The Challenge

Anyone who's been to one of the outdoor markets in Perm, Russia, has probably noticed kids running around in rags, smoking, sniffing glue or stealing. After the market closes many of them scrounge for food in the garbage, then go sleep in sewers, basements or abandoned buildings. (See Family Problems to find out why children live this way). If left uncared for, most of these children have a common future: jail, or life as a bum or prostitute. How can this fate be avoided?

Because of their traumatic history, most of these children do not respond well to strict discipline. Despite the horrible living conditions, they prefer the freedom of the streets to being confined in an orphanage.

We have developed a response based on methods which have been tried and proven in other countries. We meet with the children in their own environment, on the street, and gain their trust. We run a Day Shelter were they can receive the care, attention, counsel and love they initially need without feeling confined, in a situation that allows them to come and go freely. After some time they come to trust us, and we are able to persuade them to give up their addictions and resume studies.

Once a child commits to giving up toxic substances and returning to school he / she is able to move into our 24 / 7 shelter, "A Step Towards Home" or, if over 15 years old, enroll in the "Independent Living" course in our ACT center.

(See Portraits for examples of children that have undergone complete changes in their lives).

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