Slovakia
Global Partners has been privileged to work with Charles and Janet Baldis. The Baldis Family has been working in Central Europe for more than 14 years. They have worked in the countries of Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Right now they are located in the beautiful village of Zavadka, located in the beautiful mountains of Central Slovakia.
Charles and Janet Baldis have two children, Tina and Nathaniel. Tina is a student in Lynchburg, VA and Nathaniel is studying law at the Universtiy of Virginia.
The Baldis Family has many different projects and social programs that they do in Slovakia. One of their main projects is working with gypsy families (see picture of gypsy family below). There are many Gypsy families who live in Zavadka. Most are treated as "less than human" by the Slovak people. Charles and Janet have created programs to help them to become good citizens of their village as well as teaching them life skills. They have weekly meetings with the gypsy families who are willing to be helped. They also teach English as a Second Language to many of the village people.
This is done on a greater scale during the summer months. During the Spring months the Baldis' and their co-workers go into the Slovak schools with special programs for the students, also promoting the summer camps that they invite the students to attend.
Charles and Janet are working with two Slovak Nationals, Martin and Eli. They have a one year internship with them in Zavadka. We are excited to be able to have these two young people to partner with us in helping to love and care for the Slovak and Gypsy people.
EMILY OLLES
Emily Olles is the newest Associate of our Global Partners team. She will be serving in the country of Slovakia, 
assisting the work of Charles and Janet Baldis. Emily has previously served in Slovakia and also in Russia. Emily loves to serve in many different ways. She loves to do behind the scenes work in helping to organize, plan camps, English clubs, classes and retreats. She will be helping serve in Zavadka doing kids clubs, English Classes, gypsy work and other service projects as well. She has a desire to work in surrounding communities teaching English Clubs at different schools. We are grateful to have Emily a part of our team!