Our social worker, Natalya Ordin, helps children every day to restore what has been lost: documents, connections with parents — and along with that, hope for change. Natalya is the first person the children meet when they step through the doors of the Ark. She helps establish contact with parents, accompanies the children to court, and negotiates with child welfare authorities.
One day, we received a call from the city administration asking if we could take in a four-year-old girl who was undergoing observation at a hospital. We agreed — there was space in the younger group. But a few days later, it turned out the girl had an older brother. That presented a challenge, as there weren’t enough spots available in the boys’ group.
Still, since we had already promised to take the little girl, we decided we would also accept her brother. On the appointed day, we went to the hospital to pick up the children — and found out there were actually three of them: aged 4, 6, and 9. We had to take them all.
As the hospital staff said: “Where there are two, the third is no trouble.”
“The whole way back, I was anxious — wondering if we had taken the right children, since we didn’t have any documents in hand, just verbal confirmation from child protection services. But we brought them all back and realized: where there are two, the third really isn’t a problem.”
Dear friends, you can be part of this ministry to children by supporting the work of the Children’s Ark. Thank you for your caring and compassionate hearts!
This couple got married in 2016 and spent years unable to have children. During that time, Ira decided to volunteer at The Children’s Ark. It was there that she met Kira — a little girl who would forever stay in her heart. By then, Kira’s biological parents had lost their parental rights, and she was about to be transferred to a state institution.
One day, Ira asked her husband, “Could you love someone else’s child?” His answer was simple: “Yes.”
To support the development of relationships between children and adoptive parents — and to inspire more young families to consider adoption — we host family gatherings, individual consultations, group workshops, seminars, holiday celebrations, and cozy evenings of connection. Every donation you give helps strengthen a family and change a child’s future.
After that conversation, Ira and her husband enrolled in a foster parent training course. When they submitted their paperwork, they finally heard the long-awaited words from the child welfare office: “Congratulations — you’re now Mom and Dad!” Kira went home with them, and their new life together began.
But the story didn’t end there.
A year later, due to difficult family circumstances, Kira’s younger sister, Lusya, was brought to the shelter. When the family was informed by social services, Kira began asking, “Can we take my sister too?” And six months later, Lusya joined their family as well.
Each session is tailored to the specific child,” says Grigory. “We create something new every time! I always ask, ‘What would you like to make?’ or ‘How could we fix something that’s broken at home?’ This teaches children to find solutions, fosters creativity, and builds confidence.” Our children develop in many different areas: they work with wood and metal, make jewelry or toys, paint pictures, sing, and sculpt with clay. These workshops are made possible by the creative center within our Children’s Ark. Some of the clay and vocal lessons are even conducted together with parents. These become a gentle yet profound form of family rehabilitation. Mary, head of the “Clay” studio, shares her reflections: “Sometimes words aren’t needed. It’s enough to sit nearby, take the soft clay into your hands, and start sculpting.” As it is written: “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” — Psalm 147:3
We believe that through creativity, care, and prayer, God is healing these children. Right now, we have five instructors. We are currently seeking financial support to employ them full-time so they can continue this important work wholeheartedly, without worrying about tomorrow. Thank you to everyone who supports the Children’s Ark. Here, together, we are raising children for the Kingdom of God.
On September 17 of last year, a five-year-old boy named Sasha came to us. His mother had struggled with addiction since her youth. His grandparents tried to help her: they moved, sent her to rehabilitation centers, but it was all in vain. When she became pregnant, the family welcomed her and hoped the birth of her son would change her life. However, she was unable to care for the child.
Soon she disappeared with Sasha, hiding from the police. When Sasha was 9 months old, they were found in a village. He was severely malnourished and weak. His grandparents took custody of him. But his grandmother’s health began to decline. Recently, with a heavy heart, she gave up custody, guided by common sense. Through tears, she said goodbye to her grandson.
At the shelter, Sasha began working with our specialists. Now, nearly six months later, his developmental delays and speech difficulties are almost behind him. In fact, nearly all the children who come to the shelter have developmental delays or are completely unprepared for school. That’s why we carry out daily and focused work for their development.
You can support the work of our specialists by donating to help children like Sasha. Even a small amount like \$20 can make a significant difference.
Hope… Isn’t it what revives us? Especially during cold and long winter evenings, it gives us strength to keep going. When parents come to visit their children, we invite them to play together in the snow—a time when they share many warm and happy moments.
The celebration begins with the first sounds of bells as decorations are hung, handmade paper garlands appear, and songs and skits for the holiday are rehearsed. The entire “Children’s Ark” prepares for this important event. Staff create programs, prepare decorations, costumes, and crafts. We also invite parents to help, as it strengthens their bond with their children and teaches them how to create joy together.
As Christmas approaches, we seek opportunities and reach out to various organizations and individuals to collect gifts for the children. It is heartwarming to see how many respond and are willing to contribute and participate! This is vital support for us and an essential part of the holiday for the children.
On Christmas Eve, the shelter’s doors open wide, and parents enter the hall. It’s celebration time, and hugs and laughter fill the air. Together, we sing Christmas carols, share memories, and talk about the most important thing—Jesus was born and came into this world to be with us and to bring salvation.
On this evening, every child feels the warmth of family comfort and the solace that comes to the heart through hope. Parents experience a unique closeness and warmth with their children. During the celebration, they realize that their presence and involvement in their children’s lives are what matter most.
Misha, Nastya, and Petya lived together in a large family and loved each other very much. Unfortunately, their parents suffered from alcohol addiction and were unable to give the children the attention and care they needed. The large family of six lived in a small room, which eventually led these three wonderful children to come to us at the “Children’s Ark.” This place played an important role in their lives because it is a place that helps children and families in difficult situations. Here, remarkable people work tirelessly to relieve the pain and sadness from children’s hearts and help them reintegrate into family life.
Despite all the care and effort, the children still dreamed of returning to their parents. We realized that to help the children, we needed to help their parents as well. So, we began working with the parents to help them change their lives. Before the children could return home, it was crucial to engage the parents in the process. In the case of these children, the parents needed to overcome their alcohol addiction, find employment, and take steps to improve their living conditions. They went through rehabilitation, received a new apartment, and importantly, found jobs. Finally, the day came when the children could return home. Their faces were so full of joy! We hope that we were able to instill in the hearts of the children and their parents a faith in the living God and give them hope!
