About the Palac Pod Pocianim Gniazdem Foundation
Since 2014, the Pałac Pod Bocianim Gniazdem Foundation (officially "The Stork Nest Foundation in Runowo") has emphasized supporting emotional development and instilling individual accountability in vulnerable members of its community. The Palac focuses on the importance of communal, spiritual, and familial awareness in eliminating persistently dysfunctional environments. They work across age groups focusing on emotional development for children, adolescents, and adults. Prior to Russia's War, they focused on improving local communities by supporting the development of children with disabilities, improving the education of children from nearby rural areas, and enhancing civic education.
Founded by Władysław Rutkiewicz-Nikorowicz, a kind hearted, long-time social activist and supported by a world-class board (Marta, Asia and Wiesia), this leadership team works shoulder-to-shoulder with their volunteers in executing the Foundations evolving mission.
About The Zaporizhzhia
Regional Center of Social and Physiological
Rehabilitation of Children
Since 1999, the Zaporizhzhia Regional Center of Social and Physiological Rehabilitation of Children has served as a shelter for orphans and wards of the state. More than 17,000 children have called it home. Officially limited to 55 children at a time, need has often outpaced policy.
Prior to Russia's War, the Center had countless donors and volunteers helping financially, physically, and morally. Notably, during the Zelensky Presidency, the group had consistently received the funding needed to enhance the lives of displaced children.
Regardless of circumstance, this group works tirelessly to reshape the distorted realities and impacted psyches of displace children. Their proven approach focuses on socializing youths in order to build emotional stability while providing basic necessities that many of us take for granted.
In light of the the current cruel, murderous war in Ukraine, the Center was forced to evacuate from their beloved hometown to Poland. Fortuitously, all 53 children and their 3 chaperones found shelter at the Palac. They continue to build a sense of community amidst incomprehensible uncertainty.