ORPHAN CRISIS IN UKRAINE
War, drug addiction and disease have exposed the children of Ukraine to trauma that will last them a lifetime. Eastern Ukraine is still involved in a conflict that has left much of the country devastated. Since it began, thousands of civilians have been killed, and 1.7 million have been displaced. As with most systemic problems, they are interwoven, with one prompting another, creating a whole host of problems for its citizens. Substance abuse is one of the most prominent issues in Ukraine, with heroin being the primary substance of abuse because of easy access and high availability. According to the International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), released by the US Department of State, 68,220 drug addicts were registered in Ukraine as of May 2015. However, the report also estimated that the actual number of people with substance abuse disorders in Ukraine could be as high as half a million. With drugs flooding the nation, the country has been ranked as having one of the highest rates of HIV infection in all of Europe. The Ukraine has struggled with the issue of street children for years, many abandoned due to their parents’ addiction. Children who are alone face extreme vulnerabilities. The freezing cold temperatures are almost impossible to bear for those living on the streets. They are also at risk of substance abuse, sexual assault and engaging in a life of crime. They depend on the immediate shelter, food and care that homes like Pilgrim Republic can provide.
Gennadiy is hero to over 2000 children who have been rescued from the streets of Mariupol, Ukraine. It’s fearless leaders like Gennadiy, that inspire greatness in our world.
PILGRIM REPUBLIC SAFE HOUSE FOR CHILDREN
In 2000, Gennadiy Mokhnenko, along with his wife and other members of their congregation, began delivering food to children on the streets. They were shocked to find that many of the children, even the youngest of them, were addicted to drugs and alcohol. Many were also infected by HIV, and unable to receive proper treatment. As time passed, Gennadiy and his church grew more and more impassioned about the children’s plight. They knew they needed to do more for these children than to simply visit them in their misery. Gennadiy began offering children shelter in an old, abandoned building. The church was later able to purchase and remodel the building into what is now Pilgrim Republic Children’s Home, a place of refuge, recovery, and rehabilitation. Today, they serve over 100 vulnerable children in Ukraine. They work to rehabilitate them from drugs, and give them opportunities to pursue their education, overcome trauma and rewrite their story.
Serving Orphans Worldwide travels to every orphanage we partner with to ensure needs are legitimate and 100% of funds distributed goes to the livelihood of the children.
PROMINENT ISSUES
HIV/ AIDS
Ukraine is the country worst affected by HIV/AIDS in all of Europe. UNICEF estimates that 80% of all infected people are young. The leading cause of transmission is a result of high drug use.
Abandonment
The issue of drug and alcohol abuse has led to higher incidences of child abandonment. Pearl has also received children who have been abandoned due to either disability or poverty.
War
Many families have been displaced as a result of the ongoing war. People living close to the warzone live in constant fear. Many times, children can hear the missiles and have to miss school to dig trenches.
HOME
Before SOW’s involvement, Pilgrim Republic was on the verge of closing its doors. With the help of SOW and a partner organization, Pilgrim Republic was able to keep its doors open and is now one of the top running children’s homes in the country of Ukraine.
EDUCATION
All the school aged children are enrolled in either public and private schools. Some of the children attend school on premises at Pilgrim Republic. This ensures that the children undergoing rehabilitation for drug and alcohol abuse are resocialized and able to cope well within the education system upon returning to permanent care.
FAITH
As a result of its roots as a ministry of the local church, Pilgrim takes excellent spiritual care of its children. Children are not only healing physically from the struggles of their past. The local church also sees to it that they are healed spiritually during their stay at Pilgrim.
HEALTH
Pilgrim is recognized as the largest alcohol and drug addiction rehabilitation center in the country and it is continually rescuing the youth of Ukraine from addiction. They have medical staff on site for basic needs. For serious medical emergencies, they are taken to a local hospital.
SPONSOR THIS HOME
Pilgrim Ukraine – Sponsorship Needs
$24,361 of $36,000 raised
This year, we have a goal to help improve the quality of care for these amazing children, and we need your help. Your gift will help provide education, a safe home, health, and adult mentors who can share the Love of Christ. Our promise to you is that 100% will go directly to the home.
