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Matrona

Name:
Matrona
ID #:
SZ01710
Age:
12
Birth:
May 2, 2012
Country:
Ukraine

Dear sponsor,

Hi! My name is Matrona, and I’m 12 years old. I live with my mom and my two little brothers. My mom is unemployed as she takes care of us. My little brother is super funny and always makes us laugh. My best friend is Sofia. She’s really sweet and kind, and we love playing charades together. I’m in the 6th grade, and I walk to school because it’s not too far. I spend about 5 hours there, and I have different lessons every day. My favorite subject is crafts because I love being creative! I like all kinds of food, too. In my free time, I like to walk in the park and enjoy the fresh air. When I grow up, I want to be a kindergarten teacher because I love kids! Thank you so much, dear sponsor, for helping us and for bringing us moments of joy.

Also, I’m curious—why did you decide to help people? Tell me all about yourself. I Can’t wait to exchange letters.

Love,

Matrona

Caseworker’s comments:

Matrona is a sweet and gentle girl who is known for being calm and a bit shy. She feels most safe when she’s with her mother, and when they are apart, she often gets nervous. Despite her reserved nature, she shares a wonderful bond with her brothers. They love to play together, and Matrona enjoys keeping them amused. She also has a special affection for the family’s birds and their playful kittens.

Matrona shares a bike with one of her brothers, and whenever he isn’t riding it, you can find her zooming around with joy. She loves to run and stay active, always looking for new adventures. In school, Matrona shines brightly, especially in math and physical education, where she really excels. She brings a lot of happiness to those around her with her bright spirit. Matrona is truly a joyful child, filling her home with laughter and love.

We have known this family for several years, and our hearts go out to them. Matrona’s mother faces challenges in her psychological and intellectual development. She has never been officially married and has children from two different men, but the children have never met their fathers. They are raised solely by their mother, who does her best to care for them despite her limitations. The older children show signs of mental disabilities, and their brother Denis struggles with behavioral issues. Growing up without a father figure means they miss out on the support and guidance a dad could provide. Still, the children love and respect their mother.

We take the kids to Christian camps, where they can find joy and learn important values. In between these camps, we visit them regularly, bringing food and sharing Bible lessons. Before we got involved with the HART program, we had only interacted with the children outside their home, as their mother was often away. When we finally saw their living conditions, it broke our hearts. The house was in terrible shape, filled with dirt and neglect. The children don’t fully understand how bad it is; they think their home is just fine. They even ask to ride in our car because they’ve never had that experience before.

The family needs social support because the mother struggles with her intellectual and psychological challenges. The youngest boy is a bright and kind-hearted reader who does well in school, showing a different spirit from his older siblings. Matrona, however, faces developmental issues, especially with her speech, which makes things difficult for her at school and in everyday life. Their oldest son is hyperactive and often gets into trouble, which creates stress for their mother.

We are committed to continuing our support for this family by taking the children to more Christian camps, where we aim to teach and nurture them. However, there is much work to be done.

The conditions in their home are deplorable. It is a small, run-down house with two interconnected rooms and a kitchen. Everything inside is scattered and dirty—clothes, food, and toys are everywhere. There is no running water, and cooking is done on an old wood-burning stove that is in poor condition. The house lacks basic sanitary facilities, leaving us unsure of how the children maintain hygiene. The bedding and carpets are filthy, and the overall state of the house is heartbreaking.

This home desperately needs cleaning, maintenance, and renovation. Although it’s an old house, it could be restored with care. The windows, doors, walls, and floors need repair, and installing a bathroom or shower is crucial. The kitchen requires complete renovation, including fixing the stove, setting up running water, and providing proper furniture and a washing machine. The children’s living space also needs updating, with new beds, wardrobes, and a table.

Despite its small size, this home can be a safe and loving space for the mother and her children if it’s properly cared for. However, right now it feels chaotic and neglected, filled with clutter and mess.

The mother welcomes guests warmly, even though she admits the house is a bit untidy. It’s clear that she needs support from a psychologist, as she lacks family or friends who could help her navigate these challenges. The family requires humanitarian aid, including clothing, shoes, school supplies, food, bedding, towels, hygiene products, and cleaning supplies. They also need medical attention, especially for Matrona, who has health and developmental concerns. The oldest son’s hyperactivity makes it tough for the mother to manage everything on her own.

This family truly needs social support to help them through these difficult times. We want to do everything we can to assist them, and we hope others will join us in this effort. Thank you for choosing to support Matrona and her family.