I will love my child with all my heart

Anya said these words after she and other Young Families program participants went out to watch the Russian movie Mother, a drama by the famous Russian author Maxim Gorky (and yes, Gorky Park was named after him). In this film a mother carries on her son's political activity after he's sent to exile. The mother’s sacrifice obviously moved Anya’s heart, and I was touched by Anya’s words because this is exactly what we at Orphan’s Tree hope and strive for. Anya, just like many other Young Families and Young Women in Crisis Programs participants, didn’t know her mother’s love as she was growing up. Without even support from experienced and caring staff, these young women are at high risk of abandoning their children and repeating the cycle of orphanhood. Orphan’s Tree is working with eighteen families, twenty eight children and ten young mothers at risk, along with their thirteen children. We offer financial support, individual and group counseling and a monthly outing for the families during which they share from their experience and encourage each other. These opportunities are priceless and highly appreciated. One of the letters we recently received said: “My pregnancy was a surprise for me. I didn’t know I was pregnant for quite a while. Once the father of the baby found out about my being pregnant, he left town. When my daughter was born, she had health issues. I was scared at first and left my daughter at an orphanage. I tried to forget the whole experience and get a job. But my heart didn’t allow me to forget the past. I was restless. But there was no one to support me. I didn’t have any food for my baby, as well. When Orphan’s Tree invited me in their program, I was thrilled. The staff explained to me a lot of important things, they helped me to get ahold of my baby and now provide me with financial and most importantly moral support. I am praying to God for wisdom so that my life only improves from now on. Thank you for this program. It is such a blessing!” Nastya G.

In the three years that we’ve been running these programs, eight families and six young mothers have successfully graduated and continue to parent their children. Whatever it may be: a movie, a peer or a counseling session with Orphan’s Tree staff, we see that the mothers in our programs do love their children with all their hearts. This gives me hope for Russia, and inspiration and joy in the work that we do.

Jenya