Aged-Out Orphans Helping
Rebuild Ukraine
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
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.”
Psalm 17:7-8
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Any amount you give makes a difference in the lives of orphans and vulnerable children in Ukraine
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
Olena Zelenska, First Lady of Ukraine, recently delivered a powerful, moving speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. She made history being the
As many of us across the U.S are experiencing frigid temperatures in our cozy homes, many in Ukraine have been facing winter’s cold with no
When winter approached with freezing temperatures in Ukraine, your support wrapped vulnerable families in warmth. The Panchenko family is just one of the many families
Our AFFEO Executive Director’s daughter is from Ukraine. She experienced the first invasion of Ukraine in 2014, as did many of her friends who are
AFFEO recently learned that one of our Ukrainian partners has rescued and reunited 20 children with their Ukrainian families! Last August this partner discovered that
This time of year, when our thoughts turn to the miraculous incarnation that took place just over 2,000 years ago, let’s also think of and
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.”