Ukraine has set as its goal to transition from orphan care to foster care by 2024.  Towards that end we are actively involved with other local organizations and the city Social Services in developing a pilot program for the whole country.

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Currently there are 86 children from Uzhhorod in government orphanages.  Most of them, 44, have parents but were removed by the State as the home situation was not safe.  22 of them are without parents and need adoption.  The remaining 11 have serious medical conditions that require special 24-hour care.  Already our partnership has created one home where siblings can temporarily be placed while the State works to make the home safe.

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In addition there are 300 children in Uzhhorod who are physically challenged, 80 of whom are immobile.  Many of these children are Special Need Friends.  They are fortunate that they have family members to care for them, but many of them face being placed in a mental institution once they no longer have family care.

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“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”

                                                                    James 1:27 

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Our work involves educating the local churches of the needs of orphans and how they can help.  First, we need to find families to adopt those who have orphan status (the 22).  Next, we need to open several patronats to move the 44 out of the orphanages while they wait for a foster family.  Then we need to recruit foster families and create group homes.  Finally, we need to develop transition homes to assist those who age-out of the system and need to learn skills to survive in life.

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In addition we recruit volunteers to hold abandoned babies that are dropped off at the Children’s Hospital.  Just being held every day as babies will do much to change their future.

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There are around 50 adult Special Needs Friends in our city.  With partner organizations we hold workshops such as dancing, music, and arts.  These young people are thriving, and we even have provided supplies to make candles for a little industry.  In addition, we partner with a local bakery that exists to offer them employment.  But all of this will change for them when their parents can no longer care for them, and they will be locked up in a mental institution never to see society again.  We are working with our partners in building a Group Home where they can continue to function in society.

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How you can partner with us in this ministry:

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- Pray.  Become a strategic prayer partner and sign up to receive our prayer letter by using the link at the bottom of this page.

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- Come.  Prayerfully consider joining our team.  We are looking for team members to come and serve two or more years in this ministry.  Or consider coming as an intern for three months.  Or maybe you might organize a short-term trip with others for a week or two.  We are currently searching for a Children at Risk director to lead these ministries. 

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- Give.  We need to raise $350,000 to build the Group Home.  That means we only need 3500 people to give $100.  Perhaps Christ may be prompting you to be one of those 3500.

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