OUR TEAM
Wayne Lavender, Executive Director
Rev. Wayne Lavender, Ph.D., is a United Methodist pastor and executive director of Foundation 4 Orphans. He also teaches political science at Quinnipiac University. With a Ph.D. from George Mason University, he has an extensive academic background, including degrees from Pacific School of Religion and Drew University. Wayne is a recipient of the Harry Denman Evangelism Award and has ministered globally, even in Iraq and Mozambique. He's authored eight books, notably "Pure Religion" (2020) and "Dante Redux" (2022). Wayne and his wife Maureen reside in Hamden, CT, near the Foundation 4 Orphans center.
executive BOARD MEMBERS
Tom Vencuss, President
Jenna Visich, Secretary
Jenna Visich, Secretary
With 40 years of experience, Tom Vencuss serves as the New York Conference Director of Missions and Disaster Response. He's led relief efforts in Haiti for 19 years and coordinated earthquake responses there. Tom also directed the Hurricane Sandy response in New York and consulted on disaster relief in Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, and St. Vi
With 40 years of experience, Tom Vencuss serves as the New York Conference Director of Missions and Disaster Response. He's led relief efforts in Haiti for 19 years and coordinated earthquake responses there. Tom also directed the Hurricane Sandy response in New York and consulted on disaster relief in Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, and St. Vincent. Holding leadership roles, including President of New York Disaster Interfaith Services, he's shown dedication to global outreach. Tom and his wife were part of a mission to Mozambique in 1999, further illustrating their commitment to disaster relief and missions.
Jenna Visich, Secretary
Jenna Visich, Secretary
Jenna Visich, Secretary
Jenna Visich hails from Westwood, New Jersey, and is currently embarking on her first year at Quinnipiac University, majoring in Medical Microbiology & Immunology. Introduced to the Foundation 4 Orphans (F4O) club at Quinnipiac through her First Year Seminar (FYS) professor, Wayne, and his wife, Maureen, she felt inspired to join. Having
Jenna Visich hails from Westwood, New Jersey, and is currently embarking on her first year at Quinnipiac University, majoring in Medical Microbiology & Immunology. Introduced to the Foundation 4 Orphans (F4O) club at Quinnipiac through her First Year Seminar (FYS) professor, Wayne, and his wife, Maureen, she felt inspired to join. Having been part of a youth group in her hometown focused on community service, including food drives and house repairs in Philadelphia, Jenna is eager to contribute to similar missions and gain further experience. Grateful for the opportunity to serve, she looks forward to meeting the high expectations set before her by her peers and mentors.
Nick Ciampanelli, Treasurer
Nick Ciampanelli, a dedicated Financial Advisor at National Financial Network (NFN), prioritizes empowering clients toward financial balance and security. With expertise in protection, retirement, and business planning, Nick holds licenses in Life & Health, Series 7, and Series 66, enabling him to offer comprehensive financial services. P
Nick Ciampanelli, a dedicated Financial Advisor at National Financial Network (NFN), prioritizes empowering clients toward financial balance and security. With expertise in protection, retirement, and business planning, Nick holds licenses in Life & Health, Series 7, and Series 66, enabling him to offer comprehensive financial services. Previously, as a Quinnipiac University undergraduate studying Economics and Political Science, with minors in Data Analytics and Mathematics, Nick served as President of the Student Government Association. His internships at Travelers Insurance and InvestCEE involved pricing analytics and economics research in Central & Eastern Europe. Outside work, Nick indulges in SCUBA diving, paddleboarding, hiking, painting, and reading about history and politics.
Board Members
Benjamin Loebick
Benjamin Loebick
Benjamin Loebick
Benjamin's journey began on an Ohio farm amidst poverty-stricken families. His educational odyssey spanned Syracuse University, University College of London, Purdue University, and Yale University, culminating in degrees in Engineering (BS, MS) and Finance and Organizational Behavior (MBA). Having lived in six states and two foreign natio
Benjamin's journey began on an Ohio farm amidst poverty-stricken families. His educational odyssey spanned Syracuse University, University College of London, Purdue University, and Yale University, culminating in degrees in Engineering (BS, MS) and Finance and Organizational Behavior (MBA). Having lived in six states and two foreign nations and traveled across four continents, he witnessed poverty's global impact. With over 23 years in utility companies, Benjamin's focus shifted to renewable energy and energy self-sufficiency, particularly affordable technologies for developing nations. A member of Faith United Methodist Church and Corinthian Lodge #61, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Connecticut, Benjamin integrates his values into his pursuits.
Codruta Loebick
Benjamin Loebick
Benjamin Loebick
Codruta's upbringing in Romania exposed her to the dire needs of vulnerable children, particularly in Roma communities, as she assisted her mother, a local physician, in providing essential healthcare. With a PhD in Chemical Engineering from Yale University, she has dedicated 15 years to research, striving to improve the world through tec
Codruta's upbringing in Romania exposed her to the dire needs of vulnerable children, particularly in Roma communities, as she assisted her mother, a local physician, in providing essential healthcare. With a PhD in Chemical Engineering from Yale University, she has dedicated 15 years to research, striving to improve the world through technological advancements. Now, Codruta aims to channel her passion and expertise towards aiding orphans and vulnerable children. Residing in North Haven, CT, with her family, she is an active member of Faith United Methodist Church, integrating her values into her commitment to making a difference.
Bill Shewchuk
Benjamin Loebick
Bill Shewchuk
Bill is a retired Naval Aviator, renowned for flying the A-6 Intruder from aircraft carriers during his 30-year career in the United States Navy. He held various positions of increasing authority, including Commanding Officer of Strike Training Squadron 21 and Air Boss on the USS EISENHOWER. Notably, he served as Chief of Staff of the TRU
Bill is a retired Naval Aviator, renowned for flying the A-6 Intruder from aircraft carriers during his 30-year career in the United States Navy. He held various positions of increasing authority, including Commanding Officer of Strike Training Squadron 21 and Air Boss on the USS EISENHOWER. Notably, he served as Chief of Staff of the TRUMAN Carrier Strike Group and Military Associate Dean at the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) in Monterey, California. A lifelong learner, Bill holds multiple degrees, including a Master of Public Administration from Harvard Kennedy School. Actively engaged in Thalia United Methodist Church, he volunteers in various capacities. Now retired, Bill and his wife, Donna, enjoy traveling to national parks, pursuing outdoor activities like golfing and photography while embracing a balanced and mindful lifestyle.
Board Members
Dan Cott
Jerry Jones
Ruth Cott
Dan, a Wichita, Kansas native, played football at Kansas University before serving in the Army in West Germany post-draft in 1969. After military service, he earned a business administration degree from Wichita State University. Marrying Ruth in 1970, he dedicated 31 years to the Gillette Company, retiring as National Sales Manager for Gi
Dan, a Wichita, Kansas native, played football at Kansas University before serving in the Army in West Germany post-draft in 1969. After military service, he earned a business administration degree from Wichita State University. Marrying Ruth in 1970, he dedicated 31 years to the Gillette Company, retiring as National Sales Manager for Gillette’s Military Division. Relocating from Virginia Beach to Boston to embrace full-time grandparenthood, Dan remains active in Thalia UMC, serving in various capacities including mission chair and UMC Men’s chaplain. Inspired by Wayne Lavender’s book “Who Will Care for the Orphan?”, Dan ardently supports Foundation for Orphans.
Ruth Cott
Jerry Jones
Ruth Cott
Ruth, originally from Wichita, Kansas, attended Wichita State University before marrying Dan in 1970 and moving to West Germany where he served in the Army. While in Germany, she managed the base nursery while holding multiple other jobs. Upon returning to Wichita, Ruth worked in insurance and banking before running a childcare business d
Ruth, originally from Wichita, Kansas, attended Wichita State University before marrying Dan in 1970 and moving to West Germany where he served in the Army. While in Germany, she managed the base nursery while holding multiple other jobs. Upon returning to Wichita, Ruth worked in insurance and banking before running a childcare business during her children's preschool years. Later, as an elementary school secretary, she passionately served children, parents, teachers, and administrators. Actively engaged in her church, Ruth served on the staff parish committee and maintained connections with members during the pandemic. Now residing in the Boston area with Dan, Ruth finds joy in her roles as wife, mother, and grandmother.
Jerry Jones
Jerry Jones
Bonnie Shepherd
Jerry Jones, a retired Coca-Cola Senior Operations Executive, has dedicated his post-retirement life to combating hunger and extreme poverty worldwide. At home, he serves as the Director of Our Daily Bread Food Pantry at New Milford United Methodist Church, which he established in 2005. Abroad, Jerry co-founded the Mozambique Orphanage Fu
Jerry Jones, a retired Coca-Cola Senior Operations Executive, has dedicated his post-retirement life to combating hunger and extreme poverty worldwide. At home, he serves as the Director of Our Daily Bread Food Pantry at New Milford United Methodist Church, which he established in 2005. Abroad, Jerry co-founded the Mozambique Orphanage Fund (MOF) in 2009, actively supporting Orphans and Vulnerable Children. He also contributes to the New York Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church’s Mozambique Sister Conference Connection. As Treasurer for both organizations since their inception, Jerry's financial stewardship ensures impactful support for those in need.
Bonnie Shepherd
Rev. Naftal Massela Naftal
Bonnie Shepherd
Bonnie Shepherd, a retired business executive residing in New Milford, Connecticut, champions children's welfare, advocating for safe, nurturing environments for all. Alongside her husband, she has raised two foster children alongside their own son. Bonnie's commitment extends globally, as she has volunteered in Mozambique three times as
Bonnie Shepherd, a retired business executive residing in New Milford, Connecticut, champions children's welfare, advocating for safe, nurturing environments for all. Alongside her husband, she has raised two foster children alongside their own son. Bonnie's commitment extends globally, as she has volunteered in Mozambique three times as a Volunteer in Mission and served as Secretary on the Board of Directors for the Mozambique Orphanage Fund. Recognized for her leadership within the United Methodist Church, Bonnie received the Harry Denman Evangelism Award in appreciation of her significant contributions.
Rev. Naftal Massela Naftal
Rev. Naftal Massela Naftal
Rev. Naftal Massela Naftal
Naftal, originally from Mozambique, served the United Methodist Church in various capacities, notably at the Conference level, including roles such as Volunteer in Mission (VIM) Coordinator and Director of Communications and Development. His work involved close collaboration with orphanages, fostering strong connections with children and
Naftal, originally from Mozambique, served the United Methodist Church in various capacities, notably at the Conference level, including roles such as Volunteer in Mission (VIM) Coordinator and Director of Communications and Development. His work involved close collaboration with orphanages, fostering strong connections with children and staff, particularly at the CBO – Cambine. Since relocating to the US in 2017, Naftal has been appointed with the Missouri Conference, currently serving a two-point charge. He joined the Mozambique Orphanage Fund (MOF) as a board member in 2018, continuing his commitment to serving vulnerable communities.
BOARD MEMBERS
Kenneth L. Carter
Kenneth L. Carter
Kenneth L. Carter
Steve Wall Smith
Kenneth L. Carter
Kenneth L. Carter
Jackie Watson
Kenneth L. Carter
Jackie Watson
Project Coordinators
Star Anwar - Iraq
Dieudonne Karihano - Mozambique
Dieudonne Karihano - Mozambique
Star Anwar is a seasoned expert in child protection and inclusion, renowned for creating safe environments and pioneering initiatives for children's well-being. With a wealth of experience in policy development and advocacy, Star is dedicated to promoting inclusivity in education and social spheres. Recognized for implementing best practi
Star Anwar is a seasoned expert in child protection and inclusion, renowned for creating safe environments and pioneering initiatives for children's well-being. With a wealth of experience in policy development and advocacy, Star is dedicated to promoting inclusivity in education and social spheres. Recognized for implementing best practices and fostering awareness, they empower communities through training and collaboration. Committed to effecting positive change globally in child protection, Star invites others to join in building a safer and more inclusive future together.
Dieudonne Karihano - Mozambique
Dieudonne Karihano - Mozambique
Dieudonne Karihano - Mozambique
