Adoption agency continues its missionof uniting families
14 November 2009
Adoption agency continues its missionof uniting families
11/14/2009
Adoption agency continues its mission
of uniting families
We are utterly dismayed by the article "Adoption group is under shadow" (Sept. 27). To irresponsibly state that Small World Adoption Foundation of Missouri Inc. is "under shadow" or that its future is "clouded" is inaccurate and unconscionable given the ongoing success of SWAF in placing disadvantaged children in loving homes, particularly since the origin and source of the article appears to be a disgruntled former employee pursuing a personal agenda.
SWAF was founded in 1992 by Dr. Viacheslav "Slava" Platonov and Dr. Yelena Kogan, both Russian-born physicians. Through their medical work and Eastern European heritage, their hearts ached for children in the orphanages who deserved the opportunity to have a better life. Hence came the incorporation of SWAF and the organization's motto: "Saving Children One at a Time." In addition to assisting individuals and couples to become parents and finding homes for orphaned children, SWAF provides humanitarian relief to orphanages in Russia and Ukraine for the children left behind.
SWAF is a not-for-profit child-placing agency licensed by the state of Missouri and is Hague accredited by the Council on Accreditation and accredited in Russia. SWAF is in good standing with all of these entities. SWAF has not been contacted by any federal agency regarding any impropriety nor has the foundation been under federal investigation as was implied in the article. Financial audits of the foundation have revealed no inappropriate expenditures. To even remotely suggest that the foundation is "under shadow" without any verified basis for the claims is unjust and unfair.
Since 1993, more than 2,100 children have been adopted into loving homes across the world as a result of SWAF's efforts. This foundation provides 24-hour assistance to families while traveling, pre-adoption training, post-adoption support and bi-annual events to unite SWAF families and children. In just the past year, SWAF has placed more children into loving families than the previous two years combined. Anyone interested in learning more about international adoption is welcome to attend our informational session at the SWAF office from 5 to 7 p.m. on Dec. 2.
SWAF staff is committed to continuing Dr. Platonov's legacy of uniting families through international adoption. For the majority of his years with the foundation, Dr. Platonov donated his time and expertise to building families. Dr. Platonov had a tremendous impact on many children and families around the world, and his unselfish efforts and heartwarming vision never will be forgotten. SWAF is thankful for the overwhelming support received from its past and current clients and is saddened by those who apparently feel the need to cast aspersions on the foundation following Dr. Platonov's untimely death.
Dana J. Martin — Chesterfield
Executive Director-USA, Small World Adoption Foundation of Missouri Inc.
A misguided vote
On Nov. 3, the St. Louis County Council voted to rezone 377 acres of land immediately adjacent to the Columbia Bottom Conservation Area in North St. Louis County for a casino development. This action is in direct conflict with the county's strategic long-term plan for that area. Despite presentations by more than 40 speakers and despite more than 2,000 signatures on petitions opposing the rezoning, council members Hazel Erby, Michael O'Mara, Kathleen Burkett and Steven Stenger voted to devastate this last bastion of pristine riverfront land.
Never mind matter that six casinos are within a half-hour drive of this area. Never mind that this casino development will devastate the $25 million investment of tax dollars in this area by the state. Never mind that there is an environmental and conservation movement surging in the United States. Never mind that the St. Louis area lags behind other major cities in saving and enhancing riverfronts and investing in green space. And never mind and that there has not been an environmental impact study on this proposed development and change of land use.
In 1993, the confluence floodplain held an estimated 260 billion gallons of flood water, sparing the St. Louis and many communities downstream from even more devastation and damage. With a massive casino project and 8,000 paved parking spaces, where would the water go?
It is time for concerned citizens to take a stand. Let your voice be heard. Let council members know that their disregard for the devastation of this precious and significant national treasure has spurred a public outrage.
Together we can save and enhance this confluence of two of the greatest rivers in the world — the Mississippi and the Missouri — and preserve its legacy for generations to come.
Peggy Rustige — St. Louis County
Member, Coalition for Common Sense