BACKGROUND OF ORGANIZATIONCARE FOR CHILDREN is a 501(3)c
publicly funded tax-exempt humanitarian organization. Our mission statement is to provide
humanitarian resources, dental and medical equipment and supplies for the orphans and
refugees living in and around the area of Medjugorje, Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Since 1992, when our effort first began as a small group of four, we have never lost
sight to provide health care for those disadvantaged by the war in Bosnia. Initially, the
medical clinic focused only on dental care as this was the specialty of the founders of
CARE FOR CHILDREN. Today, however, we invite chiropractors, pediatricians, optometrists
and other licensed medical professionals to join us in caring for the orphans and refugees
in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
The Riehle Foundation provided the funds for building the St. Francis Clinic, which is
located in Mother’s Village Orphanage in Medjugorje. The building was built,
dedicated and opened in March 1998. The clinic is equipped with modern dental equipment
and both operatories are now air conditioned thanks to the generosity of another
benefactor.
Beginning in January 1999, our volunteers began offering care to the children residing
in John Paul II Orphanage in Citluk. In total, there are over 150 orphans in addition to
the refugees in nearby camps. The patients are a mixture of Bosnians, Serbians and
Croatians. Care is provided only on the basis of need.
The staffing of the clinic has been provided from dentists from all over the world.
These providers have been reached through dental magazines and dental society meetings
using presentations as well as various news articles and letters.
Participating licensed professionals and other volunteers who act as supporting staff
to the professionals pay their own travel expenses and agree bring supplies specific for
their needs or style of practice. None of the money raised by CARE FOR CHILDREN is used
for administrative purposes. Those expenses are absorbed by its directors and
participants.
A second focus is centered in the refugee camps. We are assisting an international
relief organization, Nobody’s Children, by promoting and supplying dental vans which
they have made available. These are one-chair self-contained units.
Thirdly, we will continue to be involved with the medical evacuation of refugees.
Physicians from various hospitals have offered to be involved in coordinating medical
services in the United States for special cases unable to receive treatment in Bosnia.
CARE FOR CHILDREN will provide dental care, transportation and entertainment for the
patients and interpreters.
Our goals for 2003 and beyond are:
- Introduce a comprehensive fluoride rinse program at both orphanages
- Accomplish more restorative dentistry
- Provide optical exams for children at both orphanages and the refugees
- Develop computerized systematic record keeping for continuing care of patients
- Produce newsletter at least twice each year
This work has been the professionally and spiritually rewarding of our lives. The
people of former Yugoslavia have become our friends. While we give a little of our talents
and surplus, they give abundantly of their need in return. It is an awakening and humbling
experience to receive such love from someone you may never have known and may never see
again.
We need your prayers and help.
CARE FOR
CHILDREN
