“My Home” Foundation promotes adoption and foster care for children in Christian families,

tries to improve the lives of children with disabilities and works with graduates of

orphanages along with many other things.

In 2012 the Foundation’s “family” was increased by 18 children, 12 of them were taken under foster care,

6 children were adopted. A total of 130 children were in “My Home” in 2012, 5 of them dropped out,

three children because they have reached full age, two children – because of reasons that are

incompatible with life in a family. At the moment, 125 children have found parents;

a few families are still in the process of adoption. In 2012, a house for the Bechtold family

was completed (Tsjurupinsk), the family has already received a disabled child.

After finishing works they plan to open their home for two more children.

Also, a house for the Gaidai family was bought (Berislav). They have received five children.

On Christmas Eve, our families, as well as partners and friends the Foundation and orphanage

students received congratulations from the Foundation in the form of calendars and postcards.

During the year, employees of the Foundation provided social assistance for adoptive families,

participants of the Foundation. In the process of communication with families they developed

a strategy for further assistance to families both in specific situations and in general,

there were thematic workshops, consultations, etc. Whenever possible,

there was assistance in health improvement of children, home improvement, household needs,

as well as in treatment and rehabilitation of children in critical situations.

In addition, each child received a birthday greeting by mail.

The Foundation has supported health improvement of 25 children from Kherson regional shelter and needy families with many children in “Nadezhda” camp in Kerch.

In May of 2012 the Foundation organized a workshop with Ruby and Lynn Johnston. The program of the seminar included discussion of issues of teenagers’ education, discipline issues, as well as strengthening the family. The following topics were represented: “Love languages ​​of children”, “The importance of behavior” and “Motivating young people”.

On June 9-13, there was a camp under the code name “1”, which means “One God” on the base of “Svіtanok-2” health center, which is on the Arabatskaya Strelka of Kherson region. The camp was notable for its unique participants, including children of Imperial Agro employees, children from Kherson orphanage and Tsjurupinsk orphanage for children with disabilities. The majority of them have not met God personally. The main expectation from the camp was for the children to hear about Jesus Christ, regardless of their status, place of residence and method of upbringing, and have the opportunity to change their life, make their choice and make friends. Their older friends, counselors and mentors were there to help them every day. The Foundation has financed trips and transportation for 40 orphans and 15 mentors. Uniqueness of this project is also associated with the team that was specially arranged for this time. The core of the program was an American team led by Pastor Monty Smith (North Syracuse Christian Church). They have conducted various camps and Bible programs in Ukraine and the former CIS for over 10 years. The team (the Americans and their interpreters, youth leaders and their assistants) prepared carefully, prayed for the kids they would work with for the next six days. Special T-shirts were made, as well as training manuals and materials for clubs, tools for entertainment, prizes and gifts for every day. Over 150 people participated in the program. The emphasis was placed on personal contact.

As part of the Alliance’s activities and in order to strengthen relationships in the family, nine of our families participated in the National Conference “Strengthening the Family 2013”.

Throughout the year there was leadership training for leaders of organizations – participants of the Alliance “Ukraine without orphans”, which took place in two stages. The training was also attended by representatives of “My Home” Foundation.

On October 27 there was the first conference in Crimea, dedicated to issues of child abandonment, which brought together over 100 participants from different parts of Crimea, including Simferopol, Kerch, Evpatoria, Saki, as well as Kiev and Kherson. It was organized by “My Home” Foundation and CF “Children’s House”, with active participation of CF “SOS”. The conference was attended by pastors, students, managers, entrepreneurs, adoptive parents, health professionals and all those who care for children who were abandoned on the sidelines of life and need help. Many interesting people were present and they were happy to share their experiences and feelings. The conference went well, in a good atmosphere and gave new encouragement for further joint and long-term projects.

On November 7-8 in Kiev there was the first international conference “No to child abandonment! Systematic approach in working with children and families”. It was organized by Rinat Akhmetov’s Charitable Foundation “Development of Ukraine” together with “Ukraine without orphans” Alliance supported by the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine and Commissioner of the President on Children’s Rights, with the participation of “My Home” Foundation representative.

In 2012, a project for rehabilitation and adaptation of graduates of Tsjurupinsk orphanage was started together with “House of Hope” Foundation on the base of Orlinoye village (Sevastopol). Social project in Krasniy Perekop (Kherson region) started with introduction of their church to children from Tsjurupinsk orphanage, which was followed by several mutual visits of the village church team from Krasniy Perekop to Tsjurupinsk orphanage and children from the orphanage to Krasniy Perekop.

There is a search for new suitable options for teaching children with disabilities. Whenever possible, employees and friends of the Foundation visit children in places of their further education.

Throughout 2012 there were presentations on development and motivation of adoption in churches of Kherson, Kherson region and Crimea; we also took part in the National Day of Prayer for orphans

As part of social advertising, in order to spread the idea of ​​adoption, “My Home” Foundation published information booklets and replicated videos. Pages of the Foundation were created in Vkontakte and Facebook. As part of the project there were exhibitions of artwork of children with disabilities in Canada, a video was filmed with interviews of children from Tsjurupinsk orphanage. The Foundation’s staff participated in several programs “Give light” on the subject of child abandonment on a local TV channel “Scifia”.

Throughout the year charitable assistance was provided for:
Kakhovka geriatric boardinghouse, medications for a graduate of Tsjurupinsk orphanage were purchased.

Tsjurupinsk orphanage was assisted in setting up medical equipment, frames and materials for children’s art were purchased, they were assisted in a local exhibition of artwork of children with disabilities, as well as in Canada.

Kherson Regional Orphanage for children with injuries of the central nervous system – Christmas gifts were purchased, there was assistance in the organization of an employee and one of the children’s trip to Kiev for surgery.

Also children were visited in orphanages, hospitals to participate in their lives, their joys and celebrations……

Thanks to all who make children’s lives more interesting, richer and better!
God’s blessings to you in 2013!