Loving and restoring orphanage graduates toward life and community.
Our Vision
The end of the generational orphanage cycle in Zhytomyr, Ukraine.
Core Values & Behaviors
1 – Healing Relationship
a. We build safe and secure attachments to promote the healing process of orphanage graduates. b. We provide long-term, consistent, and reparative mentoring and discipleship relationships to inspire long-term transformation. c. We love boldly and build relational capital to influence our youth towards a life in Christ. d. All of our youth hear the gospel of Jesus Christ clearly presented in all of our programs, and staff are daily examples of Christ’s love.
*1 Corinthians 13:4-7
2 – Holistic Orphan Care
a. We practice the good news of Jesus by caring for the whole person, including advocacy for their spiritual, emotional, physical and relational needs. b. We inspire youth to give back to their community while they also travel down their own healing path. c. We prayerfully intercede and provide very practical life skills so our youth have opportunities to thrive.
*Colossians 3:23-24
3 – Dynamic Community
a. We work in partnership with our supporters; we are committed to transparency and good communication about ministry operations, prayer needs, and the stewardship of funds. b. We engage in deeper friendships and partnerships within the larger orphan care community. c. We work within the body of Christ to respond to God’s command to the Church to care for and bring justice to orphans.
a. We build safe and secure attachments to promote the healing process of orphanage graduates. b. We provide long-term, consistent, and reparative mentoring and discipleship relationships to inspire long-term transformation. c. We love boldly and build relational capital to influence our youth towards a life in Christ. d. All of our youth hear the gospel of Jesus Christ clearly presented in all of our programs, and staff are daily examples of Christ’s love.
a. We practice the good news of Jesus by caring for the whole person, including advocacy for their spiritual, emotional, physical and relational needs. b. We inspire youth to give back to their community while they also travel down their own healing path. c. We prayerfully intercede and provide very practical life skills so our youth have opportunities to thrive.
a. We work in partnership with our supporters; we are committed to transparency and good communication about ministry operations, prayer needs, and the stewardship of funds. b. We engage in deeper friendships and partnerships within the larger orphan care community. c. We work within the body of Christ to respond to God’s command to the Church to care for and bring justice to orphans.
*Ephesians 4:16
History
Through service trips to Zhytomyr, Ukraine, Last Bell’s founders began to see a problem. The orphans they met were frightened. They faced a grim reality after aging out: chronic unemployment, high risk of exploitation, and a suicide rate as high as 10%.
Early Years
Working together, American and Ukrainian Christians began to build a support system for these vulnerable youth. In 2006, Last Bell Ministries was born.
2006
In 2007 our first drop-in center opened to orphaned youth. Within three years our staff added counseling, legal help, and services for orphan parents.
2007-2010
Next, our team began visiting city trade schools, teaching life skills and inviting orphaned students into our community. We also launched a program for youth to apprentice in the building trade while creating safe housing for their peers.
2011-2016
Today, three facilities and around fifteen Ukrainian staff offer a range of holistic services. Orphaned youth receive mentorship, help with education, housing assistance, medical and dental advocacy, groceries, parenting classes, spiritual care, and more.
2017-Today
Each year, American gifts, prayers, and service make it possible for Last Bell to serve 400-600 orphaned youth and their family members. Each one hears how precious they are to our loving God!
