Help Me Empower Korean Orphans

At two years old, I was abandoned on the streets of Korea as a sick, malnourished child. My life changed when I was adopted by a loving American family, who gave me a second chance and the support I needed to survive and thrive. That early experience has fueled my life’s mission: to help orphaned children also overcome adversity and have a chance for better opportunities.

In 2007, I returned to Sungnowon orphanage, the same place I lived before being adopted. Meeting the children there, I shared my story and showed them a baby picture of myself when I lived there. In that profound moment, I realized my life had come full circle and I found my life purpose.

For the past 16 years, I have worked closely with these children, providing art therapy, English classes, and mentorship. I’ve watched many of them grow into young adults, only to face the harsh reality of “aging out” of the system with no family and no safety net.

Today, as a PhD candidate in Social Welfare at Ewha Womans University, my research focuses on developing policies that support young adult orphans as they transition to independence. My vision is to create scholarships, study-abroad opportunities, and host family programs to equip them with the education, life skills, and support networks they need to thrive.

Why I Need Your Help

I am now in the final stage of my PhD journey. To focus dedicate myself to dissertation writing and conducting fieldwork, I am raising $20,000 to cover essential living and academic expenses for this next year.

Your generosity can help turn this vision into reality. Every donation will directly enable me to continue this vital work toward empowering Korea’s orphans and ensuring they know they are not alone.

Thank you for believing in this mission and for being a part of this journey.

With heartfelt thanks ♡

Karin

Budget of Expenses:

Living Expenses $15,000.

Tuition $2,000.

Research Materials $1,000.

Fieldwork Travel $2,000.

Total: $20,000. USD