Secure Futures Centers recruit local families and individuals to participate in programs designed to prepare institutionalized children for adult life on their own. Kidsave provides volunteer mentors with training and ongoing support. The centers are located in Smolensk and Saint Petersburg.
Family mentoring
Participating families welcome institutionalized children into their homes for weekends, holidays and vacations. The children experience the benefits of family life, including :
- Safe and nurturing environments
- Values and a sense of belonging
- Positive role models
- Exposure to daily tasks and responsibilities
Each year, approximately 25% of participating children find permanency in local families. Another 55% acquire family mentors.
Individual mentoring:
Those who cannot host children are encouraged to become their individual mentors. An individual mentor forms a regular relationship with a child, including:
- Taking a personal interest in a child
- Teaching life skills
- Contributing to the child’s academic success and wellbeing
More than 50 emancipated orphans have individual mentors through the Secure Futures Centers.
Additional programs for older and emancipated orphans:
- The School of Life (Smolensk) organizes ongoing life skills training on important topics such as HIV / AIDS and substance abuse.
- We also provide support for teen orphan mothers (St. Petersburg). At least 20 young orphan mothers who were at risk of abandoning their babies have received psychosocial support through the center.
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