Room for Dreams and Desires to Develop for Her Future

Room for Dreams and Desires to Develop for Her Future
Thursday, January 11, 2024 by Amber Schafer

Vera (15) participates in our partnering program, Help the Children International in Transnistria. Vera grew up in Slobozia, Transnistria. Her mother was an orphan, and her father has mental disabilities. Both parents are unemployed.

The home environment was insecure for Vera and her younger brother, Roma. Their father forced them to fish in the river to provide food for themselves. Often, they would sleep in a tent on the riverbank because they were told they could not return home without fish. He is aggressive towards his children and wife, which has affected the health of the kids. Vera often faints and has developed tachycardia. Roma is always afraid.

Vera and Roma attended the community center in their city, operated by Help the Children International. There, they received hot meals, could do homework in a calm environment, and received other necessary help.

Vera graduated this year and went to medical college to become a laboratory assistant. She now lives in the apartment at Help the Children Community Center in Tiraspol, Transnistria, and she regularly attends their mentoring program. Her health has improved--she began to eat better and smile more—giving room for dreams and desires to develop for her future.

Help the Children International is doing everything possible to support Vera and her mother and brother, to ensure their safety, secure housing, and employment, help the children get an education, and simply be present for them in these difficult circumstances.

About Help the Children

Help the Children International (HTCI) works in cooperation with the local government to provide social assistance and support services for orphans, vulnerable children, and families. Through assessment, mentoring, intervention, and practical assistance, HTCI endeavors to keep the family unit intact and in the home. The Help the Children International Community Centers provide safe places where vulnerable children and teens can receive hot meals, tutoring, mentoring, life skills training, and experience Christ’s love. HTCI provides monthly stipends, clothing, shelter, and educational support to ensure hope and a future for the young people of Transnistria.

Our Partnership with Help the Children

Summit Missions International has actively invested in the work of Help the Children International since it was founded in 2006. Our short-term teams have assisted with humanitarian and educational products, construction and repair services on homes of families at risk, and educational and recreational opportunities for HTCI children and teens.

For 30 years, Summit Missions International and our partners in Eastern Europe have worked to provide for the needs of people--especially orphans, the impoverished, vulnerable, and marginalized--to deliver practical help and spiritual hope through the message of Jesus Christ.

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