ASSISTANCE FOR THE FAMILY-TYPE CHILDREN’S HOMES OF MARINA ARTEMENKO AND MATSYTSKA OLENA (25,436 UAH)

Last week, we provided assistance to two family-type children’s homes amounting to a total of 25,436 UAH.

For the family-type children’s home of Marina Artemenko, we purchased a shower cabin costing 15,459 UAH.

7 children, Rivne village, Kirovohrad region

History of their family-type children’s home (from Marina Artemenko’s perspective)

My husband and I dreamed of having children to whom we could give love, instill family values, and provide a good education. Thus, in 2010, we welcomed two children—a brother and a sister—into our family as foster parents. At that time, we already had our biological daughter, Bohdana.

Five years later, we were asked to take in another five children. After considering our capabilities, we brought them into our home. From that point on, we became a family-type children’s home. Two of the older children have since left the family, and we were asked to take in two new children in their place.

Currently, we are raising seven children, including our eldest biological daughter, who has a disability and requires constant care.

All our children love drawing, singing, dancing, and playing games.

For the family-type children’s home of Olena Matsytska, we purchased a freezer costing 9,977 UAH.

8 children, Machukhy village, Poltava region

History of their family-type children’s home (from Olena Matsytska’s perspective)

In 2015, I was offered by the Center for Social Services for Family, Children, and Youth to create and head a family-type children’s home. At that time, I had already worked for 20 years as the deputy director for educational work at an orphanage school. I agreed, and we welcomed five children into our family. Over the years, our family has grown, and today we have 11 children—4 boys and 7 girls.

Each child is special, with their own life story, pain, and experiences. We strive to give each one attention, warmth, help, and education, and to ensure they have a better life. Together, we are a family, brothers and sisters, and mom Olena. When we are all together, we are never bored. We love spending time actively, playing sports, traveling, and celebrating birthdays and holidays as a family.

Since February 24, 2022, like most Ukrainians, our lives have been divided into “before” and “after.” We stayed in Ukraine. During the early days of the war, solidarity, friendliness, support, and love for each other helped us cope. However, the stress remains for each child, with the youngest, Anastasia and Sofia, still fearful when an air raid siren sounds, seeking protection near their mom.

The assistance was provided under the “Help to Family-Type Children’s Homes” program.