Introduction

UCARE, Inc. (Ukrainian Children's Aid and Relief Effort) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) Organization whose primary focus is the children of Ukraine, primarily those living in orphanages and internaty. Our work aims not only to provide basic sustenance and better living circumstances for them today, but also to expand their options for a better future. UCARE, Inc. now has two major centers -– Detroit and Chicago along with volunteers across the USA (and board members in St. Louis, Kyiv and southern California). Together, we aim to help orphanages and internaty in Ukraine not only with materially, but also by aiding them with staff development, organizational skills, health and hygiene, public relations, personal growth and spirituality.

MISSION

OUR MISSION is to improve the quality of life and health of children residing in the Ukrainian orphanage system and to create opportunities for these children to reach their maximum potential. Currently, our primary focus is on the medical and educational needs of orphaned children in Ukraine. We cover the cost of medicines, surgeries, and hospital stays for children with disabilities. We are working on projects to provide prosthetics and cleft palate surgeries for Ukrainian children. We are also concerned about the young adults who are leaving the orphanage system. Through the distribution of scholarships/stipends, we will enable some of these youngsters to further their education at universities, colleges, and trade schools. A group of our volunteers travels once a year Ukraine on a Marsh-Route to distribute supplies to the orphanages, interview the staff and evaluate the facilities. Some of the supplies are donated here in the USA, others are purchased in Ukraine. Our members participate in the summer camp programs for orphans in Ukraine by working as volunteer camp counselors, doctors and workshop leaders. Without counterparts in Ukraine, our work would be extremely difficult and challenging. We help to subsidize the staff of our sister organization "Priyateli Ditey," in Kyiv, Ukraine. They provide much help to us in Ukraine, including administering the scholarships.