From Vova B.: I grew up in orphanage number 3, since I was 3 years old. In 1998 I started running away and living on the streets. I started working on the streets - you can't eat unless you have money in your pocket. I didn't waste my money on toxic substances, but I did want to smoke cigarettes. I slept whereever I could, often with strangers. I came to 58 Chaklova street (LB shelter) through the center "Children Without a Home". I like it here. I can use the computer, the food tastes nice, and we can even make some money. I'm studying now. In the future I want to become a businessman that makes a lot of money.

--translation of the Russian original, written by Vova B.

Update February 2005: Vova currently lives in our shelter. He had an extremely difficult childhood. He was confined in a mental institution 7 times (because he was strong willed), and he was severely abused by some of the strangers he lived with while on the streets. Ironically, after spending so much time in mental institutions he actually started to develop mental problems. His orphanage told us we would never be able to handle him. Working with him has been a struggle - for example, he has a hard time understanding why he needs to study, he wants to start working for money right now! When he joined our shelter he didn't get along with any of the other kids, and was quite reclusive and snappy. Now he gets along with the kids and teachers most of the time, and he is studying regularly.