Campus Currents

One Child at a Time

Twenty-four years ago, Alcyon and Kenneth Fleck were faced with the challenge of their lives. A devastating earthquake hit Guatemala City, leaving thousands dead and more than 5,000 children without parents or a home, and the Flecks were asked to help set up an orphanage. Alcyon Fleck, opposed to the idea of dormitory-style orphanages, agreed to be involved, but only if the orphans were treated as members of a family.

Her vision grew into International Children’s Care, a nonprofit organization that today helps more than 1,200 children in
18 countries around the globe. The organization is based in Vancouver, Wash.

International Children’s Care places abandoned or needy children in adoptive homes whenever possible and also establishes family-style orphanages that involve native parents and incorporate religious, educational, and agricultural opportunities.

During her lifetime, Fleck has worked with social work agencies around the world, consulted with international government officials, and implemented marketing programs. Today, she continues to write and speak as an ambassador for homeless children.

In honor of her many accomplishments and the thousands of lives she has changed, Fleck received an honorary doctor of letters degree at Walla Walla College’s 2002 commencement ceremony. W

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