Mission Statement
Our mission is to support and build the United Methodist Church in Samara, Russia, to enable it to care for and nurture those least able to care for themselves in Russian society such as the residents of children’s homes.
Overview of Ministry Activity
We have been involved in summer Volunteers in Mission trips since 1996. During these trips we have supported the growth of the Samara United Methodist Church through assistance in purchasing and renovating a Church building, and providing Church leadership development and training. We have also supported a Children’s Home in Samara via renovation work with the Children’s Home residents and gifts to support many children’s home programs such as medical and dental supplies, art, music, sewing and cooking. We also run one day Bible camp experiences for the children’s home residents each summer.
Most recently in the 2005-2006 school year, we started an Independent Living Program for students in their last year at the children’s home. Groups of 6 students receive training and support to live on their own for three weeks at a nearby apartment. Through the program, students learn budgeting, shopping, cooking, time management, and working effectively with roommates. We developed an assessment tool with 11 independent living skills which we use to assess the progress of each student in the program and to provide on going coaching. Students who improve their skill levels are given scholarship money in their bank accounts, with more money given with higher levels of improvement.
Plans and Goals
We plan to continue building the leadership capability of the Samara United Methodist Church and the surrounding Samara district and supporting the Children’s Home in Samara. We also plan to continue the Independent Living Program via assessing the success of the first year’s students at their vocational schools and adjusting the program as needed. We will determine if we can utilize other success models such as Children’s HopeChest which provide housing and skill building support for several years during attendance at vocational school. The issue is the cost benefit balance. Is it best to provide very high levels of support for only the best students or a lower level for all qualified students or some combination of both?
