Little Orphan Mary's FoundationEstablished to take care of orphans in Poland
by Gillian Olechno-Huszcza
In 1991 an organization named the Little Orphan Mary's Foundation was chartered as a non-profit public charitable tax-exempt foundation in the State of California.
This organization, endowed by Boleslaw and Marie Latos, was established to take care of orphans in Poland. It supports four orphanages: two in Krakow, one in Szymanowo near Olsztyn and one at Naglowice near Kielce. About 250 children are already being assisted by the Foundation.
Donations are used entirely to provide additional education in foreign languages, computer literacy, art, homemaking and sewing, as well as providing vacations and better nutrition.
Both Maria and Boleslaw Latos know the meaning of hardship and loneliness. Maria was an orphan raised by strangers and Boleslaw a member of the Polish underground and a POW in Ostaszkow. They determined to brighten the lives of Polish children by giving them a feeling of security, warmth and hope for the future, the lack of which, under the deteriorating state system of orphanages and foster care, usually leads to poor school performance, vulnerability to bad influences, such as drug addition and alcoholism.
In Poland their efforts are coordinated by the Reverend Professor Jozef Tischner as spiritual caretaker and Professor Klementyne Zurowska, Honorary Director of the Foundation.
The Foundation may be contacted at: 7411 Louise Ave. Van Nuys, California 91406. Tel. (310) 394-879.
From: Polish Americans in California, vol. II. National Center for Urban Ethnic Affairs & Polish American Historical Association. California 1995.