Marina* was in a crisis: she had a new baby, and her home was very old and in disrepair. It wasn’t safe for her little boy.
Then social services told her about Last Bell. Staff member Yuliana invited her to our Shelter facility. The Shelter is a beautiful home where orphaned moms can learn about parenting and receive practical help while they get back on their feet.
But Marina was worried. She didn’t know yet what the Shelter would be like. So Yuliana invited her to join our Stop the Cycle program, and to family camp in June.
Marina at Camp
Camp held so many new experiences for Marina! With other orphaned parents, she listened to our staff’s lessons and had conversations about parenting. Our staff spoke to her with care. She rested and played outdoors with her little boy. She knew caring people had paid for this retreat.
Marina told our staff after camp that for the first time in her life, she felt loved. She felt that somebody wanted her and her son.
After camp, she and her son were in the hospital for a few days. She was so grateful when our staff came to visit her. “Thank you very much,” she said. “I was in the hospital many times, but nobody ever visited me. Only you.”
Marina at the Shelter
Then, praise God, she was ready to move into the Shelter! Our staff picked her up from the hospital and helped her settle in. Thanks to the generosity of Last Bell’s donors, we could immediately start meeting her long-neglected needs.
Camp donors, we’re so grateful for you. The week of camp you provided helped Marina overcome her fears and accept help. We can’t thank you enough!
*Not her real name
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Camp activities
Camp kids
Camp families together
Camp staff and student volunteers
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