Sparrows Nest Inc

Programs: The work of sparrows nest in 2017 continued to center around the needs of orphaned and abandoned children in institutionalized care. This care continues to take place largely in latvia with support and education provided to orphanages in surrounding countries. During 2017 we had thousands of service hours as we continued residential care in our orphanage homes and helped non-residential children and families in crisis. We also continued our outreach to elderly and with the help of designated funds we were able to make surgeries, dentures, and monthly bills for medicine possible for senior citizens without families to care for them. Many of these senior citizens also volunteered to read, teach crafts, and help with music for the children. During 2017 we had 32 children placed in families of some type and 49 new children that came. The 32 children placed in families are as follows 1) foreign adoptions - 7 children 2) returned to biological family - 9 children 3) placed in foster family and guardianship in latvia - 16 children volunteers during 2017 included six retired latvian citizens who gave an average of four to six hours weekly teaching music, reading, and helping with the care of infants. We had several college students, two from the united states, who volunteered for two to four weeks with the care of the children. Several church groups came to help with preparing our farm for winter by covering the gardens and collecting, splitting, and stacking firewood. In 2017 the original orphanage home was sold. It had been determined that the roof was asbestos and needed to be replaced along with other less major repairs. The total cost of all repairs was estimated at 65,000 so the board decision was to sell the home. In place of the home, we purchased a four room apartment. This apartment is used for guests, adoptive parents during their required visits, and special care of children. Our staff size remains stable at 30 staff members. There is some struggle to find and retain well-qualified staff as the younger generation of latvians continue to move in large numbers to western europe. We celebrated our 20th year of service to orphaned and abandoned children in latvia. The ministry of child welfare has asked us to serve as a model for other orphanages and rehabilitation centers in latvia. We have received delegations from seven other centers and continue to share our model and experience with others.