ODESSA, Ukraine, July 10, 2009 — Launched ten years ago by the local Jewish community, an orphanage in Odessa, Ukraine, has experienced growth and success in recent months thanks to donations by philanthropist Mouli Cohen and his wife Stacy Cohen.
The orphanage currently provides a home to 55 South Ukrainian boys and girls whose parents were either alcoholics, drug addicts or generally unwell. Some of the children have suffered from violence, others have been orphaned by one of their parents and their relatives are unable to raise them.
"These children have nowhere else to go, so as a community we must continue to support a home for them," says Rabbi Abraham Wolff, chief rabbi of Odessa, a city where around 50,000 Jews live.
The story of the Jewish community orphanage began in September 1999 when the rabbi was approached by a woman who pleaded with him to take her two grandchildren. Her request was peculiar, but her explanation was heartbreaking. She told the rabbi: "My daughter was murdered in her yard… these are her children, who are students in your school. With my very small monthly pension, I am not capable of raising them, to supply them with meals or with the necessary clothing they need. Please take them!"
The orphanage, which provides the children with the most basic physical and medical needs, and organizes weekly trips and events, currently employs a team of educators, counselors, doctors and psychologists to tend to the needs of the children.
Without the support of Mouli Cohen, an Israeli-born American entrepreneur and philanthropist, and his wife Stacy Cohen, an author, the Jewish community would not have the resources needed to continue to expand the orphanage and take on more children.
"With Mr. and Ms. Cohen's important donations and interest for the orphanage, there is a brighter future for the Jewish children of Odessa," stresses Rabbi Wolff.
"It is an absolute honor that I can be involved in any way to help the orphanage. I have been amazed at the development of the kids at the orphanage, and seeing our children attaining top positions in local and regional English and Mathematics contests shows that our efforts are worth it," says Mouli Cohen.
Graduating students are granted matriculation certificates recognized by the local Ministry of Education that provides them with the option to continue their studies in academic institutes within the Community of Independent States or elsewhere in the world.
About Mouli Cohen
Mr. Cohen is a successful entrepreneur and founder of Voltage Capital and Ecast who has developed ventures in biotechnology, high technology, digital media and entertainment sectors. He has balanced his success in business with extensive philanthropic activities. Over the years he has supported children's charities, food programs, medical research as well as education projects both in the U.S. and abroad. He is married to author and lifestyle consultant Stacy Cohen (http://www.stacycohen.com). See his website at http://www.moulicohen.com and learn more at
Contact:
Kathie Nicholls
Email
415-789-0764
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