Our church has been involved in Russia for five years now. We began with Ivanova and Pokrov orphanages. We serve about 80 kids ranging from preschool to age 18. However, most kids "graduate" from the orphanage at about 16 years old and then pursue technical school. Technical school is a bit misleading for Americans. It can include anything from tractor driving to secretarial school or baking to brick laying.
Our goal is to help these kids have enough confidence to leave the orphanage at age 16 and know that they can succeed. They don't have to live the lives that their parents lived (usually poverty, alcoholism, crime or abusive behaviors). Many of the kids we have worked with are doing well. One is a student in Computer Science at Vladimir State University.
Children's Hopechest also has ministry centers that kids can visit after they leave the orphanage. These teenagers can use the computer lab, watch TV, play games, do homework, and get free dental care. The center allows these kids to congregate and get emotional support from the counselors who work there. In addition, they can get help with their studies and participate in planned group events.
Our church has taken baby steps to help these kids, but our steps are getting bigger and more confident. We don't want to go as the rich Americans with all of the answers, but we do want to impart things we've learned about life. We do want to instill hope and friendship. As we learn what the kids really need, our steps can get bigger and bigger.
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