This is the work—supporting children where help is needed most.
Ukraine / Poland (Ustka)
Currently, Kim is working with five Ukrainian orphanages that are now located in Ustka, Poland.
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These children and their caregivers have been living in Poland since the start of the war, as the areas of Ukraine they are from are still too dangerous to return to.
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Being away from home for this long has been incredibly difficult. The caregivers have had to leave their own families behind, yet remain deeply committed to the children in their care. The people of Poland have been incredibly welcoming and supportive throughout this time.
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Because these are Ukrainian orphans living outside of their country, their privacy must be strictly protected. For this reason, we are unable to share their names or show their faces. The images shown here are general representations.
How We Help
In addition to the specific support outlined below, Kim helps in many everyday ways.
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If a child is hospitalized, a caregiver must stay with them—Kim helps cover those costs. She also helps pay for transportation, including fuel for medical visits.
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These are just a few examples of the ongoing support provided.
Visits & Connections
One of Kim’s favorite parts of this work is visiting the children.
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Each time she travels, she brings suitcases filled with gifts and sweets. On her last visit, she brought six full suitcases. Creating moments of joy for the children is one of the most meaningful parts of this work.
The Orphanages
The five orphanages Kim supports are led by:
Vera
Vera’s group includes 28 children ranging in age from three to 14 years old. Many of the children have disabilities, including four with severe needs. These are the children Kim focuses on most closely. She purchased a specialized wheelchair for one child so he could go outside and be included with the other children. She also provided a customized stroller for another child. Ensuring that every child can participate in daily life and activities is incredibly important, and something Kim is deeply committed to.
Svitlana
Svitlana’s group includes approximately 16 children ranging in age from nine to 18 years old. Many of the children have significant dental needs. Kim has funded braces for a brother and sister in the group, and they proudly share their progress each time she visits.​ There is also a young girl in this group who experienced severe abuse before losing her mother. She now lives with both physical scarring and nerve damage. Kim hopes to find a doctor who can help restore both function and confidence for her.
Natalia
Natalia’s group includes seven children ranging in age from ten to 19 years old. Kim has helped provide braces for two of the children in this group.
Nadia
Nadia’s group includes 23 children between the ages of 10 and 21. Many of these children face ongoing psychological challenges. Kim helps support their care by covering doctor visits and necessary medications.
Olena
Olena oversees two groups. ​The first includes 25 children ranging in age from 10 to 19, and the second includes 10 children ranging from 10 to 15. Within these groups, there are children in need of dental care and one child who requires surgery on their hand. Kim is actively working to provide support for these needs.
What's Next
The children have recently moved out of a large hotel that was housing them at the start of the war and are now transitioning into individual homes.
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Kim is helping prepare these homes—adapting spaces for children with disabilities, and providing furniture and essential household items.
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This transition is incredibly meaningful for both the children and their caregivers, giving them a greater sense of stability and home.
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Kim will continue working closely with all five orphanages. She has built strong relationships with the children and their caregivers and remains deeply committed to supporting them.
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We will continue to share updates as this work evolves.
