Tolstoy Foundation - Valley Cottage, New York - International Humanitarian Relief

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For over half a century, the TF Center at Valley Cottage, New York has been many things to many people. The rustic Russian setting with its classically styled “onion domed” church and 50,000-book library has served as a magnet, attracting both young and old to its doors. Although TF began humbly as a smaller scale “Ellis Island,” serving as a refuge for displaced immigrants from a variety of nations, it later established residences for elderly Russians, and also served as a summer camp for children between 1942 through the 1960’s. Russian language programs, cultural events and activities have grown and flourished here for many years.

The Return of Programs for Children

Twice yearly, the Tolstoy Foundation Center in Valley Cottage, New York, brings groups of underprivileged Russian children for 3-month skill enhancing student programs. Children live on campus in the Center’s recently remodeled 20-room student dormitory facility with its adjoining classroom/auditorium.

To date, 72 disadvantaged children from three countries of the former Soviet Union have already completed the course of study at Valley Cottage and approximately 500 are expected to complete the on-site course by the end of 2005.

The groups are selected by TF staff utilizing criteria to identify children who demonstrate special talents and/or abilities, or a willingness to learn. The specialized curriculum is designed to provide attention to each child’s specific talents and needs. The core studies include instruction in (1) English as a Second Language (2) special training and development of practical skills, such as computer training; (3) self-help initiatives; and (4) cultural immersion programs. In addition to the on-site activities, the children also travel to museums, schools, attractions and other sites within key areas in the northeastern United States, such as Washington D.C., New York City, Newport R.I., and West Point. For the vast majority, such trips are once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Further details are provided within Children’s Programs.

The on-site course of study and enrichment has been described as a “tremendous program that gives children from the former Soviet Union the opportunity to experience first-hand the educational opportunities available in the United States and the incentive to build life-long skills to improve their own lives” by Thomas Gallagher, Head of U.S. Equities at CIBC World Markets which, through its Miracle Day, has donated almost one-quarter million dollars to the TF program over two years.

Directions to the Tolstoy Foundation Center