Ekaterinburg, Russia, March 3, 2023
Photo: ekaterinburg-eparhia.ru
The Ekaterinburg Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church opened and consecrated a resource apartment for struggling mothers recently.
The project is part of the Unexpected Joy shelter operated by the Diocesan Social Service Department. The apartment is intended as a transitional stage for mothers who, due to difficult circumstances, found themselves living at the shelter, allowing them to smoothly move back into ordinary life, the diocese reports.
The two-room apartment is designed for two families, with another room provided for the administrator and consultations. The apartment is fully equipped for children.
“Moms will live there almost independently: They will provide themselves and their children with food and nutrition, work, pay for utilities,” explained the shelter head Sister of Mercy Irina Navros. “Everything is as if they rented an apartment, only without rent, since our benefactor provides us with this room free of charge. Moms will not be left here without our supervision: They will be able to seek help from psychologists and a specialist in social work from the Orthodox Mercy Service.”
The first resident of the apartment has already found a job thanks to the help of the Church volunteers.
In its 6 years, the Unexpected Joy shelter has helped more than 150 women, including 24 mothers and 32 children over the past year.
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