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Russian leaders examine social issues/social services in Central Pennsylvania

November 12, 2008

(HARRISBURG-PA) Ten Russian leaders participating in the Open World Program will spend November 16-24, 2008, in the Harrisburg area examining “Social Issues/Social Services programs” as they relate to adults and children in the region. Keystone Human Services International will host the delegation. Managed by the independent Open World Leadership Center at the U.S. Library of Congress, Open World is designed to enhance understanding and capabilities for cooperation between the United States and the countries of Eurasia and the Baltic States by developing a network of leaders in the region who have gained significant, firsthand exposure to America's democratic, accountable government and free-market system.

While in Central Pennsylvania, the delegates will observe the programs of Keystone Human Services to include Capital Area Head Start, Susquehanna Service Dogs, Early Intervention, Family Preservation and Reunification, Family Based Mental Health, The Keystone Center for Children with Autism, and Keystone Residence. They will also visit Capital Area Intermediate Unit Early Intervention Pre-School Program and The Vista School serving children who face the challenges of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Senator Jeffrey Piccola will personally host the delegation on a tour the Capital of Pennsylvania and present an overview of American government including an understanding of civic institutions, free enterprise and voluntary organizations as they relate to the theme Social Issues/Social Services.

It is fortunate that the Russian leaders will be here at this time to participate in Keystone's International Fundraising Event, “Global Treasures- Empowering the Children of the World”, held on Sunday the 16th at Kathie's Christmas to raise funds for Keystone's international programs in Moldova and Russia. Their presence will make the evening even more meaningful for all those who attend.

Seminars will be presented to the Open World Delegates by many program specialists and the Keystone leadership team. These topics will include: quality and clinical management, corporate compliance, information technology, finance, early childhood programs, public relations and fundraising to mention a few.

Delegates will make two public presentations on Wednesday, November 19th, with one session beginning at 9:00 am, and the second at 5:00 pm at 124 Pine Street, Harrisburg. All Keystone board members, community leaders, and interested personnel have been invited as well as the public.

The visiting delegates are: Zalina Duduyeva, Yuriy Kuznetsov, Yelizaveta Mokrotovarova, Yelena Sharina, Dmitriy Zakharchenko, Svetlana Artamonenkova, Lyudmila Kolbich, Inna Korepanova, Kirill Matyushkin and Natalya Tokareva. Two Russian facilitators will accompany the group: Nataliya Smirnova and Yuliya Zhurina.

Charles J. Hooker III, CEO, Keystone Human Services International, stated “We are honored to be chosen again to participate in the Open World Russia Civic Hosting Program. The delegates bring their vast experience into our world providing us the opportunity to see programs and services in a new light. We not only highlight the knowledge and social service practices of our community but we learn from the experiences of the Russian delegates who are Social Service leaders in their country.”

“Homestays” will allow the Open World delegates to experience American family life. They will also take part in several cultural and community activities, including a day trip to New York City, a walking tour of Harrisburg and a program at the Whitaker Center for Art and Science.

The U.S. Congress established Open World in 1999 to enhance understanding and capabilities for cooperation between the United States and Russia. In 2003, Congress made all post-Soviet states eligible for the program. Thanks to Open World, some 13,000 current and future Eurasian leaders have experienced American civil society and have been exposed to new ideas and practices that they can adapt for use in their own work. Open World also promotes partnerships and continued communications between delegates and their American hosts and professional counterparts. Open World currently operates exchanges for political and civic leaders from Russia, Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.

For more information, please contact Charles Hooker III, CEO, Keystone Human Services International or Melissa Kreidler by calling 717-232-7509; or visit Keystone's web site at www.keystonehumanservices.org, or you may contact Maura Shelden, Open World Public Affairs Officer at 202-707-6197. For more information on the Open World Leadership Center, please visit http://www.openworld.gov.