THE WAR SENDS US FAMILIES and THIS IS WHAT WE DO. JANUARY 31, 2023.

JoAnn Wheeler (second from the right) came to Ukraine from First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach, FL., to spend time with children. While meeting families at the supermarket (below), we learned one boy needed a cell phone. Kids attend school on their cell. First Pres Vero and This Child Here split the cost: $212. We gave it to him and his mom that evening. (note the flags on the desk)

Sports and exercise are part of our program. Women's fitness,

Teens and kids with disabilities, big tennis (they call it), and table tennis.

The blanket project is underway with funds donated for this purpose.

For 3 hours on Sunday afternoon, we have "The Women's Center." The time of games, art therapy, and conversation, all led by a psychologist, has become a valuable part of our week. In all, 72 mothers have participated in our programs.

But the largest part of our work is with children, who come in four age groups, from 4-year-olds to older teens: a litany of crafts, choir, guitar and English class, Monopoly, Mafia, UNO, and games led by our psychologist to build trust and community.

Thank you for your continued support. As I said in a letter to donors, Every day they get better: more likely to linger and talk, and more apt to make hopeful statements about the future as they are supported by our staff, the friends they have made, and the activities in the programs we run. Please know how grateful I am… Robert Gamble --