Did you know that Zhytomyr and Indiana have an official partnership? In September 2024, Governor Holcomb made a surprise stop in Ukraine to sign the memorandum. The intent is to “promote academic, agricultural and cultural collaboration.”
Last Bell has been an unofficial Indiana-Zhytomyr partnership for many years. Our U.S. home is in Indiana, and our center of ministry is Zhytomyr.
Meeting with Government Partners
Every year we deepen relationships with Zhytomyr’s government agencies – especially Social Services. For example, the city often sends young moms in crisis to our Shelter. And our staff teaches life skills to orphaned teens right in the city trade schools.
In February 2025, our staff joined the Childcare Coordination Center for a planning session. On the topic of mentoring orphaned youth, our staff brought many years of experience. Staff member Yuliana, a former orphan herself, made a presentation.
Making Friends with Lawyers
At a different meeting, we met Dennis, a state lawyer whose team provides free legal assistance to orphans. Naturally, we invited him to come talk to our youth!
Orphaned students peppered Dennis with questions, like “What rights do orphans have? How can you get an apartment? What can you do when your rights are violated?” They also asked about education and scholarships.
Government Relationships in Action
After Dennis’s visit, two students came forward to ask about their rights. One is now waiting to see if her application to college will be accepted.
The other student had a complicated situation. Her former school owed her some financial assistance, but wasn’t paying. And the school had implied they wouldn’t even respond to her request. Our staff worked with a lawyer to draw up an official document, and she received the funds.
We’re very thankful for the many people in Zhytomyr’s government agencies who want to see our youth thrive. And we’re thankful for this opportunity to be a “city on a hill,” shining the light of Jesus even in the halls of Zhytomyr’s government!
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