Tragically, we know that orphans and vulnerable children and families will be impacted the hardest by this crisis. As conflicts continue the need to safely evacuate, care for, and provide for the orphans and vulnerable children and families of Ukraine is greater than ever before!
Over thirteen years ago, A Family for Every Orphan began serving vulnerable children and families in Ukraine. Today, we have a dozen Christian partners spread across the country that are providing emergency relief services to thousands of children and families in Ukraine, while ministering to their spiritual needs.
Our partners in Ukraine are working tirelessly to evacuate these children to safety in the west and across the border, ensure food and necessities are provided, and minister to and help vulnerable children and families who stayed behind. This vital work cannot be done without your support!
Evacuation from combat hotspots to safety
Food, medicine, bedding, and other necessities
Refugee support and legal assistance
Trauma care services and psychological aid
Safe shelter
"Show your unfailing love in wonderful ways. By your mighty power you rescue those who seek refuge from their enemies. Guard me as you would guard your own eyes. Hide me in the shadow of your wings.”
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Medically fragile children and those with special needs are a distinct concern of A Family for Every Orphan (AFFEO). So we were excited to learn
In April we reported how 11-year-old Lilia from Kherson, Ukraine was sent to a two-week “summer camp” in the Crimea. When she didn’t return, her
One of our partners in Ukraine sent us the following report: Tanks and soldiers entered the city … Artem and his mother lived in the
At least 17 have died and tens of thousands of people have fled their homes in the Kherson region of Ukraine as the result of
During these tumultuous times—as knowledgeable Ukrainians seek to rescue Ukrainian children who were forcibly taken to Russian-occupied territory—your prayers are vital. Here is the story
As we joyfully celebrate Christ’s Resurrection this Easter season, would you remember to pray for an ongoing heart-wrenching situation and urgent need? As you may
AFFEO was encouraged to learn recently that a number of Ukraine’s aged-out teen orphans are delivering firewood and bread to families in need, while still
Today marks the 1 year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the start of an unjust and brutal war. It is hard not to become
In Ukraine, 92% of children and teens in orphanages are “unadoptable.” This typically means the child has at least one living parent who hasn’t relinquished their parental
The First Lady of Ukraine recently delivered a powerful and moving speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. She made history by being
One of the main ways that AFFEO partner organizations in Ukraine give support is by coming alongside adoptive parents, guardians and foster parents throughout Ukraine.
One of the main areas of work of AFFEO partner organizations in Ukraine is the support of adoptive parents, guardians and foster parents throughout Ukraine.Our
The situation in Ukraine continues to be hazardous for vast numbers of people of all ages in the war zone as well as adjacent areas. War has the greatest impact on the most vulnerable that we serve – orphans. In the past decade, a remarkable collaborative among A Family For Every Orphan (AFFEO) partners, social service, and religious groups dramatically reduced the number of adoptable orphans—from approximately 30,000 to 5,000 through placement in foster and adoptive families. However, continued economic dislocations before the war led to nearly 100,000 “social orphans,” who are children with parents or guardians who retain parental rights but are unable to care for them. Tragically, we know war creates orphans and there are thousands more today.
AFFEO’s campaign with partner organizations to evacuate substantial numbers of orphans and vulnerable children to safe havens farther west resulted in the successful relocation of many thousands of children and caregivers. Relief from the US and other international relief agencies is supporting refugees in border countries, but it is estimated that at least half of Ukraine’s orphans remain inside country. They, along with others who are displaced and no longer receive salaries and income amidst the chaos, are heavily dependent on food relief.
The situation is dynamic throughout the country and especially in areas bordering the eastern war zone. AFFEO’s “Operation Harvest Hope” is a highly streamlined effort involving experienced partners with whom we have worked for many years. Funds received through Operation Harvest Hope are securely and directly sent to several Ukraine-based groups that operate bakeries, coffee houses, and other facilities serving orphanages, vulnerable children, and families in need.
One of our AFFEO inspirations, the late Rev. Peter Deyneka, Jr., once gave a talk about the “anonymous heroes” of the Bible—Naaman’s servant girl who told her master to bathe in the muddy waters of the Jordan River (II Kings 5—“Tell what you know”), the lad with five loaves and two fishes that miraculously fed the 5,000 (Matthew 14—“Share what you have”), and the Good Samaritan (Luke 10—”Do what you can”). We don’t know their names, but their selfless service made a world of difference to those in need.
In March, Richland, Washington, sixth grader Rachel, a former orphan from Sierra Leone, decided to sell eight berets she crocheted to help the orphans of Ukraine. She set up a table in front of a bakery—which was donating bread sales, and in one hour Rachel had sold them all. Generous passers-by also dropped off checks and dollars to support the cause. So, whether Rachel’s $3,500 Saturday or $3.50 from a lemonade stand, it will all make a difference to those who struggle daily to make ends meet and build better lives in a free Ukraine. “Tell what you know, share what you have, do what you can.”