 |  | In Russia, like many other countries, the government will only fund orphanages to care for children until they reach age 17-18 years old . Afterwards, many are forced to live independently without having been given to life-tools to do so. In fact, it has been estimated that within the first two years of life outside of an orphanage, 15% of these young adults commit suicide, and 70% are otherwise unable to care for themselves (many become criminals or prostitutes).
OUR PARTNERS
Our organization partners with another international orphan outreach organization in the United States to reach out to orphan children who have “aged out” of the orphanages in the Ivanovo region of Russia. One part of our partner’s operating method is to develop and operate regional outreach centers in Russia to serve as a base for orphan children who have reached the age of 18 and thus are no longer permitted to be cared for in the state-run orphanages. These outreach centers help these children (or young adults) by providing shelter, food and dental care, and they provide education and education support services to prepare them for life as an adult.
NEW OUTREACH IN IVANOVO
Bridge To The Nations is a financial sponsor for a newly developed dental clinic in the outreach center in Ivanovo Russia. In 2006, we had the opportunity to bring the very first team to this regional center, to provide educational classes and programs for these young adults, to help them on their journey to gain the tools necessary to face living independently. This included seminars on healthy living programs such as avoiding drug use, sexually transmitted diseases, nutrition, exercise, dental hygiene and occupational work safety.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
Over the next few years, we will continue these health education outreach efforts, as well as providing assistance and training for new dental clinic in Ivanovo. In 2007, we plan to provide healthy living and character development seminars for over 100 young orphan men who recently aged-out of the orphanages in three separate regions within Russia, and plan to provide dental hygiene and other programs for the children of 4 orphanages. We are in hopes also to assist with education and support for young orphan girls and women who are new or expectant mothers. |