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Future for Children, Lviv
UKRAINE
Children to Love began partnering in Ukraine in 2017 through Future for Children, a rehabilitation center based in Lviv that focuses on strengthening families and preventing social orphanhood.
Future for Children does not operate a residential program, but instead works to address the underlying challenges that place children at risk and provide support to help families stay healthy and together. The ministry provides practical support, counseling, educational assistance and family-centered care to help create safe and stable home environments for vulnerable children.
Through its community center, children and parents receive services such as tutoring, Bible studies, life skills training, counseling and parenting support. Future for Children also serves families of children with special needs through developmental, physical and emotional therapies that help children grow and thrive while equipping parents with tools to better support their child’s unique needs.
In partnership with local churches and social workers, the ministry seeks to care for both the immediate and long-term needs of families while sharing the hope of the Gospel.
The Leadership
Future for Children is led by Irina Pisarenko, who has served vulnerable children in Ukraine since 1998. In addition to overseeing the ministry, Irina works closely with local child protective services and nonprofit networks advocating for the well-being of children and families throughout the region. Irina recently became a certified Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) practitioner to better help children who have experienced trauma and abuse.
How You Can Be Praying for Future For Children, Ukraine
Praise God for new children and families being connected with the ministry and receiving support.
Pray for protection, peace and hope for families affected by the ongoing war.
Pray for children with special needs and their caregivers as they receive therapy, counseling and support.
Pray for the ministry's upcoming camps, programs and outreach efforts to be safe, impactful and Gospel-centered.
A Story of Growth in Ukraine
Sofia
When Sofia first came to Future for Children in Ukraine, she was seven years old and facing significant developmental challenges following a childhood brain injury. Though she could communicate through sounds and gestures, she was not yet speaking. Through the ministry's specialized therapies, including speech therapy, sensory integration and counseling, Sofia began making remarkable progress.
Today, Sofia is speaking, learning new words and even beginning to memorize short poems. Her mother, Natalia, credits both the dedicated support of the ministry and God's faithfulness throughout their journey. What once seemed impossible has become a testimony of hope. As Sofia continues to grow and thrive, her story reflects the heart of Future for Children: walking alongside vulnerable children and families with practical support, compassionate care and the hope found in Jesus.
