The Harbor - St. Petersburg - Orphan Care Resources 1

Mission Statement

The Harbor...Anchoring lives. Launching hope. Restoring nations

Our mission is to find the lost and forgotten orphans aging out of the state system who have a desire to succeed and to develop them in such a way that they are anchored in life and launched into a sustainable future.

Vision

Tens of thousands of orphans in Russia are moved out of state institutions each year at age 17. Most of these orphans enter a cycle of self destruction, often falling into a life of crime.. Many of these stories end in suicide. The founders of The Harbor recognized a profound gap exists between the orphanage and life outside. The Harbor fills this gap by placing orphans in residential family-style communities, giving them an education, and teaching them skills necessary to maintain a home and thrive in Russian society.

Outreaches of the Harbor

• Residential Program: Houses orphans in apartments. Live-in staff provide guidance, a home, and a platform for experiencing family life.

• Vocational Training Center: Teaches basic competency in technology, carpentry, English, sewing, cosmetology and more. Out of these

skills small businesses are born and lives are changed.

• The Culture Club: Offers lessons in music and drama. Encouraging creativity is both therapeutic and empowering.

• Young Mothers Program: Provides guidance and counseling to young, mostly single, mothers – all of whom grew up as orphans or

in troubled homes

A Holistic Approach

Harbor staff model and coach residents in life skills such as cooking, nutrition, and budgeting. They also guide them through completion of high school and prepare them for further education.

Russian pastors provide encouragement in the journey of finding God and meaning in life.

Psychologists help residents wrestle with their unique issues in both individual and group sessions.