We are glad you are considering attending the 2006 Eastern European Summit for Children at Risk that will be held in Moscow and Vladimir this fall.  The event will focus on post-orphanage transition programs, including foster care, ministry or drop-in centers, and live-in programs and will have both English and Russian translation.  We encourage anyone in Eastern Europe or Eurasia working in these focus areas or interested in working in these areas to attend.  This will be the first gathering of its kind in Russia with many leading western and national orphan care organizations participating.  We hope you will be among them. I have included the official invitation from Dr. Ron Braund below and more information on registration, accommodations and program developments will continue to be available on this website.  Please feel free to email me or contact me by phone if you have further questions. Blessings, Karmen Friesen, Director The CoMission for Children at Risk +1 (717) 431-5977 Send Email

Official Invitation I am pleased to announce an important event for those in ministry to children at risk in Russia and Eastern Europe.  In response to numerous requests for a conference to be held in Russia, The CoMission for Children at Risk is excited to team up with The Russian National Network and other key partners to make this a reality. The Russian National Network and The CoMission desire to facilitate partnerships among Christ-centered organizations whose efforts can change the lives of orphans and street children, as well as equip these groups to be increasingly effective in their ministries through training and information-sharing.  To that end, the Eastern European Summit for Children at Risk will be held in Moscow, Russia on November 10 and Vladimir, Russia on November 11-14, 2006. Participants will initially meet in Moscow for a day devoted to examining current trends in orphan ministry, promoting best practice procedures, and facilitating more effective networking.  It is our vision that, in this forum, people will have the opportunity to exchange vital information, explore strategic partnerships, and support one another through prayer and encouragement. The majority of the conference will be held in Vladimir where participants will receive in-depth training on post-orphanage transition programs from leaders in the field, including Children’s HopeChest (Nadezhda Fund), Mission Specialties, Inc. (OrphanGrad), and a number of others.  Our aim is to equip organizations to begin new ministries or expand their current ministries to help older orphans. If you know of other organizations that might be able to make a significant contribution to this event, please let us know so that we can consider inviting them to participate. Thanks for all you are doing to demonstrate Christ’s compassion to children.  Sincerely in Christ, Ron Braund, CCR Chairman The CoMission for Children at Risk