Transform Ukraine’s mission of bringing people together to help the oppressed comes alive through the Transform Uzhhorod Alliance, where collaboration often produces amazing results. Our passion statement that “no one is invisible, and everyone has access to food, freedom, and forgiveness” found powerful expression when Clinton White, one of my personal heroes, was serving with One Collective’s team. While searching for ministry opportunities for an upcoming short-term team focused on children at risk, Clinton followed a recommendation from Alliance member Nehemiah to visit the Uzhhorod Children’s Hospital. There, he discovered an entire ward dedicated to babies abandoned at the hospital’s doorstep. His response was simply to begin visiting these little ones daily, showing them they were not forgotten.
This encounter with “invisible” children led Clinton and his wife Lena years later to establish their NGO Shade For Children, a ministry dedicated to “uniting churches and communities to cherish orphaned and vulnerable children in our region.” Their commitment extends beyond advocacy – they’ve embraced God’s heart for the fatherless by adopting their own son, modeling the transformative power of family.
Now, Shade For Children is taking a groundbreaking step in transforming regional orphan care. They are building Blossom Cottage, a loving temporary home for 8-10 orphaned children while permanent families are being sought. This project represents a crucial shift from institutional care toward a family-based approach. As part of their building process, they have hired our social business, STUD Frame Homes, to prepare the land and construct the post-frame structure. As land preparation nears completion, the wooden frames stand ready in our lumber factory for assembly.
Blossom Cottage Now
Blossom Cottage When Completed
This project embodies the collaborative spirit of Transform Ukraine, where ministries unite in their unique roles to serve our region’s most vulnerable. While Shade For Children leads this vital initiative, we celebrate how God weaves together different partners to accomplish His purposes.
Those wanting to learn more about this transformative project can visit the Blossom Cottage website. We invite our prayer partners to join us in lifting up this vital ministry and the children it will serve.