Russia

Kind Heart Shelter - Nizhny Tagil: Desana supports this shelter in Nizhny Tagil Russia by supplying hot meals for the children that visit the shelter. This shelter has been in operation for many years but in 2008 the organization from Switzerland that was supporting it decided to abandon the project. Elena Antopenskya Hibbler asked Desana if we would take over the support. We gladly said "yes" and have continued to supply hot meals, a safe place to do homework, laundry facilities, and several events each year.

Childrens Village - Zaimka: As far as orphanages go in Russia, this is a good one! The children are kept together as a family unit (many times in other orphanages it is impossible to keep brothers and sisters together). Desana sends birthday gifts to every child in this orphanage. Each summer Desana provides a summer BBQ Party for the children.

Handicapped Children's Orphanage - Karpinsk: Far far north in the Urals on the Europe and Asia border sits the orphanage for handicapped children. There are over 250 children here that rarely see anyone from the 'outside' .... except for Desana volunteers. Over the years we have developed a good working relationship with the director and have provided funds to build needed improvements.

Orphanage Graduate Program: At the age of 16, the orphans must leave the orphanage. Many of these children have spent their entire life in the orphanage and do not have the necessary social skills needed to survive in the outside world. Desana volunteers work with the new 'graduates' teaching them appropriate life skills. Mostly our volunteers donate their time. We do need some funds to work with these children. For about $35 per month, you can help one of these 'graduates'.

Petrokamensk Hospital: When children are removed from their families and are preparing for entrance into the orphanage system, they are placed in this facility. It is a bleak dreary facility that is very scarey for the young children. Desana volunteers try to ease the pain and fear by visiting these children and bringing them food, toys, and hygiene supplies.

Peru

Desana Dental Mission: Each Spring (in the United States - Fall in Peru) Desana volunteers head to Peru. This Dental Mission is headed by Desana Board Member Dr Michael Houk - dentist from South Dakota. A couple of years ago, Mike started teaching at the University of Nebraska Dental School and while talking about his passion to help the poor in Peru, several of his students said they would like to help. Mike talked to a couple of his dental 'buddies' in SD and soon the mission was born.

OSF Dental Campaign: OSF (in Spanish Odontologos Sin Fronteras) means Dentists Without Borders . In 2009 local OSF dentists asked Desana to help with their dental campaigns in Peru and other South American countries. Desana is proud to be one of the main sponsors for this organization. These Campaigns treat over 4,000 people - performing over 5,000 procedures. Desana is proud to be a part of these campaigns.

USA

Nashville Project:  In 2011 the Nashville Project took on a new direction. Desana is partnering with Kirkpatrick Elementary School to provide a Christmas Party for the Pre-K Grades (along with family members) and working with these grades to provide needed items throughout the year. Thanksgiving food boxes, special field trips, and a special Christmas for the families in the KEOS neighborhood. Desana Board Member Brian Gilleland and his wife Kathi champion this project.

Uganda 

Desana Uganda: House of Hope. Providing breakfast, lunch and dinner for 30 residents (residents are homeless children who have been rescued from the slums), clothing, shoes, Bibles, medical care, hygiene supplies, cooking supplies and dishes, outings and educational materials. Naguru Remand Center -  Assisting the government by providing items as requested by the warden for 150+ residents, including meals, medical care, transport, clothing and shoes, hygiene supplies, Bibles, entertainment programs, dishes, mattresses, blankets and linens, pesticides, and sporting equipment. Kisenyi Project - Assisting Raising Up Hope Uganda on their monthly visits into Kisenyi slum by providing wound care, clinic visits, food, and clothing to residents of Kampala's poorest district. St Thomas Children's Development Center - Mubende Purchase one sewing machine per month to assist their Program of teaching life skills to teenage girls.