Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
October 23, 2002

Philadelphia, PA (October 23, 2002) - The Disabled & Vulnerable Orphans of Ukraine (DVOU) recently announced its formation to address the significant challenges at-risk orphans in Ukraine face. DVOU is dedicated to identifying and resolving critical issues and emerging areas of need in the lives of disabled & special needs orphans suffering from HIV/AIDS, Cerebral Palsy, Downs Syndrome, tuberculosis and other diseases by offering specialized programs in humanitarian aid, health care, advocacy and education & training. To raise awareness about their campaign to meet the needs of Ukraine's disabled and vulnerable orphans, the DVOU partnered with Cyber-NY, a New York interactive communications agency, launching their website at  www.dvou.org

Lillian Horodysky, founder and Executive Director of DVOU commented on the alarming condition of orphanages in Ukraine, "There were rooms after rooms full of children, lying in their beds, just staring up at the ceiling. All that could be heard was the rustling of their covers, if they moved. It seems as though the thoughts in my own head sounded louder than a disabled orphans barely audible sigh."

The conditions of most Ukrainian orphanages are deeply concerning. Most orphanages for children with special needs are located in remote areas of Ukraine. Statistically, less than 25% of the governmentally allocated budget reaches these orphanages and orphans' chances of survival are dramatically reduced even further because of substandard medical care, childcare and little or no education.

"Much can be done to improve the quality of care disabled orphans in Ukraine desperately need by focusing on delivering individualized care," Horodysky said. The DVOU will work to replace institutional orphanage care with family based care, by supporting mothers at risk of abandoning their children, reuniting children with families, assist in developing a national foster care system and maintaining small private family-style children's homes in Ukraine.

In addition, DVOU will partner with donors, non-governmental organizations, foundations, corporations and federal agencies to build public awareness, provide medical support, developmental and education programs, advocacy and specialized humanitarian projects to help special needs orphans in Ukraine.

For more information about DVOU's efforts or to find out how you can help, log onto their website at  www.dvou.org