No Abandoned Kids
in Transcarpathia
OUR VISION
Shade for Children, a Ukrainian registered charity fund, was founded in February 2019 by Clinton and Lena White, alongside its US version, which received IRS Determination as a 501(c)3 tax-exempt charity in October 2019. Our unwavering vision is to ensure that no child in Transcarpathia is left abandoned.
Uniting Churches and Communities to Cherish Children
OUR MISSION
At Shade for Children, we have a clear mission: to unite churches and communities to cherish orphaned and vulnerable children in our region. Through collective effort and boundless love, we strive to provide a nurturing and caring environment for these children, empowering them to reach their full potential.
Meet the Hearts Behind Shade for Children
Lena White
FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR OF SHADE FOR CHILDREN IN UKRAINE
Lena White, the Director of Shade for Children in Ukraine, brings over twenty years of dedicated service to the Church of the Living God in Uzhhorod. With a master's degree in finance from Transcarpathia State University and a Theology Degree from Vision University, Lena's passion for children's ministry shines through her work with our organization.
Clinton White
FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR OF SHADE FOR CHILDREN - US
As the Director of Shade for Children–US, Clinton White's journey has been guided by his strong commitment to the welfare of orphaned and vulnerable children. Prior to his work in Ukraine since 2012, Clinton served as a local church youth pastor for over sixteen years in Mississippi. He holds a Master of Divinity degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, a Master of Business Administration degree in Nonprofit Management and Social Entrepreneurship, and a Micro-master's degree in social work.
Clinton and Lena White, the founders of Shade for Children, are themselves adoptive parents to a beautiful three-year-old boy. Their adoption hearing took place in February 2022, coinciding with the start of the war. Their personal journey in orphan care began long before, with deep involvement in ministry for orphaned and vulnerable children, including hosting numerous summer camps and visiting orphaned toddlers regularly.
Allina Robie
MEDIA SPECIALIST AND ADVOCATE
Allina Robie, a trusted partner, and Shade for Children's Media Specialist, passionately serves orphaned and vulnerable children in Transcarpathia. Originally from the US, Allina moved to Ukraine just before the full-scale invasion in 2022. Her exceptional marketing expertise helps us spread awareness about our work and its impact. Allina's advocacy for and dedication to these children has built her a formidable personal platform. Her dedication to our cause began when she first served in Ukraine in 2018 with The World Race.
Mirjam Marijs
STRATEGIC PARTNER
Mirjam Marijs is orginally from the Netherlands. In 2018, she came to Ukraine and spent two years caring for children who had been surrendered or abandoned in the hospital. After her time at the hospital, she worked in a children's home with children with special needs. Her collaboration and partnership with Shade for Children started during this period. Recently, Mirjam shifted her focus to an institution specifically for children and adults with special needs. There, she gets to serve and care for a group of children with whom she has built a close bond over the past five years.
Marianne Janse
STRATEGIC PARTNER
Marianne Janse's greatest joy is to see a smile on the faces of children living in difficult circumstances. Originally from the Netherlands, Ukraine has been her home since 2016. Although Ukraine has her whole heart, the orphan care system is something she desperately hopes to see reformed and improved. She passionately serves and advocates for the children in this system. She is specifically dedicated to children with special needs and currently works with a group of children in an orphanage in Transcarpathia. She dreams about a society where these children are valued for the beautiful treasures they are.
Together, United in Love
At Shade for Children, our team comprises passionate individuals united in love and compassion for orphaned and vulnerable children. Together, we envision a future where every child is cherished and embraced by their community. With dedicated staff and strong partnerships, we are determined to create lasting change and provide hope for a brighter tomorrow.