The future for the average child who graduates from a Russian orphanage is not bright. The statistics are so daunting that unless you sit back, cross you arms and consider their weight, it is almost unfathomable.
After leaving the orphanage at 16-17:
Nearly half the boys end up in criminal activity...many girls end up in prostitution.
About a 1/3 repeat the orphan cycle with their own children.
15% will commit suicide
All in all, we estimate 4-out-of-5 are facing a future of drugs, alcohol, poverty, crime, prostitution, and suicide.
Yesterday afternoon I visited 2 of the 4 independent living centers that Children’s HopeChest runs in Vladimir region. These flats and homes have between 4 and 6 kids who have recently graduated from an orphanage and are not taking the well beaten path but are rather choosing education, faith and healthy lifestyles. These kids are mentored, attending university and engaging themselves in the lives of others.
As I walked into the Girls Independent Living flat just around the corner from our Ministry Center I could see the sense of pride that the girls took in preparing for our visit. Everything was neat and tidy and they were quick to share how hard they were working to gain an education and live productive lives. They participate in a mentorship and life skills program. This flat, provided by Woodmen Valley Chapel, is the home base for a program that provides opportunity for redemption.
As you can see from the picture their faces tell the full story. Instead of being a statistic, you are looking at university trained speech therapists and engineers who have been given the skills and discipleship to face tomorrow with confidence.
Bob...thanks for sharing the journey with us.
Posted by: Greg | May 21, 2009 at 10:48 AM
How precious! I love seeing what can happen 10-15 years down the road for these precious ones. A friend had the opportunity to to help a girl aging out of the fostercare system this week and what she DIDN'T know b/c she had grown up in a group home was staggering. Giving these girls a chance to learn how to really live before throwing them out into the world is such a gift. Thanks to the church that has stood in the gap to make a difference!
Posted by: Brandi | May 21, 2009 at 06:32 PM