Sometimes the “big story” is a hundred small stories.
Three times a week, our Day Center opens to orphaned youth. Sometimes our staff prepare a craft, an activity, or a special speaker. They always offer a loving welcome and good food. Whatever the occasion, the door is open.
For youth starting independent life without the skills they need, it’s a place to learn and find hope for the future.
In March, a lawyer visited (above). They peppered him 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.
Above, students are taking part in a conversation about hygiene, often neglected in state care. Another day in February, the topic was mental health. Orphaned youth have a lot of anxiety and trauma. We do offer private, professional counseling; but they also need tools for everyday stress. This is especially true with the recent uptick in military attacks on Zhytomyr.
Even the games are important, helping students develop skills like greeting people, making friends, working as a team, and making plans. Our staff carefully choose these games to teach skills in a fun way.
In addition to coed meetings, there are guys’ and girls’ groups each week. Some of our youth might walk in our doors two or three hundred times. That’s hundreds of experiences of love and care. Hundreds of hugs. Skills repeatedly practiced. Hearing about God’s love over and over.
All those small stories add up to transformed lives.
Thank you for your gifts and support. You play such an important role in the story God is telling in the lives of our youth!
PS: Cooking is one of the many other skills our youth learn at the Day Center. And DC is our hub for help with basic needs, offering groceries, hygiene kits, a clothing pantry, and shower and laundry facilities.
