The Shelter is Last Bell’s program for orphaned moms in crisis. They come from unsafe living situations, or from Zhytomyr’s city shelter.
Many arrive at the Shelter exhausted, anxious, and with little hope for their families. Our Shelter team settles them into a cozy bedroom and makes sure their needs are met, like hot meals and children’s clothes.
As the moms begin to feel safe and heal, our staff members help them think about the future. After the Shelter, for example, they’ll need to provide for their children. Usually that requires an education.
After family camp this year, we welcomed Angela* to the Shelter. Staff member Yuliana “explained to her that education is the key to stability, and we’re here and ready to help so she doesn’t feel alone.”
But Angela needed a little more time. In early September, when all the other students had long since enrolled, Angela said, “I really want to study. Maybe there’s still a chance? Could you help me?”
At that late date, it wasn’t going to be easy. But Yuliana agreed, and they began the necessary paperwork together.
Angela and her little girl needed city registrations. Then petitions and applications. Some went to the Department of Education. One went to the deputy mayor! All the permissions came through – thanks in part to our staff’s warm relationship with the city’s trade schools.
On September 25th, Angela went to school for the first time, and her daughter went to kindergarten!
“This is a small but very important victory,” wrote Yuliana, “an example of how support and faith can change lives.”
Many thanks to all who help fund this intensive program for orphaned moms. You’re giving whole families health and security!
*Not her real name