Just outside Uzhhorod, a remarkable story of faith, resilience, and transformation continues to unfold at Rainbow Group Home, a vital ministry partner in our Transform Uzhhorod Alliance. For nearly two decades, this ministry has been changing lives, one young person at a time.
Rainbow Group Home was established as a transition home for girls aging out of Ukraine’s orphanage system at 16, and continues this vital work today, having helped nearly 140 young women build successful, independent lives. In Ukraine, when orphans age out at 16, they face a dire situation: the government provides only a sub-standard apartment and a monthly stipend that falls far short of covering basic living expenses. The harsh reality is reflected in government statistics showing that without intervention, 80% of girls turn to prostitution and 90% of boys to organized crime just to survive. Transition homes like Rainbow Group Home offer these vulnerable youth another path forward.
Recently, Rainbow Group Home expanded their mission by adding a new wing to serve as a private group home for orphans, aiming to rescue more children from the oppressive conditions of state orphanages. Though war interrupted the construction, your generous support enabled us not only to help them complete the project but also to temporarily adapt it as an emergency shelter for internally displaced families fleeing the conflict. The addition of solar panels through your donations and assistance from our Sister City in Corvallis, Oregon, during this critical period helped keep the facility operating despite soaring utility costs that had nearly forced them to close their doors.
Now, as displaced families have returned to their homes, Rainbow Group Home is operating at full capacity – continuing their original mission of helping girls transition to independent living while also providing loving, family-style care for orphans in their new group home wing.
During our recent holiday visit, we witnessed firsthand the incredible dedication of Vasiliy and Maria Lutso, who have faithfully led this ministry for almost 20 years. When offered the chance to relocate to America during the war, they chose to stay, following God’s calling to serve the children of Ukraine during these challenging times. Watch their amazing story of faith and dedication here.
As Rainbow Group Home continues its vital dual mission, they face an immediate need for roof repairs. Your support can help ensure this beacon of hope continues to shine brightly for Ukraine’s most vulnerable children.