Community Project: Ongoing

Orphan Care

Pryazovs'ke

, Ukraine

The Pryazovs'ke Orphanage was started by the Evangelical Baptist Church, which saw a need that was not being met. After prayerful consideration they were given a vision to open an orphanage. In 1998 renovations began on the first building after capital funds were received from the Mennonite Central Committee. Four years later, the Pryazovs'ke Orphanage opened its doors and began caring for 25 orphans who were placed there by the state. Since the opening, the orphanage has not received any government assistance, rather the state requires taxes, dictates the amount of orphans sent to the orphanage, and expects specific items to be purchased in order to maintain their government status. The orphanage is currently home to 12 girls and 25 boys, as well as 26 workers. Our goal is to provide orphans with a safe and secure loving environment, enabling them to learn valuable life skills, education and trades, and giving children the opportunity to succeed once they are required to leave the orphanage.