Hi, My name is Lynnise. Thank you for taking the time to read this page that tells the story of why and how Catalyst for Kids was founded. I hope it will help you understand more clearly Catalyst for Kids' unique approach to ministry.
Our family lived in Ukraine for three years from 1998 - 2001. During this time we distributed humanitarian aid to over 30 different dorm schools for orphans and children at risk in the Vinnitsa Oblast (state) as well as facilitate for various organizations and church groups. Our greatest success was working ourselves out of a job as nationals began taking an active part in connecting outside aid with the needs within their country.
Upon returning to the states we had a desire to continue helping the children, families, and working ministries in Ukraine we had encountered. We consider adopting one of the children we knew, but realized that with our connections we could do more by adopting a whole orphanage. Thus, as a family, we began setting aside money and making plans. In February of 2003, I returned with an idea, some funds, lots of prayer; and began a learning program in Pliskave orphanage by equipping and hiring local teachers.
Other friends joined our unconventional approach to helping with programs of their own, and soon we realized that we needed to incorporate as a nonprofit organization. One of the driving factors in how we would established this organization came from reading such verses as Isaiah 3:14 that talks about having the plunder from the poor in your own house. It was our desire to establish a charitable organization that would get our money 100% directly to the needs we were burdened for.
Catalyst for Kids was founded in November of 2003 and is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization. All work done here in the states is by volunteers pitching in their time and talents. Any administrative costs are for what is needed within the country we are serving and not in our own pockets as salary or reimbursed services.
It is our prayer that Catalyst for Kids will be the framework of an organization through which individuals and groups can be involved in ministry first hand. Allowing each of us to have an active part in a ministry God has burdened us with.
-CFK is the nonprofit organized entity through which funds are managed.
- It is a platform through which we can advocate for the various needs we each have a burden for.
- It is the maintained relationships with directors, organizations, and individuals that gives continuity to all our various ministries.
- It is the form of communication among each other through which we can all be as a team: keeping abreast and praying for each other's work.
- And it is the logistical wheel that coordinates the use of our Ukraine counterparts as to ministry load and team scheduling, covers administrative expenses, and makes the best use of hired transportation for administrative, delivery, and ministry purposes, etc.
Our mutual goals are for the benefit of children and those in need. Giving example of God's love, spreading the gospel, being personally obedient to God's call to care for the needy, and giving Glory to God as we work together to reach these goals. Keeping in mind that we best meet these goals by working in a coordinated way, complementing each other's ministry.
Lynnise
