We delivered clothing to the M family home so that the children felt comfortable attending camp.
*names have been omitted to protect the identities of families
August 1, 2024
I hope this letter finds you well and that you are enjoying the summer season with your family.
Today, I want to share the story of the M family, whose resilience in the face of hardship has deeply touched us all at The Village of Hope Romania.
The M family consists of G, 14, and G, 7, who live in the town of Recas. Their mother recently passed away after a long illness, leaving the children to live with their father, M, who struggles with alcoholism.
Up until two months ago, G and G lived with their mother in an old house without heat or electricity. During the winter, they huddled together on a single bed to keep warm. When asked about their father, they said they wanted nothing to do with him due to his drinking problem.
However, after their mother’s death, the children had no choice but to move in with their father. They now live in a rented house with two rooms that serve as a bedroom and kitchen. There is no running water, and the toilet is a wooden stall in the yard.
When our social workers visited their home a few weeks ago, they found M asleep and heavily intoxicated at 3pm in the afternoon. His heavy drinking means he is unable to care for the children, leaving G to take on the role of caregiver for her bother.
G cooks and looks after G the best she can, sacrificing her own needs to care for her brother. Despite these challenges, G has shown remarkable strength and courage.
When we spoke to G about attending our Summer Camp, she was hesitant, fearing ridicule from other children due to their circumstances. She revealed that they lacked proper clothing, so we took their measurements and purchased new sneakers, t-shirts, shorts, swimsuits, sweaters and jeans for them.
We are delighted to tell you that G and G are attending camp this week!
They will participate in recreational, educational, and cultural activities, have the chance to make new friends, participate in counseling sessions with our social workers and resident psychologist to assess their needs. Most of all, they will have a much-needed respite and a chance to be children again.
When they leave Summer Camp our team of social workers will make weekly visits to ensure the children are safe, eating well, and have everything they need. We never abandon a child in need!
Here are Three Ways You Can Help Us
• G and G need sponsors to cover the cost of a week at Summer Camp. It costs $40 per day to send a child to Summer Camp. Would you prayerfully consider sponsoring one day for each child at $40.00 . . . two days at $80.00 . . . or one week at $280.00?
• Right now we have 40 children waiting to be sponsored for the last week of Summer Camp. Your gift in any amount will make it possible for them to attend.
• Essential needs: Your gift of $55.00 will enable us to continue to provide a package of essential items for a child/family containing food, medicine, and hygiene items.
Together, we can make this summer unforgettable for these children and help them start on a path to a brighter future.
I am grateful for each partner and for your faithful support each month.
Changing lives together,
