What is the Home of Hope?

The Bridge of Hope program is the result of joint efforts of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Edmonton and the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate, Ukraine.  This program has provided sponsorships, supported children’s summer camps, and conducted Christmas shoebox campaigns to numerous children in Ukraine since 2001.  The sponsorships throughout the past 20+ years have undoubtedly helped hundreds of children avoid life on the streets and poverty.

The Home of Hope is a project within the Bridge of Hope umbrella. It is another resource to help change the life path of those destined to homelessness.

The intent of this home is to provide housing, security, and life skills training to girls over the age of 16 to work toward beginning a career or furthering their education. The home is geared towards girls of this age group because currently there are children’s centres and orphanages throughout Ukraine that house children, but the resources are limited for those past the age of 16. Managing the home and taking care of the girls are the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate.

In 2007 a house was purchased in Lviv, Ukraine and was expanded to 5 times its original size. Renovations were completed in January 2014 and girls began arriving early that year. Since then, the building has been home to up to 22 girls at a time, ranging in age from 16-24. Some stay for a short time and others stay for a number of years.  Each situation is different, and the sisters determine how to manage what is best for each resident.

All of the girls are expected to either attend school or work at a practicum, to prepare them for life on their own.  Some of the areas they have specialized in are: fire and safety, education, music, culinary and tailoring. Although they are very busy studying, all of the residents are also expected to contribute to the house, and all have chores to do. As in other families, they learn cooking skills, and other life skills.

The house itself is spacious and comfortable but the girls do share rooms with either 4 or 6 residents in each room.  There is a small chapel where they can pray and where liturgical services are celebrated when a priest is available. They have study areas with desks. There is a large sitting where the sisters and the girls can gather to visit or watch TV.  They have a large dining room where they can share meals as a “family” and also entertain guests. The intent is to create an atmosphere of a loving family where these young women can grow to their full potential.

To support this initiative, visit our donation page and select the option of “Bridge of Hope Campaign” under Fund Designation. 

Update from Sr. Eronima at the Home of Hope

Since the onset of the war the Sisters and the girls that have remained in the house have been hosting people from Eastern Ukraine that have been displaced by the war.

Read the words of Sr. Eronima, who runs the Home with other sisters from the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate Ukraine. 

We continue to receive people who are fleeing the war. Some come and then make their way to the border. Then we accept others, and this is a constant flow of people.

People are very scared. They survived the bombing, and some sat in the basement for a week before they could leave. When they come to us, many cry, some have panic attacks. But then they calm down, because we try to create a clam, friendly, safe atmosphere.

The big stress (especially with small children) is evacuation. People go in very crowded vehicles (so you understand – where there is room for 4 people, 15-20 go). Then they drive in complete darkness, because, for safety reasons, they are not allowed to turn on their lights. They are also told that they cannot use cell phones during the trip. In Kharkiv, they said that the children were shouting, and crying in those basements, on the train constantly. There will be a lot of psychologically traumatized people, especially children after this war. In short – war, famine – is the greatest grief that can befall man on earth.

The people, especially in Western Ukraine, are very united – everyone does what they can. Some collect money and buy everything necessary for the army. Some bake bread, rolls, make varenyky, and stews. Some collect food for the military and refugees, or provide free medical care and other services to refugees, like transporting them across the border, and much more. This is what the enemy did not expect. That is why we believe in our victory! But it will be given to us at a great price …

In addition to receiving and helping the displaced people in various ways, made varenyky, as well as energy bars (from dried fruits, nuts, honey). And first of all, we pray. In addition to the prayers of the monastic rule, we have a daily prayer with the girls and refugees (who want to participate). We believe that GOD IS WITH US! And if God is with us, then who is against us?!