-based public officials. Orphans International is a non-partisan, interfaith organization incorporated in New York in 2002. Last month in Indonesia, the Acehenese Ministry of Social Affairs recognized Orphans International's work with tsunami orphans along with UNICEF and Save the Children. We are designated as a 501(c)3 organization by the IRS.
OI's mission is "Raising Global Citizens" and OI's children remain in their native countries to become educated to their fullest potential and then help move their countries forward; they do not place children for adoption in America. Projects are running in both Sumatera and Sulawesi in Indonesia, and opening this month in Haiti. Projects in formation include Romania, Togo, the Philippines, Peru, Ghana, and Guyana. Future plans include working with AIDS orphans in both China and India. Each OI campus is working towards full programming for the orphaned children and the village community with classes for English, computer science, and a strong emphasis on the arts.
It is estimated that the "New Orleans Foster Home for Orphaned Children" can be opened and maintained for $150,000 per year. Donors who wish to support this effort may write info@oiww.org for additional information. More detailed information is available on OI's website, www.oiww.org; the organization's monthly e-newsletter is available on-line. Tax-deductible contributions to the OI Fund for New Orleans may be sent to "Orphans International," earmarked "New Orleans," at 540 Main Street, Ste. 418, N.Y., N.Y. 10044. Last year less than 3% of OI America's income was spent on management.
Sponsorship of one of OI's anticipated children will be $600 per year -- the same cost OI maintains for sponsoring one of its children overseas. However, in the U.S., due to the significantly higher cost of living, OI has announced that each child will have ten Sponsors. OI is now creating a "reservation list" of child sponsors; send in a check for $600 made out to "Orphans International America" memo'd "New Orleans" if you would like to sponsor one of the anticipated children as they are identified.
As OI does for our overseas projects, homes will be available for construction as well at $60,000 each; although this is too much for most individuals, many civic associations, churches or community foundations are able to assist in this way. In Aceh Grodzins House and Rotary House stand today, and Roosevelt Island House and Spring Hill House are under construction. General contributions in any amount are welcomed.
PRESS CONTACT
Jim Luce, Founder
(212) 755-7285
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