About Us
Called to help children shine.
We are Dan and Laura Woodruff, co-founders of Children Shine. God brought together firsthand relationships in Kenya and decades of practical experience to serve children in orphan care.
A moment in Kenya changed the direction of our lives.
When Laura visited an orphanage in Kenya, she saw both the beauty of the children and the barriers they faced. Later, the story of a medically fragile child who survived against expectations moved us deeply. Through tears and prayer, we felt God calling us to help.
We knew our response needed to be practical and lasting. Children Shine was created to help bridge the digital gap with computers, reliable internet, networks, and training that support education and opportunity.
Different experience. One shared calling.
Dan and Laura each bring practical skills and a personal commitment to the children and partners Children Shine serves.
Dan Woodruff
Technology & systems leadershipDan is a Senior Information Technology Manager and former IT Director with experience in business and higher education. At a New York State college, he led networks, systems, and educational technology that supported student learning.
Today, that experience helps Children Shine plan practical, reliable technology and network improvements for orphan-care partners in Kenya.
Laura Woodruff
Relationships & practical ministryLaura’s connection to the mission began on the ground in Kenya, sitting face to face with children and seeing both their needs and their incredible potential.
Her background in animal husbandry, stable management, agriculture, and organizational leadership brings practical insight, a respect for sustainable work, and a heart for community-based ministry.
Values that keep children first.
Every decision is measured against the mission: will this help children in orphan care learn, grow, and thrive?
Christ-centered service
We serve with humility, prayer, and the belief that every child is created with God-given purpose.
Children before technology
Equipment is never the mission. It is a tool chosen to support education, care, and opportunity.
Long-term partnership
We listen to trusted orphanages and strengthen the work already happening around the children.
Stewardship & transparency
We use resources carefully and keep the purpose of each project clear to donors and partners.
Returning to Kenya in 2026.
Dan and Laura will spend three months serving alongside trusted orphan-care partners in Kenya. The work will focus on technology and network improvements, practical support, and the relationships that connect every part of the mission.
Explore the 2026 Plan
Growing carefully, serving faithfully.
Our vision is to expand only in ways that remain personal, useful, and centered on the real needs of children in orphan care.
“The network may connect the buildings, but relationships are what connect our hearts.”Children Shine • By God’s Design
Help the next chapter reach a child.
Whether you pray, give, or share the mission, you become part of helping children in orphan care learn, grow, and shine.
Give to Children ShineHow It All Began
Our journey began with a simple moment—and a powerful calling.
When Laura traveled to Kenya and visited an orphanage, she saw firsthand both the beauty and the challenges these children face. Later, hearing the story of a tiny child with HIV—once not expected to live—deeply moved us. Through tears and prayer, we both felt God calling us to act.
We knew we were called to assist the orphanage. We were called to help equip these children with something life-changing: technology.
Today, Children Shine exists to bridge the digital gap—providing computers, internet access, and training so children in Kenyan orphanages can learn, grow, and fulfill God’s purpose for their lives.
Our Values
Christ-Centered Service
Equipping Through Technology
Long-Term Partnerships with Orphanages
Empowerment Through Education
Transparency and Stewardship
Dan & Laura Woodruff are the co-founders of Children Shine Inc.
Dan brings extensive experience as a Senior Information Technology Manager and former IT Director in both the business world and higher education. He led technology initiatives at a New York State college, managing networks, systems, and educational technology that supported student learning. His deep understanding of how technology empowers education is now being used to help children in Kenyan orphanages thrive in today’s digital world.
Laura Woodruff brings a deep personal connection and a rich background to this mission.
She has traveled to Kenya, serving on the ground in the orphanage and sitting face to face with the children we now support. That experience gave her a firsthand understanding of both the needs and the incredible potential of these children—and the critical role technology can play in opening new doors for their education and growth.
Laura also brings a diverse background in animal husbandry, stable management, agriculture, and organizational leadership, along with years of hands-on experience in serving others. Her practical skills foster a deep respect for sustainable practices and a heart for supporting rural and community-based ministries. Her management experience helps guide the organizational and partnership work of Children Shine Inc.
Above all, Laura felt a clear calling from God during her time in Kenya—to help equip these children not just with love, but with tools and training that can help them thrive in today’s world.
Together, they are called by God to serve these children— by providing the technology, internet access, and training that can open new doors of opportunity. Their mission is to equip children to learn, grow, and shine—by God’s design.
Looking Ahead
Our vision is to expand our impact by equipping more Kenyan orphanages with life-changing technology.
Looking ahead, we aim to:
Provide more laptops and computers to children in need
Improve and expand internet connectivity at partner orphanages
Offer technology training for both children and staff
Develop new partnerships with churches, donors, and ministries who share this vision
We continue to walk by faith, not by sight—trusting God to grow this ministry and open new doors to help children learn, grow, and shine by His design.
Join the Story
We can’t do this alone. Whether you pray, give, volunteer, or help us spread the word — you are part of this ministry.
