Winter can be a tough season for orphaned teens and young adults.
In the cold, it matters if you have a safe place to stay and a good coat or shoes. But the young people we meet are new to living on their own. Many have financial limitations. And many don’t know how to find the right stores, compare prices, or determine if something fits well.
That’s where our staff steps in to help! They begin by earning trust. Soon they learn which guy’s shoes are busted and too small, or which moms need coats for their little ones.
Then they turn your gifts into small miracles for our youth.
At our last Stop the Cycle meeting, orphaned moms took advantage of our clothing/shoe pantry (right). The boxes were sent by First Presbyterian Church and Changing Footprints, both in central Indiana. Big thanks to our Hoosier friends!
Vladyslav’s dad died, and his mom lost her parental rights. Then, in 2023, his older brother died, too. Your generosity paid for his new shoes (above, left). You also provide caring mentorship from the men on our staff, who point Vladyslav to a loving Father.
The state recently gave Serhiy (right) a room in a social dorm. This is usually a temporary situation limited to a few years. For furniture, all he had was a bed. You provided a table and chairs, a dresser, and other necessities – just in time for the season of being cozy indoors.
Right before the holidays, you provided this coat for Yaroslav. Winter gear is vital in wartime, when Zhytomyr’s utilities are being targeted and residents are more likely to lose heat and electricity.
Because of your generosity, our orphaned students and orphan-led families are less likely to fall into poverty and insecurity.
Thank you – you’re a great “extended family”!
The Last Bell Team
Will you give today to meet the needs of orphaned youth in Ukraine throughout 2025?