Who are the people behind this effort? They are men and women deeply committed to helping the poor of the world. There are two boards, one in Kenya and one in Boston. All board members are volunteers on both sides of the world.
Kenya Board
The Kenya Board is made up of very capable men and women who have set their minds to getting the job done. They negotiated with the land owners to find a piece of land that was rich, affordable, and close to schools and churches. They had the electricity brought onto the land and the water channeled in from the town pipes. They did all of that and now the orphanage is built and our plans have become a reality.
The Kenya Board Members, left to right:
Caroline Muriithi, our Secretary and also our Director of Mothers who graduated with a degree in management and a special certificate from SOS Village Mother's Training School.
Next to Caroline is Virginia Burbank, the founder and the president of An Orphan's Dream, Inc. as well as the Director of OASIS OF PEACE HOME FOR ORPHANS IN KENYA.
In the middle is Moses Mwangi, our vice president and the assistant manager of the construction of the buildings as well as the assistant manager of our farming investment.
Next to Moses is Dianah, our assistant treasurer, as well as our accountant. She is presently studying for her degree at Kenyatta University in Nairobi.
Next to Dianah is Paul Maringa, our treasurer and the General Manager of the entire building project. In addition, he is the Manager of our farming investement.
USA Board
The USA Board is made up of educators, nurses, nurse practitioners, graphic artists, and businessmen and women. This Board deals chiefly with fundraising. The hard work of all of the members has been remarkable. They have taken it upon themselves to run benefits for the orphanage, create flyers to be sent out to potential donors, and to speak at churches and schools about the plight of the orphans in Kenya and the loving home we've built for them. Their energy is amazing, and their integrity is impeccable.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Virginia Burbank | Symon Peter Maringa | Kristina Richards | Claire Putnicki | Jeanette Wusteney |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Josephine Costello | Paul Putnicki | Scott Keif | Nancy Karanja | Joan Cahill |
Virginia Burbank – Virginia is the lady with the vision of an African orphanage for children who have lost their parents to AIDS. She is the international president of the Kenyan Board of Oasis of Peace and the CEO and founder of An Orphan’s Dream, Inc. She was also a high school English teacher for 32 years, as well as a published writer.
Symon Peter Maringa – Symon is the Chairman of the Board and the Logistics & Activity Coordinator. He has a BS in Commerce from University of Nairobi, Kenya, and is also a Trade Consultant (Kenya). Symon is interested in diplomacy and international relations, and he enjoys church music, missions work, charity work, reading, hiking, camping, driving, banana cake, and a cup of tea.
Kristina Richards – Kristina is the Assistant Financial Coordinator of An Orphan’s Dream, Inc. She has a BS in Education, and has worked as a greeting card designer and Health Caregiver. She is also a mother of two grown sons, and she loves Jesus, Christian music, the Bible, antiques, collectibles, flea markets, and cyberspace.
Claire Putnicki – Public Relations Director Claire is a mother of 4, grandmother of 10, registered nurse (retired), teacher of Family Life Education, Eucharistic minister, lector, and a part of the Marriage Preparation Program. She enjoys water-coloring, reading, flower-arranging, and hiking.
Jeanette Wusteney – Jeanette is a wife and mother of four. With a BA and a Masters in Education, she has worked as a Spanish and Italian teacher, a 6th grade CCD teacher, and a Parent Advocate for Autism. She is a proud member of St. Christine’s Church Community of Marshfield, and she “enjoys every day as a gift from God.”
Josephine Costello - Josephine is the Financial Coordinator of An Orphan's Dream, Inc. She is also a mother, grandmother, past President of the Quincy Garden Club, and a prolific artist.
Paul Putnicki – Paul is the President of An Orphan's Dream, Inc. He has a BS in Civil Engineering, and is a retired Engineering and Construction Manager. He is also a father of 4, grandfather of 10, member of the Church Finance Council, Eucharistic Minister, Lector, and a member of the Marriage Preparation Program. Paul enjoys gardening, cooking, water-coloring, pastels, and hiking.
Scott Keif – Vice President / Education Coordinator
Nancy Karanja – Shipping & Storage Coordinator / Educational Speaker
Joan Cahill – Secretary
We are always looking for volunteers. Volunteering your time can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. Sign up now to help us help the children.
Our orphanage only houses 22 children at present, but 12 million children have been orphaned by AIDS. Help us advocate for change.
Help us maintain and grow the orphanage by making a donation online, by phone, or through the mail. No amount is too small, so please help today.
Community Tools
