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HISTORY OF STARFISH FOSTER HOME
In September 2005, Amanda de Lange founded Starfish Children's Services to save children who have special health needs that are the most at-risk in its partner orphanages. This promptly resulted in the establishment of Starfish Foster Home (SCS) to rescue children in need of medical care by working in collaboration with local orphanges. After nursing them back to health through solid nutrition and a loving environment, Starfish Children's Services organizes and pays for the children’s surgeries before providing post-operative care. After the surgeries, the goal shifts to getting these children in the adoption pipeline so that they can join a stable, loving family.
Our Amanda recently received the highly esteemed Brigham Young University Humanitarian Award for her relentless work in building the Starfish Foster Home. We all know that Amanda is the heart and soul of the organization -- we are so proud of her and the amazing dedication she tirelessly gives to the babies. Here is a synopsis of who Amanda is and the story of the Starfish Foster Home http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RgvyokCjao
MISSION, VISION, AND VALUES
The mission of Starfish is to save the lives of Chinese orphans with special health needs. Our vision is to provide a safe and loving home in Shaanxi province where orphans with special needs will receive nurturing care during their infancy and toddler years. Starfish will provide the best medical attention available in mainland China to meet the special needs of babies facing complex medical problems such as spina bifida, heart conditions, and cleft lips and palettes.
Striving toward this vision, we will focus on the following values:
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To expedite the movement of children out of orphanges and into the arms of loving adoptive families
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To serve as a resource center for other orphanges seeking medical care for their children
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To build a mutually supportive relationship with China's government officials
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To facilitate correct and rapid processing of required adoption dossiers
FOUNDER AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Amanda de Lange, Founder and Executive Director
Hailing from South Africa, Amanda de Lange has an extensive track record of success with children in China. A teacher by trade, she started Starfish Children's Services and the Starfish Foster Home three years ago to help the orphanages of Shaanxi province.
Patrick McLaughlin, Chairman
As a two-time volunteer at the foster home in Xi'an, Patrick has combined his "hands-on" experience at Starfish with his more than 24-year career in the media sales industry. An avid golfer, runner, and adventure traveler, Patrick lives and works in New York City/Harlem with his wife, Cindy.
Cynthia Klaja-McLaughlin, Vice Chair
Cynthia is owner/president of WATT AN IDEA!!!, Inc. a strategic marketing consultancy business. She has volunteered at the Starfish Foster Home and finds the mission very fulfilling.
Margaret (Peggy) McCue, Treasurer
Peggy previously served as the President of Accredited Appraisers, Inc., specializing in eminent domain projects. She now serves as the property manager and consultant with AMI Melrose Place. Peggy volunteered at Starfish in 2007 for several months. She looks forward to returning to Xi’an and working at Starfish Foster Home full-time.
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