"Journey of Hope"
Orphan Hosting in Indiana:
The Fatherless Foundation brings groups of Ukrainian orphans to Indiana for a cultural exchange experience 1-3 times per year. The children will stay with host families throughout the state of Indiana for approximately 3-4 weeks, and the hosting experience is similar to having a foreign exchange student. This hosting program was designed to give the children experience in a new culture and a much needed break from the orphanage setting. The goal of bringing them to Indiana is to inspire and instill hope in these children, allowing them to know that a family here in the United States cares about them. The host families are encouraged to stay in contact with the child they host once the child returns to Ukraine. For some of these children, this hosting experience will be the first time they have experienced a “normal” family life.
Host families do not need to have any intentions of adopting a child; this is not an adoption program. Host families play a big role in building awareness of international adoption by introducing their host child to family, friends, coworkers, and their church congregation through normal activities while the child is with the family. The children are older (ages 7 -14 years old) and have only a slim chance of ever being adopted in their native country. If the host family decides to pursue an adoption in Ukraine through our hosting partner MLJ Adoptions, Inc., the family may request to adopt the child they have hosted. There is no guarantee that the family can adopt the child hosted because only the government of Ukraine can make an official referral for adoption.
Host families must complete a background check and pay the travel expenses for the child they host. The cost to sponsor a child varies with each trip and will be a tax deductible donation. Families are encouraged to participate in fundraising to offset the cost. The children will be covered by insurance. Translators and caregivers from the orphanage also travel with the group. The children speak Russian and Ukrainian. Amazingly, there is little problem with communication during a hosting experience. Host families are given language guides, provided with help when needed for communicating, and provided with a list of translators available by phone 24 hours per day.
If you are in Indiana or a surrounding state (within 2 hours driving distance) and interested in hosting a child, fundraising, or sponsoring a group in your area, please contact Hosting Coordinator Valerie Karlsson.