George Steiner – President, Orphan’s Tree
Born in a missionary family, George has always been interested in people of different cultures. But when he was sent on his first trip to Russia in 1991 with International Bible Society, he did not know how life-changing that trip would become.
When distributing scriptures in Russian orphanages in 1993, George knew something more had to be done for the children. The apparent needs for food, clothing, education, emotional care, and medical care existed. But equally obvious was the plight of the kids beyond their orphanage years.
By November 1994, George had gathered a group of people passionate about children in need, and focused on long-term relationships with orphans beyond their orphanage years. That group of seven individuals became the founding board of Children’s HopeChest.
In July, 2008 George established a new organization, Orphan’s Tree, to re-focus on older orphans during their transitional years. The focus of Orphan’s Tree is on education, leadership, young families, life skills and job preparation & placement of older orphans in Russia.
George is thankful to his wife, Kathy, for her love and support throughout their 40 years of marriage. George and Kathy are the parents of Rebecca Peterson and Meredith Smith. They are also proud of their son-in-laws, Joshua Peterson and Damon Smith, grandson Bryce, and granddaughters McKenna, Delaney and Kelsey Peterson.
Jenya Haps – Vice President, Orphan’s Tree
Born and raised in Moscow, Russia, Jenya received her degree from 
Moscow Linguistic University. Although developing a successful career as a translator and interpreter in the rapidly changing business world of “perestroika” era Russia, it was her visits to orphanages with International Bible Society that really changed her life. Moved and burdened by the dire needs of orphans, Jenya felt a calling to serve those without families. She joined George Steiner and Children’s HopeChest in 1994 and together with Katya Celenina formed Nadezhda (Hope) Fund, a ministry to orphans in Russia. Whether managing programs or fundraising and networking, Jenya finds continual satisfaction in helping to build the ministry of changing orphans’ lives for the better.
In 1999, Jenya married Kerry J. Haps and moved to the Chicago area. She continued to work for Children’s HopeChest, raising funds and awareness in both of her homes, America and Russia. Her responsibilities included devoting time to securing grants from the Russian branches of international corporations, as well as, ministry program planning.
In July 2008 Jenya once again joined George Steiner in starting Orphan’s Tree to focus ministry to older orphans in Russia. Her compassion for the orphans, deep understanding of their needs, and all the success stories out of this ministry continues to motivate her 15 years later.
Jenya is never alone in her work on behalf of the orphans and enjoys the support of her husband Kerry, son Fyodor, Mama Luba, and her church community and other friends. Serving orphans isn’t just a job for Jenya but a way of life!
Cindy Tupper – Assistant to the President, Orphan’s Tree
Raised in a ‘churched’ home, Cindy really didn’t begin developing her relationship with the Lord until after leaving home and beginning her own family. The desire to see others find their true faith and have a solid support system at a much earlier age than her, led her to service in children and youth ministry.
She took her first trip to Russia in 1998 as a co-leader of a high school ministry team. During that trip, she fell in love with Russia and her people. She has been to Russia nine times since. Her passion is to see ‘our’ kids grow into wonderful, hope-filled adults.
Upon her return from that first trip to Russia, Cindy began working with George in the early days of Children’s HopeChest. She is responsible for the day to day operations at the office. Feel free to contact her directly for information about your gifts, travel, or general ministry questions.
Cindy and her husband of 30 years, Rich; enjoy traveling, gardening and spending time with their three grown children, in-laws and new grandson.