Why we are needed

According to a study by the University of Wisconsin, growing up in institutions like orphanages can be detrimental to a child's brain development, primarily due to the lack of stimulation and interaction with others. Additionally, research on the impact of early childhood adversity on children's development highlights that a lack of adult support during stressful experiences can cause toxic stress, disrupting the developing brain circuits and leading to developmental delays. It is essential to recognize the orphanages the limited ability of orphanages to care for children beyond mere survival. Because of this, when the children reach adulthood and leave the orphanage, they are severely handicapped in their social and life skills and have no one to turn to for help.

no HOME . no LIFE SKILLS . no JOB . no HOPE OF A FUTURE . nowhere TO TURN

Over 1,000 orphans in the Nizhny-Novgorod region age out of the orphanage yearly

SOME TRUTHS

  • Homelessness & street survival are common

  • Standard level of education is 9th grade when aging out. Less than 3% achieve a higher level of education

  • Many are cheated out of entitled state benefits and/or taken advantage of by family and friends

  • Many are preyed upon by human traffickers, prostitution pimps & drug dealers. 40% turn to criminal activity

  • 40% become alcoholics and/or drug addicts

  • 10% commit suicide

HOW WE STEP IN

  • Provide a family structured transitional housing program with full-time mentors who model God’s love & teach life skills with a goal toward competent independent living for each resident

  • Provide guidance & assistance in obtaining orphan benefits, documents, job skills, and a higher level of education

  • Provide professional Christian counseling to help residents process past trauma & emotionally prepare for their future

  • Respect each resident as an individual with needs unique to their life story

We appreciate your interest in our ministry. For further information about what we do please email, write or find us on Social Media. Thanks!

The Harbor Nizhny

P.O. Box 2082

Bluefield, West Virginia 24701