Travel Report – Winter 2006

The winter of 2006, a most brutal one, brought much, snow, sleet, hail, and Floridian Rich Fillmon to Ukraine. The journey began Jan. 18, arriving in Ukraine to blizzard conditions I traveled with His Kids, Too! board members, Lynn and Ray. After 2 days of travel, I arrived in Dzerzhinsk. The roads were so bad that the driver could not take us down the street to the house, and we were forced to walk 300 yards. through 3 ft. of snow.

The purpose of this trip was to work with the church in Dzerzhinsk, distribute thousands of pounds of aid to orphans, and finalize the plans for the spring workshop. We encourage you to review the photos in the Photo Gallery. There are not a lot, due to the freezing temps, the camera froze several times, but I was able to ‘capture’ the essence of his trip.

First stop was the Dzerzhinsk Internot where the director warmly welcomed us. The children were thrilled to see us, as this is where the annual Bible camp is held, and the kids all love to see us. Sound Bible teaching, and genuine love for the children is evident in their response to this visitor. They had a small group for church, as most of the children were in homes, trying to stay warm, as the pipes froze at the school/orphanage. Returning the next day, we took several boxes of clothing, and purchased fruit for the Go Bananas for Orphans program. These children receive weekly fruit, because of the efforts of Kristy C. in Valdosta, GA and the great students at Lowndes Co. High School. We gave the kids a ‘belated’ Christmas celebration 4 kilos oranges, 4 kilos bananas (fruit was difficult to find at the market), cookies, candy, homemade lemonade (which was a big hit with the kids), composition books, and boxes of pencils (thanks to Hania Little), and little toy gifts for each child. We are so happy to report that this internot facility made it to the city playoffs in basketball! A huge accomplishment for an orphanage facility, and we are very proud of the boys. The coach had requested one thing, a leather basketball. While we were in Donetsk we made this purchase. After returning to Dzerzhinsk, we were able to present the gift to the coach, who was speechless! He stated that the regular school receives all the really great equipment, and the Internot’s get the leftovers. His Kids, Too! is going to work on changing that. We hope that you will help! Additionally, several VHS tapes (in Russian) were left for the kids.

The next stop was the ‘New York’ Internot, where the pipes had also frozen and blizzard conditions, so there were only 40 kids there. They received bananas, oranges, tangerines, cookies, candy and lemonade, all was a big hit! The kids also received 4 large boxes containing an assortment of clothing, shoes, (thank you Buckner International) and toiletries. This facility will be home to His Kids, Too! first Bible Camp, and they are waiting with great expectation for the summer to arrive.

To round out the aid to the village of Dzerzhinsk, we made a visit to the Artum Orphan Hospital. They were delighted to see us, and happy with the boxes of baby clothes (thank you Neve and Friends), toys, and asked for a couple of needed items (scales and potties). We were able to fill that request, and later returned with those items.

Getting to Donetsk was the next challenge due to the weather. We had at a minimum 700+ lbs. of humanitarian aid to get there, but road conditions were impassable. We waited a day and sorted more aid, and prepared for the trip. It was important to be organized on the delivery stops on the way to Donetsk, while we had a driver and a big enough vehicle to take boxes. Due to the weather, many drivers just refused to work, in addition to the high fuel costs. One had to ‘book’ a driver days in advance. As we left for Donetsk, we made several stops along the way to drop off aid to different places and families that His Kids, Too! serves.

Arriving in Donetsk, the first stop was Our Children. The director, a very pleasant person, was happy to see us, and 3 huge boxes of aid were left at this facility. Additionally, Lynn and Ray, the board members who live in Ukraine, met us. We were allowed to interact with several of the children, and dressed them in new clothes, and presented many new toys to them.

The next stop was the Teremok Orthopedic Hospital. The director, a totally delightful woman, was happy to see us, though surprised, since it is usually Teresa that travels. They currently have 57 children, but that number fluctuates. Vitamins were requested and purchased for the facility, along with requested fever reducer (which we had already). Discussion on the plight of CP children and adults ensued, as the director has full knowledge of this topic. She was able to shed some light on this, which gave us a greater understanding of the urgency of making some decisions concerning our future role with this population. Two large boxes of winter clothing, along with one box of toys were left with this facility.

After some rest, the next stop was the local Homeless Shelter/Transition Home for ex-convicts, and adults living on the street. Greeted by the director, he gave a full tour of the facility to us. The director was very open about the facility, their mission to the community, and was clear to state that their facility was the only one of it’s kind in the region. They were able to feed and sleep 30 persons, but with some renovations (His Kids, Too! was able to help with mattresses and bed linens), they now can help 50 persons. He was very gracious and happy to receive 3 large boxes of adult men’s winter clothing.

Moving on, the next stop was the Homeless Children’s Shelter. This facility usually home to 75 children, but due to the harsh winter 150 children were seeking refuge at the facility. They were packed, and happy to receive the 4 large boxes of winter clothing. We thank Glendale Rd. Church of Christ for the great winter coats.

The final stop for this day was the Aids Hospital, where His Kids, Too! is well known. The Director and head Dr. were happy to see the group, and graciously toured the facility with them, allowing for lots of photos. The hospital was almost at max. capacity of 85, 14 of the children have confirmed Aids, the rest are in the testing process to determine a diagnosis. Obvious signs of aid left by His Kids, Too! on previous visits were evident, crib mobiles, blankets, clothing, toys, the children were happy and are well cared for. Diapers were requested, and immediately purchased and sent to the facility.

Returning to Dzerzhinsk, the trip was coming to an end, but the snow was still coming down! Each facility received another visit, delivering requested items that were purchased in Donetsk. Each time, we were warmly greeted, and encouraged by the enthusiasm of the children. On each visit more fruit, cookies, and juice were distributed to the children. The winter was very harsh, and many children are sick with colds, fever, respiratory infections, etc.

This trip also was the beginning of a pilot program for orphans. We are excited about this program, and will provide more details as the program develops. The main goal is an effort to keep children out of the Specialized Children’s home, and the Invalid Homes. The city of Dzerzhinsk is embracing this program, and we are happy to provide the service to the community and children.

Plans were finalized for the Spring workshop and plans for the Summer Camp were formulated.  Wehn Teresa comes in Spring, all this will be completed. Thank you again for your prayers, concerns, and commitment to the orphans in Ukraine, without your help we could not do this vital work of reaching the lost for Christ. We are all called to ‘go’ (Matthew 28:18) some go to the store and purchase items to be sent to Ukraine, some are called to organize collection of clothing, some write a check to help someone else ‘go’, or to help with the work there, some pray for those who do ‘go’, some pray for the orphans, and some travel thousands of miles and ‘go’ to Ukraine. All equally important, and we all play a role in the great commission. Thank you!

In His Service,

Rich Fillmon

Director of Communications/His Kids, Too!

Please note, that due to the new monthly Newsletter,  information is now available on that section of this site.

Fall 2006 Travel Report

October is a great time to travel to Ukraine. The weather is fairly nice, and the trees are beautiful. His Kids, Too! Director, Teresa Fillmon, advisory board member Walter Steely and volunteer Kevin Mack had 2 busy weeks in the Donetsk region of Ukraine. Our time was well spent, moving throughout the region, visiting 18 facilities housing over 4300 children and adults, and leaving a trail of aid on our path. Because of your generous giving, thousands of children and adults received clothing, medicine, food supplements, shoes, bedding, toiletries, and much more.

It was a great time of fellowship for the saints at the Kirovo Church in Dzerzhinsk, and each worship time brought visitors. The church helped with a great service project of putting together the personal care bags for the orphans.

We met an American woman adopting 2 of our wonderful students from our summer Bible camp. Her mother was accompanying her, and it was such a joy to get to know them, and have their assistance with clothing distribution at the local Internot. We hope that we can continue our contact with the kids and their family, after they return. Additionally, another set of siblings are being adopted by a Canadian couple. It was really exciting to know that 4 children are moving into great homes, but we should continue to pray for that transition. Overall, adoption in Ukraine is in need of prayer. Hundreds of couples wait for the government to reopen for new dossiers, while they try to serve those who have already been waiting for over 1 year.

It is vital that each of you know that you are important to His Kids,Too! You play an important role in the life of a child. Every donation is appreciated, every toothbrush, every bar of soap, every pair of shoes, every heavy coat, etc. Without you, there is no way we could serve the thousands of unserved orphans and needy in Ukraine. You are making a difference!

Below is the breakdown by facility of aid distribution. Please feel free to review the many photos in the Photo Gallery on the website, www.hiskidstoo.org. Direct Aid to facilities from His Kids, Too!:

Artum Hospital

2 large boxes of clothing – Frieda and Lucille, Columbia Sportswear, MWCOC Toys – Jody G. His Kids, Too! Medical uniforms Night-lights Rash cream, wooden tongue depressors, thermometers, gloves PAMPERS – IPC Grant Heater for rehab. room

PROJECT from summer: Start the rehabilitation room project: wallpaper, paint, and review catalog for ordering items – we are pleased to report this room is COMPLETE with special thanks to a sponsor that wishes to remain anonymous (please see our Photo Gallery for the wonderful photos of the completed room

Needs: Funds for diaper program Funding for juice Funds for medicine

Internot – Dzerzhinsk

8 boxes of clothing – Raa Middle School – Columbia Sportswear, Andrea S. (and friends), Rachel E. Personal care bags – Central CoC, Sandy J. Facility – first aid supplies, large shampoo, toothpaste(s), lotion Underwear – Central CoC Fruit – GO Bananas New shoes – IPC and Anne H. 180 Mattresses – Funding provided by grant from Glendale Rd. CoC Bananas *

Needs: Personal care bags 100 towels – $200 to purchase in country Shoes (a constant need) Winter coats Easy board games – checkers, chess, puzzles

Donetsk Regional Children’s Psychiatric Hospital (NEW) Art supplies clothing

Needs: 100 sheets

Shaktrusk Internot

Blankets – Mary D. and South Trail CoC 3 boxes of clothing/shoes Personal care bags – Central CoC Facility – first aid supplies, large shampoo, toothpaste(s), lotion

*NEW Abakymova Orphan Hospital

clothing – Frieda and Anne H. Facility – first aid supplies, large shampoo, toothpaste(s), lotion Pampers – IPC Grant – on-going

Needs: They are a part of the monthly diaper project – $50.00 monthly

Aids Hospital – this facility is well cared for by Brother Jaydon Rogers and friends. 1 box of clothing – Frieda H., Michelle S. shoes – IPC Medical care bag, diaper rash cream Pampers – IPC Grant – on-going Medical clothing

Needs: Working on a grant project for this facility – financial assistance for starting a new program for families infected with Aids (these are intact families) $250.00 monthly for Pampers

Our Children

Underwear – Central CoC Medical clothing PAMPERS – on-going Facility – first aid supplies, diaper rash cream

Needs: Pampers – $200 monthly – in country purchase Funds for antibiotics – $100.00 monthly – in country purchase

Dzershinsk Orphanage

3 boxes of clothing –Rachel E., Raa Middle school, Stuart W.

Underwear – Central CoC Personal Care bags for each child – Central CoC

Facility – first aid supplies, large shampoo, toothpaste(s), lotion

Shoes – IPC Day School Sports equipment Bananas *

Needs: Sports equipment – $100.00 will purchase in Ukraine Art supplies – $100.00 – will purchase in Ukraine Shoes (larger sizes – 6 – 10) Christmas boxes (please contact us for more information)

Mental Hospital

2 large boxes of clothing – MWCOC, Betty R., Andrea R. and friends

Donetsk Children’s Shelter

3 boxes of clothing/shoes – Anne H., Andrea R. and friends, Millbrook Presbyterian Church Coats – Columbia Sportswear Easy board games – checkers, chess, puzzles Facility – first aid supplies, large shampoo, toothpaste(s), lotion

Needs: Sports Equipment – $100.00 – will purchase in-country Boots/coats

Adult Shelter/Donetsk

Adult clothing – Kathy G., MWCOC Blankets – Frieda

Toraz Invalid Hospital

Bananas* Cookies clothing – shoes Hats – Hania L.

Needs: Please contact us directly for needs for this facility

Novroghorsk Internot

Hats – Hania Little, Frieda (gloves) Clothing – Raa Middle, Millbrook Presbyterian Shoes Art Supplies – Millbrook Pres. Personal care bags – Central CoC

Needs: Boots Sports Equipment – $100.00 We would like to have a sponsor for a project at this facility, contact us directly Easy board games – checkers, chess

Teremok Orthopedic Hospital

3 boxes of clothing – Anita B. Frieda and Lucille, Michelle S. Shoes – IPC Medical clothing Toys – Raa Middle School, Jody G., Rick S. PAMPERS – IPC Grant – on-going

New Facility

TB Children’s Hospital 2 boxes of NEW clothing shoes – IPC

Blankets – Mary D. and South Trail CoC

Needs:

Medicine, boots

*NEW Hope of Dzerzhinsk Disability Group

This group will apply for a grant (contact us for specific details to help this deserving group of physically challenged children and adults)

Needs:

Laptop for a teen with Cerebral Palsy for his institute studies

Medicine: Desferal for boy with iron problems Resistance exercise bands

Craft supplies – $30.00 Sports equipment – $50.00

Applying for a grant for specific needs for their facility – please contact us if interested in helping

House of Prayer Church of Dzerzhinsk. One very large box of mixed adult and children clothing – Andrea R., Jane W., Kathy L. 2 bags of shoes – Kathy G., IPC Barbies and cars – Raa Middle School

Kremenchuk Boys Prison 8 large boxes of jeans – Margaret S. and Glendale Rd. CoC.

Kivoro Church of Christ Boxes of clothing for local distribution House of Prayer 2 large boxes of children and adult clothing

We are excited about what God is doing in the hearts of so many people in Ukraine and are thankful for the continued opportunity to serve them.

Volunteer Updates: We are thankful that Kevin Mack was able to join us in Ukraine, and his medical knowledge was helpful. We hope that he and others will join us for a future trip. Special thanks to Margaret S. and her colleagues and friends Five HUGE boxes of clothing arrived. See Photo Gallery for photos. Additionally, because of a generous sponsor, the Artum Orphan Hospital has a rehabilitation room. We are pleased to report we are bringing another child to the states for medical care, and we are thankful to Fresh Start for their support in this effort. We are thankful to each of you for your continued support. His Kids, Too! has well over 500 volunteers in over 17 states. God is good!

PRESENT NEEDS: Please note our needs area below each facility listed above, as needs are ever present and many times facility specific.

– Medical professionals ARE NEEDED to volunteer for our Spring trip. His Kids, Too! has been invited again to present life saving information to orphan teen boys and girls. We have the curriculum: we just need medical professionals to present it. If you feel moved to spend 7-14 days in Ukraine ministering to this age group, please contact us before February 1, 2007. director@hiskidstoo.org

– Christian Children’s Home – we are happy to report that progress is being made, and since we are registered FUND in Ukraine; this will greatly benefit the status of this project. Funds are still needed to complete the project, please earmark your donations: ‘Christian Home’.

We thank you again for your love, support, prayers and encouragement, and we look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Teresa C. Fillmon

Director/His Kids, Too!/Cornerstone Adoption Services, Inc. www.hiskidstoo.org www.cornerstoneadoption.com