TRANSITIONAL LIVING CENTER

* This facility was opened in July 2004 and has been home to 19 teenagers to date.  (December 23, 2007)

THE PROJECT...

For the past few years, several Christians have been involved with providing humanitarian aid to an orphanage in Mariupol.  During that time, they have dreamed about how they could best meet the long-term needs of these children upon the completion of their years at the orphanage.  Several Christians have talked together often about their desire to establish a home for these children. 

The opportunities to share Jesus Christ with these children are endless.  A “Transitional Living Center” is one way to show a select group of children, on a more intimate level, how Jesus provides for and cares for each of us. 

Set among the primary goals of the center is the creation and development of a Christian-based program designed especially to assist orphanage graduates as they make the difficult transition from dependent orphanage care to independent adult living.  In working toward this goal, the center seeks to provide a traditional home setting, with caring adult role models and comfortable living quarters, initially, for eight to twelve orphanage graduates. 

Additional primary goals (in no particular order) for the center are to:

• Provide a loving, safe living environment where the children know they are loved and have the opportunity to heal emotionally
• Provide role models and examples of Godly, independent living by a mature, Christian, Ukrainian/American staff
• Foster long-term relationships with adult mentors (key words: consistent & committed)
• Provide Biblical education and discipling
• Provide instruction in social and independent living skills (including: cooking, shopping, cleaning, time & money management, etiquette, etc.)
• Provide orphanage graduates with skills that will make them employable within the community by being enrolled in a nearby technical or trade school to continue their education.

At the time these young adults complete their trade school education, the desire of the staff of the center will be to assist these young adults in establishing their own identity within the community.  When ready to begin living on their own or with a roommate, the staff will assist them in locating an apartment and getting them settled.  Graduates will also be assisted with finding employment so that they can become productive, hopefully Christian, citizens of their society.

THE FACILITY...

The Left Bank Church of Christ in Mariupol, Ukraine has recently been provided with a large building purchased by Christians in the USA.  At present, the congregation is only using approximately half of the first floor and estimated growth patterns do not show the congregation using more than half of the building (at most) in the next 5 to 10 years.

After several weeks of discussion with the members of the local church and its supporting congregation in the USA, we have secured a 20 year long term lease for approximately 1/4 of the building.  The current two story facility and 2.5 acres of land is ideal for the center in many ways.  A few of the advantages are:

• Exposure to local Christians on a weekly basis, or even daily basis.

• One block from public transportation - making getting to trade school easier.

• Two blocks from grocery stores, school supply stores, kiosks for necessities.

• Enough land to allow space for a vegetable garden to supply needed food.

• Three blocks from local missionaries.

• Approximately a mile from the orphanage where these children have lived.

For more information contact: andrew@jeremiahshope.org