Holding Kidstown International Accountable

Imagine a jury announcing its verdict before anyone had reviewed the evidence. Most people wouldn't call that justice—they'd call it a failure of the process.

The same principle applies to nonprofit governance. Board members aren't there simply to cast votes. They're entrusted with making informed, independent decisions on behalf of the organization, its donors, and the people it serves.

This website organizes publicly documented information relating to governance, oversight, and accountability at Kidstown International. Using public records, government correspondence, archived webpages, and written communications, it presents documented information so donors, supporters, and the public can review the available evidence and draw their own conclusions.

In September 2024, Kidstown International's International Director, Rustin "Rusty" Polinder, was removed following acknowledged misconduct. What followed was not organizational clarity, but growing questions involving board governance, executive leadership, donor transparency, and organizational accountability.

According to written communications, Polinder spent more than a year lobbying members of Kidstown's Board for reinstatement. The Executive Director refused, citing the integrity of the ministry, and later separated from the organization after describing an "irreconcilable wedge" created by board members. The Board Chair also departed during this same period. Following the Executive Director's departure, Vice Chair Jason Vander Kooy confirmed in writing that Polinder was utilized for internal work after his removal.

The questions extend well beyond one individual's conduct. Official correspondence from Romania's National Authority for the Protection of Children's Rights and Adoption states that a children's home supported by Kidstown International closed in June 2025, later lost its operating license, and that Kidstown International was not authorized to provide social services in Romania. Kidstown's website nevertheless appeared to continue soliciting sponsorships for that chidren's home after it had closed. 

Separate written communications describe an alleged theft involving funds intended for children in India and raise questions about how the organization responded after the children reportedly brought the matter forward. Together, these records raise broader questions about donor transparency, financial stewardship, and organizational oversight.

This website is not intended to tell readers what conclusions to reach. It exists to make documented information accessible so donors, supporters, and the public can evaluate whether the standards of governance, transparency, and accountability expected of a charitable organization were upheld.

Organizations entrusted with charitable donations and the care of vulnerable children should welcome transparency. When important questions remain unanswered, accountability becomes a matter of public interest.

If you have information or documentation relevant to the matters discussed on this website, you may contact:

inhisgrace2024@protonmail.com

Transparency depends on informed donors. If you believe charitable organizations should be accountable to the people who support them, please consider sharing this information.

If you are a donor or supporter seeking additional information, you may wish to contact Kidstown International regarding:

• Leadership decisions
• The Executive Director's departure
• Current fundraising connected to programs that have been closed
• Governance practices
• The India situation

Kidstown International

119 N Commercial St., Suite 165

Bellingham, WA 98225

(360) 647-2470

info@kidstown.org

This website presents information based on available documentation for informational and public interest purposes. Readers are encouraged to review the underlying materials and draw their own conclusions.