We are posting a translation of a letter we have received from one of the orphanages we currently support with an update of their current situation. The letter reads:
Dear Brothers and Sisters of New Life for Children Ministries,
My name is Marina Grigorian, and I am the director of our orphanage, Spring of Life. Our orphanage center was started 15 years ago. During this time, we have had over 350 children come through our home. Among them were orphaned who lost both parents, children whose parents lost their rights, and children that were just abandoned by their parents.
As of today, we have 26 kids ranging between 3-21 years of age.
The goal of our center is not to just clothe and feed these children, but also to help them learn about and find Jesus, teach them to be kind and loving kids, and help them forget the anger and hurt they endured in their past life.
Most kids have found their foster parents and many kids have been adopted. Some kids were returned to their biological parents after their parents had improved and were given back their rights.
Some kids who are over 18 still stay with us as they have no where to go. With God’s help and thanks to the generosity of compassionate people, we are trying to provide a place for them to stay.
Several of our kids were baptized and are members of our church. Like with any big family, we have had weddings and already have grandchildren.
Our organization rents a building as we do not own one. We are thankful that the government of our state helps us cover the expenses of leasing this building and also helps with utility bills. Things like renovations of the building, food, clothes, shoes, school supplies, health and wellness for the children and payment to the faculty comes from donations from our friends.
In Ukraine, as of January 1, 2017, a new law was passed that requires a mandatory increase in minimum wage- it has doubled. Because of this we are now having to pay more for taxes and retirement plans as well. The orphanage exists because of generous offerings and contributions. Now with this law, we have unforeseen and unexpected additional financial burdens/expenses.
We are always thankful to everyone who helps our center with our needs and thank everyone for any help that is needed to sustain our children.
May God bless you all!
With love,
Grigorian, M. V
Director of Spring of Life
