We are especially thankful to UBS, Rosbuilding, ETSN. We are sincerely grateful to those who have made a contribution towards the New Early Intervention Centre. Needed furniture and equipment Map

For a long time we had a goal: to find proper premises for the Early Intervention Centre, which would allow us to realise all the ambitious plans in our work with Russian children with Down syndrome.

As many of you know, in 2003 Downside Up acquired a building which was very conveniently located near metro Krylatskoe. It required major reconstruction in order to make it suitable for rehabilitation programmes which could not be done without permits from the authorities.

Our 2003 appeal for funds to pay for the reconstruction was hugely successful, and in total we raised our full target of $440,000. Our children, their parents and families, our staff, Russian and foreign sponsors were all looking forward to the move.

But we could never start the work, because we could not get the permission for the
reconstruction. We hoped that our good intentions, reputation and strong network would help us in achieving the approvals quickly and smoothly. In reality, we were rebuffed, and sent back and forth. The process dragged on throughout 2005, with no prospect of a legitimate conclusion. The children we care for and their families were suffering from our lack of space, and a long waiting list for consultations.

By Autumn 2005 our Trustees, realising that the process would take years, not months, decided to abandon the bureaucratic ordeal, to sell the Krylatskoe building, and find a different one.

Accordingly, in November 2005, Downside Up became the owner of a very good building that will suit perfectly our needs, and is as child-friendly as one could ever hope for. It takes 7 minutes to walk from the "Izmailovskaya" metro station, has a total of 725 sq. m. and is surrounded by a big, beautiful garden where children will have a playground.

After necessary change of lay-out and redecoration DSU plans to move in by June 2006.

At the end of the process we will commission a special audit of how the funds have been spent, send it to our donors and include it in our annual report 2006.

Please read DSU Trustees Letter to all sponsors of the new premises and reply to it