What is the difference between a true orphan and a social orphan?
A true orphan is a child that no longer has a living parent, while a social orphan is a child that has been removed from the care of their parents as a result of government intervention or parental request.Throughout the world the vast majority of orphans are Social Orphans. The only exception to this is in Africa where wars and the AIDS epidemic have created huge numbers of True Orphans.
Although being a True Orphan is extremely difficult, we have found that Social Orphans generally have greater needs than True Orphans. The physical scars from abuse, social and relational scars of neglect, and emotional scars of abandonment deter Social Orphans from moving on with life.
Are there plans for Orphan’s Tree to work in countries other than Russia?
We never know what the future holds but for now we are committed to focusing only on Russia.
Is Orphan’s Tree a 501c3 organization?
Yes. We received our 501c3 letter from the Department of the Treasury in March 2009, backdated to July 2008when we opened our doors. If you would like a copy of our letter feel free to make a copy here.
Will Orphan’s Tree offer opportunities for individuals to travel to Russia?
We are happy to assist Individuals and/or groups travel to Russia on short-term ministry journeys. Individuals will be combined with other guests – acceptance will be based on the type of trip and the skill set of the traveler. (In other words, if we are doing an art camp and you can’t draw a stick figure, that’s probably not the trip for you). If you would like to join us for a trip or have ideas for a trip and would like to form a team, please contact Cindy Tupper at info@orphanstree.org