Street Kids Center

The Problem:

Over 3 million children are living on the streets of the former Soviet Union. They are known as the "throw aways" of society. Some are true orphans while others are "social orphans" who have been abandoned by their parents. Having no means of support, they are forced to live in trash dumps and sewers. For them, survival means stealing or begging for food and help with clothing and other necessities. To ease their pain, many resort to sniffing glue, smoking and drinking vodka, which is cheaper than water. These children, ranging in age from 3 to 17, are malnourished, uneducated, filthy and despised by most people. Living in groups allows them to survive as they share living space, food and clothing and the protection of a "family". 5% of children living in these conditions commit suicide. What kind of future can these children expect to have?

Living Conditions:

Trash dumps and remote areas are the main locations where these homeless children live. They seek shelter by climbing into the heating pipe mains where it is warm in the winter while providing protection from the elements. These dark, cement hideouts have low ceilings and no light except when the manhole cover is removed. Cardboard and blankets are set on top of the huge pipes which provides them a place to sleep. Fleas, lice and disease contaminate anyone who goes into these hideaways. Sanitary conditions do not exist. A trip into the trash dump is the only way the children can relieve themselves. Some of these children have little or no schooling. Most are illiterate.

A Solution:

In January 2001 a handful of Americans and a very determined young Russian woman, Natasha, came together to start a ministry to these children. After much trial and error, a trusting relationship with this particular group of children was developed. Since that time, the ministry has come to be known as Jeremiah 29:11 Project. In July 2002 an abandoned building was rented from the Ukrainian government. The Americans provided the money for remodeling and the Ukrainians provided the manpower. Many people from New Life Church volunteered their time and talent to make this facility a beautiful, clean place for the children. In November work was completed followed by an opening celebration. A long term trust relationship has been developing between this particular group of children and the staff of the Jeremiah Project . Initially a day center, the children can come, clean up, use a real bathroom, eat two nourishing meals a day and have wholesome recreation. Plans for expansion to a full use facility where the children can live is the future goal.

The Ministry:
Along with oversight responsibilities of all social outreach ministries at New Life Church. Nina Truhan will serve in the same capacity for the Jeremiah 29:11 project. Svetlana, Tanya and Anatoly are the full time paid staff of the Jeremiah Project Center. Svetlana serves as director while Tanya cooks and provides maintenance of the facility. Anatoly works closely with the children in counseling and socialization. Svetlana's love for the kids is often evident as she is frequently seen hugging and kissing them. She is dedicated to seeing them get an education and training for the future. Anatoly, a well known soccer player in Ukraine, grew up both in an orphanage and on the street. Finding it easy to relate to these kids, he has formed soccer clubs where the boys come daily to play. They often compete in small tournaments. Anatoly is a dedicated Christian and loves to play the guitar. He lives at the center to keep it secure. Tanya comes each day to clean and cook for the kids. She keeps the center spotless and is a whiz in the kitchen. She is able to feed the kids for only $1.50/per day per child! Now that takes some doing!

Questions:
If you have questions about the ministry or want to know other ways you can help please email: drucie@projectjeremiah2911.org