Holding Kidstown International Accountable

Updated June 14, 2026

This site provides verified Kidstown International reviews, logs official complaints, and documents serious board concerns regarding organizational oversight. Our goal is to organize public records and internal communications related to Kidstown International and its leadership decisions. By presenting these available records clearly and accurately, donors, supporters, and the public can review the facts surrounding leadership accountability and draw their own conclusions. This site will be updated as additional information becomes available.

In September 2024, Rustin Polinder (also known as Rusty Polinder), the International Director of Kidstown Bellingham, was removed after acknowledging inappropriate conduct within his role, including during work hours and on ministry property. He was also reportedly removed or resigned from three other organizations during this same period, including a local anti-trafficking ministry where he served on the board, all within the Bellingham and Lynden communities. These events contributed to growing concerns regarding Kidstown International leadership and organizational accountability.

What followed was not clarity, but what appeared to be a breakdown in leadership and internal conflict. According to written communications, Polinder spent over a year lobbying Kidstown International board members for reinstatement despite the prior misconduct. The Executive Director refused to reinstate him, citing the integrity of the ministry, and eventually separated from the organization in January 2026 after board members created what was described as an “irreconcilable wedge.” The Board Chair also departed during this same period, raising additional questions about leadership changes at Kidstown International.

After the Executive Director’s departure, Vice Chair Jason Vander Kooy confirmed in writing that Polinder was utilized for internal work, despite prior removal for misconduct.

In June 2025, according to a letter from Ms. Helena-Omna Raicu, President of the National Authority for the Protection of Children's Rights and Adoption, a home supported by Kidstown International in Romania (Kajántó Mária, also known as the Alsed Home) shut down. In January 2026, its operating license was formally withdrawn, and authorities were required to relocate the children to other licensed services. However, as of April 29, 2026, Kidstown International appeared to still be soliciting donations tied to that home, with at least one child profile listed for sponsorship on its website, raising questions about Kidstown International donation practices and transparency.

According to messages from former International Director Rusty Polinder, there were also issues involving the misuse of funds intended for children in India by a home leader. According to the messages, the children contacted the organization directly. The organization’s response, as described in those messages, appears to have focused on forgiveness rather than immediate protective action. The outcome of that situation is unknown, contributing to concerns about financial oversight and accountability within Kidstown International’s international programs.

These are not minor issues.

They involve:

• leadership accountability
• donor trust
• and the care of vulnerable children

This site documents what can be verified—using public records, written communications, and official correspondence—so that others can see clearly and draw their own conclusions about Kidstown International, its leadership decisions, and its operational transparency. All statements are based on available documentation and are presented as accurately as possible.

If you have information or have experienced something similar, you can reach out here: inhisgrace2024@protonmail.com

If you believe transparency and accountability matter, please share this information.

If you are a donor or have concerns, you may contact Kidstown and request clarification on the following:

• leadership decisions
• the circumstances surrounding the Executive Director’s departure
• current donation practices connected to programs that have been closed
• the situation involving India

Kidstown International is a non-profit organization based in Bellingham, Washington.

Kidstown International

119 N Commercial St, STE 165

Bellingham, WA 98225

(360) 647-2470

info@kidstown.org

This site presents information based on available documentation for informational and public interest purposes; readers are encouraged to review the materials directly and draw their own conclusions.