Orphanages

Orphanage #1

Age Group: newborn – 4 years
Number of Children: 100
UAC Contact: Igor Shepyeta

Beds packed tightly together in the sleeping room at Orphanage #1

Babies at Orphanage #1 spend time in an old outdoor playpen

Orphanage #3 (medically needy children)

Age Group: newborn – 4 years
Number of Children: 125
UAC Contact: Igor Shepyeta

Orphanage #3 serves medically needy children including those born from HIV infected mothers, as well as invalids and those with varying degrees of mental illness.

This was the first orphanage in Odessa to receive aid from UAC, and as a result is in better condition than most. Nevertheless, there is still a great deal to be done to improve the lives of the orphans who live there.

UAC's Igor Shepyeta holding a little girl at Orphanage #3

Boarding School #3 (for children with cardiovascular diseases)

Age Group: 7-17 years
Number of Children: 100
UAC Contact: Igor Shepyeta

UAC Ukraine started providing aid to this institution in 2012.

Children at Boarding School #3 playing on old playground equipment.

UAC volunteer Beverly Johnson peeks through a window to talk to kids at Boarding School #3.

Orphanage #5

Age Group: 7-17 years
Number of Children: 250
UAC Contact: Peter Panin

Orphanage #5 principally houses children from underprivileged families. Many of these children return home on the weekends.

Most of our Scholarship students come from Orphanage #5.

Boys at Orphanage #5 holding new shoes from UAC

A UAC Ukraine sponsored Easter egg hunt at Orphanage #5

Orphanage #7

Age Group: 6-18 years
Number of Children: 115

Orphanage #7 is home to over 100 children with physical handicaps.

One of the buildings at Orphanage #7

Many of the children here use assistive mobility equipment.

Therapy equipment is an ongoing need at Orphanage #7.

Orphanage #9

Age Group: 5-10 years
Number of Children: 90
UAC Contact: Igor Shepyeta

Warm winter hats and gloves were donated to the sweet children at Orphanage #9.

Volunteer John Nickleach spends time with children from Orphanage #9.

Orphanage #34

Age group: 7-17 years
Number of children: 150

Orphanage #34 is one of the neediest institutions in the Odessa region. The facility houses 150 children aged 7 to 17 years. The living conditions are squalid, and the young people are offered a very minimal education. UAC does what it can to supply the orphanage with the most basic needs such as proper nutrition, clothing and health care.

The children at #34 are considered to be mentally disabled. Their conditions vary widely. There are some children who have learning disabilities such as dyslexia, and others with varying levels of autism. The majority of the orphans there appear to be in good physical and mental health, considering their circumstances.

UAC has been working with these children for over 8 years. Many of the kids have personally expressed a desire to have a better education. UAC has a long standing and amicable relationship with the director of the orphanage, Zoya Alexandrovna, who is an honest and dedicated caregiver.

Children at #34 wave to the camera!