What began with one decision to help, has grown into a mission reaching children around the world.
Our Story
Welcome to One Little World. We are so happy you are here!
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Kim Wepler is the founder and CEO of One Little World.
The organization began in 2022, when the war broke out between Russia and Ukraine.
Kim and her husband, John, adopted three children from Russia after having their first child, Cortland, in 1997. Camille was adopted in 2001 at five months old, followed by Clairabelle at 14 months old in 2003, and then Clayton at five years old later that same year.
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Prior to becoming a mom, Kim was a Pediatric Physical Therapist.
While adopting Camille, Kim fell in love with the children in the orphanages and knew she needed to come back and help—especially the most fragile: children who were sick and disabled.
That moment changed everything.
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Kim went on to found Petrova’s Promise in 2005, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting orphaned children in Russia who were ill or disabled. Her work continued for years, eventually supporting five foster homes and 26 children. Over that time, Kim made 26 trips to Russia and developed deep, lasting relationships with the children.
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You can visit the website here to learn more about her work in Russia.
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When the war began and Kim was no longer allowed to continue her work there, it was devastating. She had built strong connections with the children and caregivers, and walking away was incredibly difficult.
After much thought, Kim made the decision to begin again.
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She shifted her focus to helping Ukrainian orphans who were sick and vulnerable, founding One Little World.
As the name reflects, this work is not limited to one place. In addition to Ukraine, One Little World supports children in Uganda and other areas as needs arise.
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This work brings Kim immense joy—especially the time she is able to spend with the children.​
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The History of One Little World
When Kim could no longer work in Russia, she was heartbroken. But she also knew she couldn’t stop.
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She made the decision to begin working with Ukrainian orphans, many of whom had been displaced by the war.
At first, she reached out to organizations already working in Ukraine and Poland, hoping to support their efforts. When she didn’t hear back, she decided to move forward on her own.
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Kim began contacting anyone she knew, asking for connections in Ukraine or Poland. People quickly stepped in to help. Through friends, family, and extended networks, she was introduced to individuals working directly with displaced Ukrainian children.
From there, Kim planned her first trip to Poland & Ukraine.
Even her driver came through a friend of a friend—and he continues to work alongside her today.
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In the beginning, Kim traveled throughout Poland, meeting with people, visiting orphanages, and learning how she could help in meaningful ways.
Over time, she found herself returning again and again to Ustka, where five orphanages had been temporarily relocated. She built strong relationships with the children and their caregivers, and ultimately chose to focus her efforts there, where she could make the greatest impact.
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She continues to support these orphanages today.
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Kim has also traveled into Ukraine, visiting orphanages in the Lviv region, and plans to continue expanding that work.
You can learn more about the children on the Ukraine page here.
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Kim’s connection to Uganda began in a different way.
In 2023, she traveled there with her family. While the trip was centered around trekking to see the gorillas, it led to something much more meaningful.
During her visit, she met two young girls who needed sponsorship in order to attend school. Kim immediately stepped in to help. To this day, One Little World continues to support them, receiving updates, photos, and letters.
While in Uganda, Kim was also introduced to an organization supporting children and grandmothers in need. Through that connection, One Little World began sponsoring additional individuals.
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You can learn more about the work being done in Uganda here.
In addition to the work being done in Ukraine and Uganda, whenever Kim learns of a child in need in the United States, One Little World steps in to help.
