Every summer, CCF conducts the hosting project, giving orphan children from Ukraine the opportunity to spend summer time living with families in the United States. This not only allows them to improve essential social skills, such as building new relationships and engaging in team work, but also gives something that is hard to describe in words - the warmth of living in a family environment, something they would have never experienced before they became adults.
Knowing that certain experiences are unattainable to them, children living in orphanages often feel as if they are behind a border impossible to cross. Their self-esteem is often low because they have been labeled by peers as “orphans”. At their age, 7-18 years old, they are the least likely candidates to ever be adopted; most believe they are unwanted and have no hope of ever knowing life in a real family. Therefore, although the hosting activity is a short-term stay, it can make a very strong positive impact on the emotional health, choices and, consequently, future of these children.
Living in the families, children communicate with their peers, attend interesting attractions, parks and camps together with their host families, and exchange cultural values, among other activities. Throughout their stay over Christmas holidays or during summer months, most children learn as much English as they would typically learn in 4-5 semesters in their school. This gives pride over their achievement and helps boost their self-esteem tremendously!
In addition, they receive unconditional love and nurturing and are treated as members of their host families. Families usually maintain contact with kids after their return to their orphanage. This gives them hope.We want all orphans in the world to be happy, to have good parents, those who would give them care, loving attention, warmth and everything they need. We are sure that children who come to the United States for the hosting stay will have a wonderful time that they will remember for many years to come.
Share your heart with an orphaned child this upcoming host season.
Helping financially-struggling, socially-unprotected, poor and elderly people is an important part of CCF mission. We have created a Beacon of Hope project that helps vulnerable people get back on their feet. If you reside in Seattle-Tacoma, WA area and have a need, or know a family in need, please reach out to us. We can help with household goods, some furniture, and baby items. Our inventory is always changing, so please lets us how we can help by emailing us here.
HOUSING PROJECT
CCF funds a housing program for graduates of orphanages and boarding schools in Ukraine. We rent an apartment where four young adults live with their mentor. CCF pays rent and utilities until the graduates find jobs. Then they either begin paying for the same apartment themselves or rent other apartments. This program not only provides a temporary shelter for young people who have had a difficult start in life, but also offers them moral guidance and emotional support. Trained mentors work with them to give them the essential skills of managing a household and help them get through the difficult time of transition to independence by providing consultation and encouragement. A $50 monthly pledge for a year covers two months of rent.