Dear Sponsor,
My name is Maksym, and I am 7 years old. I just finished first grade! My favorite subject in school is “I Discover the World.” I walk to school every day. I really like riding my bike, doing push-ups, and working on my abs. My favorite foods are borscht and pizza. I live with my mom, my sister, and two brothers in a village called Semyduby. My uncle and grandma also live with us.
Thank you so much for wanting to help me and my family! I’d love to get to know you through letters.
Your friend,
Maksym
(The letter has been written by Maksym’s mom because he can’t write well yet.)
Caseworker Comments:
Maksym is a kind, calm, and sincere 7-year-old boy who is always ready to help his mother by picking up his toys and putting his things away. He is a good listener and enjoys attending Sunday school, where he loves learning more about God and making new friends. Maksym has a lot of energy and loves staying active; whether it’s doing push-ups, working on his abs, or riding his bike. His cheerful and open nature makes him a joy to be around, and he brings warmth and kindness to everyone he meets.
Maksym’s family faces unimaginable hardship, living in poverty and struggling with difficult circumstances. They share their home with his grandmother and uncle, both of whom have battled alcohol abuse. Tragically, six months ago, Maksym’s grandfather, who also struggled with addiction and had an aggressive temperament, passed away. Maksym’s mother has four children from different fathers, but she has never been married and leads a challenging life. She too has periods of alcohol abuse, making it difficult to provide the care and stability her children need.
Vitalii, Maksym’s older brother, is autistic and at times can be aggressive. The family is living in extreme poverty, and the social support the mother receives is not enough to meet their basic needs. Often, she resorts to selling her belongings to make it through until the next payment. Despite the hardships, Maksym’s grandmother, who attends church regularly, does her best to support the family. Though her pension is minimal, she works hard to keep a small household with a vegetable garden and a few chickens. She tries to help care for the children when she can, though Maksym’s mother still plays the primary role in their upbringing.
Maksym’s younger brother, Ivan, is three years old and has not yet spoken. He struggles with health issues, but due to financial constraints, his mother has not been able to take him to see a doctor. Ivan’s behavior seems different from children his age, and he cannot follow simple instructions. The family is desperate for medical help and support for their children, especially Ivan. Maksym’s sister, a fourteen-year-old girl, is intelligent but isolated, with no friends and little social interaction. She frequently attends church and helps her mother and grandmother, but she has developed a deep distrust of men, likely due to her mother’s past.
The family’s living situation is far from ideal. They live in a small house owned by Maksym’s grandmother, which consists of three rooms, a kitchen, and a hallway. The uncle occupies one room, while the rest of the family shares the remaining space. The house has not been renovated in years and is in deplorable condition. The walls are cracked, the plaster is falling off in places, and the floors are worn and damaged. The house lacks basic hygiene and cleanliness, and the children, except for Ivan’s older brother, all sleep together in one overcrowded room with their grandmother. This lack of personal space and proper sanitation leaves them living in very difficult conditions.
The house has a water supply, but there are no proper facilities for bathing or maintaining personal hygiene. The family desperately needs a bathroom with a toilet and shower to improve their living conditions and provide comfort. They also require medical treatment for the children, clothing, and support with food. This family’s situation is severe, and without help, it will be nearly impossible for them to overcome these challenges. Providing basic necessities and improving their living environment would offer them a chance at a better future and the opportunity to thrive, despite the struggles they face.
With your support, we can give Maksym and his family the help they so desperately need. Thank you for considering their story and offering your kindness.
