+ Who we are
Kin Culture USA is a Texas nonprofit corporation (EIN 42-3585389). We believe family is the best answer for a child in need, and we make grants to support family-based foster care for vulnerable children in South Africa.
+ Our board
Kin Culture USA is governed by its own board of directors in the United States. Our board sets our direction, decides which grants we make, and is accountable for every gift entrusted to us. Board members give their time freely to the work.
Agnes Barnard, President
Agnes is the Chief Executive Officer of Kin Culture in South Africa, which supports foster families in the Garden Route and around the Cape Peninsula. As President of Kin Culture USA, she helps connect American supporters with the work of giving children without a family a safe and loving home.
Laura A. Ornelas, M.S.W., LCSW, Secretary
Laura is a licensed clinical social worker with more than 30 years in U.S. foster care and adoption. She trains parents and professionals nationwide and serves on the leadership team at the Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.) in Washington, D.C. Rooted in faith, she is dedicated to strengthening families who foster, adopt and provide kinship care, and is honoured to serve in her husband’s native South Africa.
Carmen Watt, Treasurer
Carmen is a paralegal by background with 15 years of marketing and administrative experience at the Watt Group, including four years with its U.S. company, Watt Industries. Based in Houston, Texas, she also brings experience in trauma counseling and ministry. She is committed to helping every child know they belong, they are valued, and they matter.
Board discretion statement
Kin Culture USA’s board of directors has full discretion and control over the use of all donations, in furtherance of our charitable purposes.
Tax-exempt status
Kin Culture USA has applied to the Internal Revenue Service for recognition of tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3). Our application is pending.
