‘Father’s House’ presents new projects

On December 7, “Father’s House” International Charity Foundation participated at the Festival of Social Projects, organized by the Governmental Social Service for family, children and youth. More than 200 applications were received to take part in the festival and only 60 best were given a chance to represent themselves at the Festival. This year it took place at the centre of Kyiv, the “Radisson SAS” Hotel.

“Father’s House” represented three projects, which will be realized in 2010. The first project is the Centre of Mother and Child which will render support to pregnant women and mothers with small babies and are experiencing difficult life conditions. The second project – is the youth dormitory “Social Centre” aimed to support graduators of the governmental and non-governmental children’s institutions, and have no own place to live are in difficult life conditions. The third project is Farm Care Centre – it’s innovational project for Ukraine. It’s goal is based on communication of children in conflict - with adults and animals.

The participants of this event were – The Minister of Ukraine in family youth and sport affairs – Yuri Pavlenko, the assistant of the Minister of Ukraine in family youth and sport affairs Rostislav Drapyshko, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Austria in Ukraine Mr. Joseph Markus Vyketich, the director of the governmental social service for family, children and youth – Natalia Lykianova.

All the participants were proposed few master-classes on abilities of work with social networks and search of new donors for realization of new projects.

“I was born Ukrainian”

On November 25, at the Ukrainian Orthodox Church Exhibition Centre, Father’s House’ children got a special award and gratuity for their fashion collection performance at the All-Ukrainian “Flax Festival” Contest.

“I was born Ukrainian” – is the name for this bright collection of flex clothes prepared by the creative group from “Otchiy Dim” and dedicated to the beauty of Ukrainian women: a mother, daughter and beloved bride.

The audience and jury had a chance to watch colorful flea models of clothes with hand-made decorations. At the show the children performed the images of - mother, field flowers, teenage girls and boys. And in the end the bride in flax dress decorated with red flowers came out.

Professional designers, artists and modelers came to participate in the festival from all over Ukraine and Russia. The jury was headed by Vjacheslav Zaitsev, famous Russian couturier. The jury and invited guests were: Olga Bogomolets – doctor of medical science, head doctor of laser clinics of the Dermatology and cosmetology institute, Nina Matviyenko – People’s Artist of Ukraine, Alla Tarasevich – the head of all-Ukrainian Charity Fund “Zhyvodaine Dzherelo”

The “I was born Ukrainian..” collection created by: Kovreva Kateryna, Krykyn Natalia, Roshke Olena, Glyschenko Vera, Girak Lyudmila and Sasha Shtermer.
The models were: Vikylova Alla, Vikylova Ira, Tsarenko Natasha, Petrysenko Olesya, Tsarenko Mykola, Tsarenko Olena, Roshke Daniil, Roshke Anastacia, Pechenkova Maria, Oksenenko Sergiy and Tsarenko Valentyna.

Autumn School Holidays in the Crimea

This autumn within the “Pilgrim’s Hope” rest and recreation department program Father’s House children had a wonderful chance to have an active rest during autumn holidays. By solid vote all of us decided to go to the Crimea, as that is really wonderful place where the natural beauty of mountains is combined with the sea.

This time there were both experienced as well as new children who have never been to hike trips like that before, but all of them were joined by common desire for new adventures. We have started our sightseeing tour from the very east of the Crimea – the city of Kerch, and driving through the seaside we’ve decided to stop by the place called Novy Svit, and there we’ve started our first mount hike, the mount we went to was called Sokil (the Falcon), and as we came back we have started to set up our camp by the seaside, the next day we went to the mountains called Orel (the Eagle) and Dragon. After few days spent in such a beautiful place our path lead us to the Balaklava, where motor-boat took us to the place where we planned to stay for the next couple of days. The very next morning we have arrived by a new route. Unfortunately we couldn’t reach the Aya cape this time, but everyone has got a desire to come back here again and reach the goal.

The next day we had a long and exhausting way back to the Balaklava, where we have got to know the news about the flu epidemics in Kyiv and school quarantine for the next 3 weeks, so we all have decided to stay in the Crimea for the next week. The next week we have spent in the village of Shtormove at Father’s House summer recreation center, which is not far from the city of Eupatoria. We had a great chance to walk around this nice city, and also in one of the days we have visited the East coast of the Crimea – Tarchankut cape.

During this mount hike trip kids have been learning to put up tents, to make a camp fire, to cook, to cooperate in a team and help each other in overcoming the difficulties we met on our way. We do believe that kids can use those skills at their following trips and in their everyday life, and they will be remembering of these great times by the camp fire and swimming in autumn sea with happy smiles on their faces.

Happy First School Day!

The summer came to end and it’s time to come back from rest and start the school. September 1st is important holiday for all children, but the most for those who will go to school for the first time in their lives, there are 3 such children at Father’s House this year!

From the depth of our hearts we congratulate all children and wish inspiration, hard-working and persistence in this new up coming school year! Also we thank the staff of local school in Petrivske village for care and hospitality and wish a good study year to all children and teachers!

A lot of children of those who came to Father’s House this year have a great need in individual education because of neglect, which demands finances. If you have a desire to help children in gaining the proper level of education to start full-value studying at school, you can make a donation on our bank account. God bless you.

Recreation Christian camp in Sweden

It’s the second year already as the children of Father’s House have the unique opportunity for spiritual and physical rest and recreation at Christian camp in Sweden. This year the camp was intended for teenagers, so the program was fitting – a lot of active games outside, a trip to Amusement park, Aqua park, zoo and other places of interest. Also the trip to the forest was organized for us where kids had a chance to gather berries – blackberry, strawberry and raspberry. Our boys made a football team so they could take part in game with local Swedish football club, and their victory helped them strengthen their self-confidence, and after a tense game they were so glad to have a good meal with delicious hamburgers.

But, nevertheless the brightest emotions were caused by fellowship with Swedish friends, as the for real friendship the language doesn’t matter, as emotions and mimicry usually says much more then the words do. The very important for our teenagers was to watch as people are offering and sacrificing their time and finances to make their rest possible.

Altogether 11 children from Father’s House had a chance to visit the camp in Sweden. All of them came back renewed spiritually and physically, filled with unforgettable emotions and desires to come back to this beautiful country, and with new strengths started their new school year.

From the depth of our hearts we thank our friends and partners in Sweden for a wonderfully organized camp and unforgettable rest in this beautiful country. God bless you abundantly!

"The Treasure Island" Summer camp 2009

This year "The Treasure Island" summer camp took place in the Crimea, Kerch town. This camp is destined for adaptation and initial rehabilitation of children at risk. Varieties of methods are used during the camp program, and this year it was filled with interesting and with bright events and experiences.

Every evening the children had a chance to attend an Art class where they reveal their hidden gifts and talents, learning to think more creative and developing own taste. Also kids have been playing a lot outside, participating in competitions races and active games which helped children to join together for team-work, to make friends and help each other. Also children's dancing parties made them handle with some inferiority feelings and are an important part of esthetic education.

The children were given a chance to go for a local sightseeing – Adzhemushkai quarry, visited the museum of archeology and old fortes.

Also kids took part in camping contests, where everyone could learn how to put up tents, make a campfire, cook on fire, and make a tent city. The winners were awarded with real mount hike trip. And there on practice they could use their new skills and enjoy beautiful landscapes. Though, in the middle of the night a storm started, and our tourists had to come back home under safe roof.

Another very important part of rehabilitation process is spiritual rehabilitation. Every day Bible studies makes them form a correct system of values, and helps them to have a fellowship together. Every day in the camp had a name, like – "Let's make friends!", "God protects me", "As you saw you shall mow", "Don't judge others", "Forgive your offenders" and so on.

And of cause this all was happening on the background of the Black sea!

We would like to share with you a story of how child was changed during the period of camp. And there are a lot of stories like that.

Valya, 4 years old. She came here very sad, scared, often was crying, didn't wanted anything at all, and was scared of everything. And now Valya is dancing, laughing, takes part in different games and activities, swims in the sea and likes to communicate with everyone.

Anastasia is adopted!

In the middle of July the process of adoption of Anastasia from Father's House was finally complete. For about three months Ana together with her new mother were waiting for all the paperwork to be done. On Monday July 20th they arrived home. Anastasia was adopted by family from the USA.

For so many years Ana have been waiting and dreaming of own family and here finally she's got it! Now she is at home meeting her new older brother, relatives, neighbors and making new friends, in a month she is getting ready to enter a private school.

"The Father's House" ICF has opened a Children's House of Family Type in Radomyshl town!

The Children's House of Family type inauguration took place in Radomyshl town, Zhytomirska oblast on June 25th at 11.00


From that time one more Father's House ICF project in sphere of help to orphans and children left without parental care has officially started its activity.

Roman Korniyko "The Father's House" ICF president; Pavlenko A the head of Radomyshl regional authorities; Pyrozhenko A. Roadomyshl town mayor; Oliynyk V. "Salvation" church pastor in Radomyshl; Kovalchyuk S. the head of governmental children's service and other guests participated in the inauguration.

The couple of Olexander and Irina Kryschenko became caregiver-parents in this house. They are already taking care of two own and one foster child. For few years they have been working at "My family" Centre of Family Care at "The Father's House". After their contract come to an end they've made a decision to devote their lives for the ministry to orphan children. In summer 2008 "The Father's House" ICF leaders together with Olexander, Irina and Radomyshl regional authorities come to an agreement to open the Children's House of Family type in Radomyshl town. This project gave a chance to orphans of Zhytomyr oblast to be taken under care into family atmosphere.

To accomplish new project for the period of 2008-2009 the Father's House has repaired and equipped the house in Radomyshl town. This house is destined for ten orphan children living together with caregiver-parents.

The heads of oblast and town authorities addressed to the couple wishing a fruitful work, patience and mercy in this not so easy job. The blessing prayer for parents and children was spoken by "Salvation" Church pastor. To the guest's applause the ribbon was cut and everyone could come in for the tour into the house. The guests were offered a festive performance and stand-up meal.

Now Krischenko family has taken five orphan children. These are children with difficult life stories. And before them is the process of building relations, healing of heart wounds and real happiness.

We wish them peace and joy and believe that great God's glory will be shown in every child living here!

Singing Hearts "On the wave crest"

In June 12 till 14th "Singing Hearts" music group took part in "On the wave crest" all-Ukrainian vocal-choreographic festival. Girls were singing wonderful songs "We want to be heard" and "Where the love dwells", with music and words written by popular Ukrainian singer Oksamyta.

At the end by the results of the contest "Singing Hearts" took the second place in "vocal company" nomination!

We sincerely congratulate girls and their leader Lyudmila Girak with new place of honor.

"Father's House" shares its experience

On June 11 within the bounds of training visit "Child welfare system effective supply development" "Father's House was visited by the leaders of city social services for families, children and youth from Mykolaiv, Lviv and Poltava. Also representatives of oblast services participated in the visit.

The training visit took place as the part of realization of the "Prevent of children removal from family environment" started by representatives of "Every Child" charity organization in Ukraine.

During their visit Father's House president Roman Korniyko familiarized guests with Father's House structure and principles of work. At the Center of Social Care for Children guests had a chance to visit boys and girls' bedrooms, classroom, art studio and playroom. At "My Family" Center of family care guests visited family groups of Gavenko Sergiy and Masha, upbringing nine children ages six to sixteen and Gasinyak Sergiy and Lyudmila with seven children from six to seventeen years old.
Also the guests had a chance to watch performances of the "Dialogue" theatre studio and "Singing Hearts" music group.

At the end of event Roman Korniyko thanked guests for deep interest in the activity of "Father's House" and wished all the best in their work and presented everyone a set of informational and methodical materials, which can be very useful in their further work.

"Father's House" on the capital's main square!

"Father's House" took part at the Social Projects Fair under the patronage of Kyiv mayor Chrnovetskiy Leonid on June 6th on Independence Square in Kyiv. The event was made with a purpose to make citizens of Kyiv acquainted with different directions of social work of government and non-government organizations.

The activity of Foundation was represented by Raisa Shelashskays – director of "My Family" center of Family Care, Vadim Vergulesov – director of the Center of "Father's House" Social Care for Children, Lyudmila Litvin – assistant to director of "New Family" adoption department and Eugenia Nikiforova – "Father's House" ICF PR manager.

During the Fair we had a chance to represent all directions of "Father's House" activity.

We are very glad that thanks to this action more people had a chance to know about Father's House. And we believe that this information will give its fruits - new adoptive parents, friends and partners!

Farewell party for children at the Center of Social Care

On June 1st at "Father's House" Center of Social Care main hall children's farewell party took place. This year 11 boys and girls have finished the course of rehabilitation. And they were saying good bye to caregivers and staff to enter new stage of rehabilitation at "My Family" Center of Family Care.

«For some people the end of the year is December 31st, and for us every year ends on May 31st when rehabilitated children move further to "My Family" Center. It is very difficult to say good bye to some of them as we have gone though so much together – first grade at school, first lost tooth, hospitals, small and big victories! We all gathered by big table to remember of everything and to award distinguished.

In the end by our tradition, each child was given photo album with wonderful pictures of last year's most bright events.

And the next day we are going to take new boys and girls."
Demedyuk Olena, "Father's House" Center of Social Care for Children director's assistant

*1 boy was taken back to his mother rehabilitated at the centre for drug and alcohol addicted.

Children for children!

On May 29th, before the celebration of International Children's day, Lesya and Kolya Petrysenko, Kononiuk Angela, Saharova Vlada, Khutrskiy Sasha and other Father's House CSC children took part in the "Children for children" concert at "Cuba" club.

Children had a chance to watch special performance of young talents! Young singers sung wonderful songs in Ukrainian and English and dancers performed Latin-American and European dances. The atmosphere in the hall was wonderful – kids were singing, applauding and even dancing!

In the end of celebration all the children were invited for a meal with sweets and gifts! Children came back to Father's House happy and filled with new emotions!

Crimea Mount hike

Each person imagines rest in a different own way – some enjoy just sitting the whole day at home, some like city walks and outings, and there are some who take the big interest in active and even extreme rest and sports. The same is for Father's House children.

That is why the three years running some of children are taken to the mount hike. And this spring was not an exception. By joint efforts of the "Pilgrim's Hope" Recreation Centre and "Salvation" church team very interesting and unforgettable hike in Crimea mountains was organized. The route started at the Ghost Valley downhill the Dzhimerdhi mount (1240 m.) with an overnight stay by the Djurla waterfall and finished by the Djur-djur waterfall. Altogether there was 5 overnight stays in mountains.

In spite of foggy and rainy weather in the beginning, any of the children gave up the good spirit and start complaining and all of them were ready to go up to the mountains. During the trip children had a chance to learn putting up tents, making a camp fire and to cooking in field. The biggest experience for children was – swimming in mount waterfall and overnight stays to the birds singing. There were10 children altogether, and for most of them this mount hike wasn't the first, all of them came back filled with new experiences and now will be looking forwards to see the picturesque mountains again.

We express your sincere gratitude to Leonid for support in cooperation and organization and "Salvation" church team for good company and fellowship!

"I think we have to make more trips like this, as it really helps to make our friendship much stronger" Misha

"Thanks to this mount hike I could make more friends, and to watch the beauty of God's creation" Vladik

"… most of all I liked the hike team. I haven't even expected this hike to be that cool. I'm very thankful for given chance to visit such beautiful places" Sergiy

"When we went up to the Dzhimerdzhi mount and there we saw three horses I was so amazed! I thought those are real mustangs! Also I was very impressed as we were watching an eagle flying high!!! The whole hike was cool! We have to make it once again" Anya

Remembering the Victory Day

As we were telling our children of Victory Holiday, they couldn't understand what the war is. On May 11th we went to watch the reproduction of the Great Patriotic War combatants. Everything looked like a real - warlike equipment, planes and soldiers of two armies: soviet and German, explosions, shots and wounded. Children had a chance to watch these events, to hear and see how their grandparents were at a war, to know and honor their history.

"Sofiivka" National Park welcomed our children

During spring holidays a group from Father's House Center of Social Care attended one of the most beautiful parks in Ukraine – Sofiivka arboretum. To be pleased with the beauty of nature you don't have to go too fare – 2 hours drive from Petrivske village and you are there. Huge lakes, swans, different flowers, fountains! What a great pleasure for children was to enjoy with beauty and freedom. They were running around the meadows, climbing the rocks, feeding swans were watching ships in the river and were thanking God for how wonderfully he has made it all! And they came back to Father's House pleased and filled with new emotions and experiences.

We express our sincere gratitude to the Park administration for a given chance to visit that wonderful place for free!

Nastya is adopted!!!

On April 13th the farewell party for Nastya from the "Father's House" Family Care Centre was organized.

It's already more than six years as Nastya is under care of Father's House. Together with her we have been going through difficult times and hours of joy. In her life she has gone from life on the street to the rehabilitation at the "Treasure Island" summer camp, then the Center of Social Care and the Center of Family Care.

In the beginning of February the couple from USA came to Ukraine. It's a Christian family, with 6 own children 4 biological – 3 girls and one boy - and two adopted boys from Ukraine. The family came with a desire to adopt two more boys. When they have met Vitaliy and Eugeniy at Kyiv state orphanage and found out that they have a sister here at Father's House, they've decided to become parents for Nastya as well.

The legal procedure of adoption is finished and happy Nastya together with her brothers is leaving to United States.

All Father's House children were wishing Nastya all the best a lot of new friends and promised to keep in touch with her.

A new life is starting for Nastya. And from the depth of our hearts we wish her to bring happiness into her new family and to be cared and loved by her new parents.

Father's House children made Easter performance for school students

On April 15th by Father's House humanitarian aid department's initiative festive program "The joy of Easter" was organized and performed. All the students from 1st to 11th grade of local secondary school were invited there together with their teachers.

At the local village club hall all the children were watching an interesting concert program.

Kolya and Lesya, Vlad, Oleg and Angela were telling poems, pantomime theatre performed a play and "Singing Hearts" were singing their latest song "We want to be heard". At the end all the children were playing an Easter quiz game with prizes.

In the end of celebration all the children received wonderful presents and were happy and pleased on their way back home. We are so glad that on this holiday children got to know more about Jesus Christ and his Resurrection!

Mrs. Kateryna Yuschenko visited 'Father's House' ICF

On April 8th, 2009 the Head of the Supervisory Board of the "Ukraine 3000" Internationally Charitable Foundation have visited "Father's House" ICF. The honored guest was welcomed by Father's House President Roman Korniyko and all Father's House children. The most responsible roles were given to Saharova Vlada and Petrysenko Mykola, they were presenting flowers for Mrs. Yuschenko, lead her by the hand to the Centre of Social Care.

The Minister of Public Health of Ukraine, Vasyl' Knyazevich, «Verlagsgruppe Passau» Publishers representative, fundraising coordinator of information event for Helping children in Ukraine, Eva Fischl, Fist Deputy Secretary NSC of Ukraine, Volodymyr Ogryzko, Director of the Government Adoption and Children's Rights Defense Department, Lyudmila Volynets, Deputy of the Head of Kyiv Oblast Government Administration Valeriy Kondryuk, minister-counselor of the Embassy of FRG in Ukraine Susanne Schutz, well-known benefactress, co-founder of Father's House ICF, Sister Inge Kimmerle, representatives of local government, Embassy of FRG in Ukraine, «Verlagsgruppe Passau» Publishers and "Ukraine 3000"Foundation representatives were also present at the event.

The attendance of "Father's House" ICF was connected with the «Verlagsgruppe Passau» Publishers representative' visit to Ukraine. In 2005 by the initiative of The Dr.Hans Kapfinger Foundation in Gemany and "Ukraine 3000" Charitable Foundation proposition three charity projects were chosen, and one of them became "Father's House" ICF.

Thanks to the charity event, taken place in Germany, Father's House ICF received 923 440 UAH for repair works and equipment of neighborhood. Guests of honor started to familiarize with Father's House activity from the Center of Social Care for Children; they visited medical office, art workshop, class rooms, and boys' and girls' bedrooms. After the delegation passed the yard they visited gym, where Mr. Korniyko informed gests of conducted building works and performed finished results and achievements. The tour fro Mrs. Yuschenko and honorable delegation proceed at "My Family" Center of Family Care, where they visited one of the family groups, the Gavenko Family, who is taking care of 8 children 11-16 years of age.

Later Roman Korniyko presented the results of "Father's House" ICF activity for 2008, and performed directions of new projects. In his speech Roman sincerely thanked Mrs. Yuschenko --- for special care for orphans' destines; representatives of oblast and regional authorities – for cooperation and understanding; and German friends – for their support and thoughtful and considerate attitude to Ukraine.

Very warm was the greeting speech of Mrs. Yuschenko to all present. The honorable guest highly marked Father's House activities and significant progresses achieved. "Every time I come to Father's House I can see kindness in your eyes, - And it gives the inspiration for further works." Mrs. Yuschenko mentioned that thanks to the tireless work of Father's House we had a chance to overcome most of the small difficulties appearing in work with abandoned children. "Our difficulties are much bigger at the moment, as now we have to change the law system to fix achieved success and on the other side - to provide further destinies for these children".

The solemn moment of this meeting becomes the hanging of the State Award from President of Ukraine, Mrs. Victor Yuschenko – the medal for "The work and victory" to Ruslan Malyuta, Father's House vice-president. Also the greeting speech before guests was given to – Eva Fischl, Sister Inge Kimmerle, Vyudmila Volynets, Volodymyr Ogryzko, Vasyl Knyazevich and Valeriy Kondratiuk.

The most unexpected point of the meeting became the declaration of Valeriy Kondratiyk about providing Roshke family with 3 biological and 7 children adopted from the Center of Family Care, with housing in Kiev oblast. Mr. Kondratiuk promised to solve this problem in nearest time, and we believe this family will have a chance to move to own housing soon!

Throughout the event children performed wonderful theatre performance "Spring Upcoming". All the guests had a great pleasure watching this action.

At the end of the visit Mrs. Yuschenko has presented Father's House Children art sets, map of the star sky, and also each child was given a set of interesting books. In their turn children presented honorable guests hand-made presents.

Friends and partners meeting

On January 20th, the meeting for friends and partners was held at Father's House.

Every year in the beginning of January Father's House invites friends and partners, who support our work with orphans and children, left without parental care.

This day we were visited by the head of state children's service in Kyiv region – Andriyash Sergiy, Efrosinina Liza, our friends from business women's club "Modus Vivendi", directors of the programs "Care on distance", "Family for Child", our friends from "Life" company, "UkrAgroLiz", "XXIth century", National Aviation University and much more wonderful people who work with us for many years to change orphans' lives for better.

For this holiday "Father's House" children prepared wonderful theatre musical performance "the Nativity", also the exhibition of art works from children's workshop was presented. 'Father's House' President Korniyko Roman had a greeting speech and 2008 annual report was performed by Vice-president Ruslan Malyuta.

Later guests were offered buffet and friendly fellowship.

The whole holiday was in wonderful, loving atmosphere, and our guests wanted to stay even longer!

Dear friends!

Jesus Christ is born! Let us praise Him!

From the depth of our hearts we greet you with this great holiday!

Jesus Christ by His holy mercy and love gave us strength to live worthily through this difficult year 2008 and gave us a chance to become one year closer to the Kingdom of Heaven. When Jesus was born in a manger in Bethlehem three wise men from the East recognized Him as the King of all kings and brought Him prophetic gifts. And He in turn gave them eternal life, and the memory of their deed is passed from generation to generation for more than two thousand years.

For all of us on His Birthday Jesus gives New Year 2009 with its potentials and opportunities. Let this year become for you the Year of God's glory, the year of understanding and recognition of Jesus as the Lord of the heaven and earth as well as your personal life. Trust Him as the wise men did and enter the New Year with no fear.

He will help you to leave behind all worries, and New Year will bring God's Kingdom with its peace, joy and love into your families, your work and all spheres of your life.

Let God fill your life with joy beyond measure, strong health and new accomplishments.

Sincerely with prayers for you on the behalf of all children and staff of Father’s House.

Roman Korniyko

President, Father's House ICF,