Universal Aid for Children, Inc.

After researching organisations supporting Ukrainian children affected by the conflict, I decided to sponsor a student through the UACUA scholarship programme last year. What started as a simple monthly donation has become one of the most meaningful events in my life.

What impresses me most about UACUA is how efficient they are. Of my $57 monthly donation, $50 goes directly to the student for living expenses and only $7 goes to the administration of the programme. Their financial transparency and 501(c)(3) status has given me confidence that my donations are making a real difference.

When the war intensified, UACUA expanded their humanitarian efforts to help internally displaced families in the Odessa region. Through their regular updates, I saw firsthand that they were providing essential food packages, medicines and emergency assistance to those who had lost everything.

Hi, my name is Diana. I have been receiving assistance from the UAC organization since 2022. I am very grateful to the sponsors and founders of this wonderful organization. For me, and I think for many others, it serves as a lifeline in this difficult time. There is a war in my country now and I got to the UAC just at the beginning, when I literally had to not live, but survive. Now, thanks to the UAC, I can count on help when I need it. For example, I no longer have to worry about not having enough money if I need to see a doctor. It gives me a sense of calm and support, which is very important to me now. I wish everyone involved in this organization happiness and goodness, and endless prosperity to UAC itself! Thank you for everything!

I would like to express my deep gratitude to Universal Aid for Children, Inc. (UAC) for their invaluable assistance. Thanks to your foundation, I received support in difficult times and feel great gratitude for your generosity and care. Your contributions have truly changed my life for the better. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your dedication and desire to help others.

I would like express my deep gratitude for the support provided by Universal Aid for Children,Inc

I would like to express my deep gratitude for the support provided by Universal Aid for Children, Inc. Many thanks for your participation in my life, thanks to you my life has become much better

Thanks to the organization Universal Aid for Children, Inc. I am very grateful that such kind people have appeared in my life, with your help I can get a higher education and do what I love

Good day My name is Dmytro, I learned about this organization UAC from my friend, "his mother once received a lot of help from this organization so that she could finish university, she is an orphan, the organization is still working today, helping students in need. And in connection with the war, it provides families with food packages every month - these are families with many children and forced migrants from the war zone, many single mothers. I am delighted with how much good the organization does. Thank you for your kindness. You are wonderful. God bless you!

I would like to express my gratitude to Universal Aid for Children, Inc. Thanks to you, I can get a higher education, thanks to you, I can live better. Thanks for your support. I am very glad that there is such a reliable organization and such kind people!

Hello My name is Victoria Stratan, this year I became a student of the UAC organization. The organization has wonderful people who are always ready to help under any circumstances, both happy events and difficult times and moments with you. It’s like a second family, so to speak! Always a charge of positivity! I am very grateful that I can be in such a wonderful and reliable organization!

My name is Seryozha. I am from Ukraine, a student at the Ushinsky Pedagogical University. I'm a 3rd year student. I thank you for the help provided by the UAC organization.

Good afternoon. My name is Ilya I study at Polytechnic University at the specialty " International relations, public communications and regional studios. I am grateful to Clara, Irina Anatolievna, Linda and all the staff of the UAC for helping me throughout all these years to get an education at the university. Thank you so much for your support. UAC has become a family where I can share my experiences and ideas. Thank you all so much for continuing to help in such difficult times.
With gratitude and love Ilya.

Меня зовут Бугрий Оксана!Я очень благодарна организации помощь детям.На протяжении всех моих студенческих лет всегда помогали и поддерживали.А также очень благодарна Линде и Ларри что не забывают обо мне и сейчас.И всегда поддерживают со мной связь.Организация помощь детям помогает всем деткам сыротам и сейчас особенно поддерживает даже выпускников в столь тяжелый час для Украины.Хочу пожелать вам всем крепкого здоровья ,удачи во всём и мира и благополучия!

Здравствуйте,мне зовут Мария! Я являюсь выпускницей организации UAC. Организации помогала мне когда я училась с начала в училище,а за тем и в университете. Также когда у меня были серьезные проблемы со здоровьем организация тоже помогала оплачивать лечение! Хочу сказать спасибо всем кто помогал и поддерживал меня на протяжении многих лет! А также помогает и поддерживает мою семью сейчас! Спасибо!

Hello. my name is Shapovalov Vyacheslav I am a graduate of the UAC organization. I would like to express my gratitude to the UAC organization for its support over the years! Thanks to UAC, I had a lot of opportunities and support. In the UAC organization, I found real friends and good people who have been helping me for many years!

Hello
I want to say a big thank you to the UAC organization for everything they have done and continue to do for us. Thank you so much for everything.
You are wonderful people with big hearts.

Hello everyone! I want to thank Universal Aid for Children organization for huge support ( aid ) for orphans children from Ukraine. This Organization changed many kids fate for better life’s. I was a student 2003 one of the orphanage school # 4 Ukraine Odessa, me and my younger sister got aid in different cases from UAC .
Thanks a lot for your help and existence , wish you success and prosperity❤️������

I have been supporting UAC’s Teen Scholarship Program for the past 15 years and during that time have attended numerous graduation ceremonies in Odessa. There is nothing more rewarding in my life than helping these deserving young men and women obtain an education and succeed in their lives. What makes UAC stand out right now is how they have stepped up during this unprecedented crisis in Ukraine through providing support to the refugees in Odessa. Victory to Ukraine!

I have been involved with supporting UAC and the various projects and orphanages for the last ten years. They offer hope, support, and direction in life that many of the orphaned students in the Odessa area would not have otherwise. I have visited several times with the staff in Odessa, my sponsored students, and some of the orphanages that UAC supports. I am happy to say that they are very conscientious and diligent about the management of resources and work very hard to help so many children. A very worthwhile organization!

Since 2007 Universal Aid for Children, Inc. (UAC), has been my go-to organization in my calling from the Lord to service those most in need in the Odesa area of Ukraine: the orphans, students, underserved low- or no-income families, and others in need. After Russia invaded Crimea followed by the invasion of Donetsk and Luhansk the mission expanded to include assisting children, families, and handicap refuges. Because of the adverse impact on Ukraine by the 2022 Russian invasion, UAC has been quickly adjusting to the ever-changing challenges of the daily life of those it serves. UACs has expanded its support to include medical supplies, batteries, and other essentials. I am blessed to be able to continue to serve those in need in Ukraine through UAC.

I am so great til to UAC for helping forgotten children in Ukraine to obtain an education and make friends for life. To be able to donate to help them do this helps my mothers country‘s children live a full life. I have been a sponsor of several children one of whom had to evacuate to Belgium because of this war. To be able to correspond with them thru letters let’s me know how they are living and what they are learning. It’s like having adopted children!
Thank you UAC for giving them a future.

A big thank you to UAC organization.
Ten years ago UAC organization changed my life completely by finding me a loving family and from there getting a better education.
I am super greatful that we have trustworthy, kind and amazing Organization like UAC.

Hello, I want to share my good impressions of the UAC organization. The team works at the highest level, even despite the fact that there is a war in Ukraine, the guys do not slow down. They help all segments of the population who remained in a difficult situation. These are families with children, with disabilities, with pensioners. The organization provides very good food packages. Thank you very much for not leaving people in trouble, including my relatives. I wish you prosperity, guys!

Hello, my name is Dmitry, I was in the UAC organization back in 1999 and throughout my studies I was supported financially and morally, so I had no relatives, the organization is real seven, I am very grateful. Now, when we have a war in our camp, many are left without work and it is extremely difficult to find one, especially for mothers with children, few kindergartens have a bomb shelter, and schools are mostly online. Now the war and it has become hard to live for many. The organization continues to support orphans and many former students with scholarships by buying food packages for them. I am grateful for the fact that you help people from boarding schools and large families, and single mothers, especially now, when it is hard to live in wartime. God willing, Ukraine will defeat evil and you are helping us in this. Thank you very much

Hello, my name is Vladimir Stratan, I am a student of the UAC organization. I study at the Higher Professional Lyceum in Construction and Architecture. This organization helps me a lot in my studies, I am very glad that I can be in this organization. I am from a large family and this organization helps my family. You get moral support, financial support, so more importantly you get experience

THE ORGANIZATION IS WORKING IN UKRINA NOW DURING THE WAR HELPING WITH PRODUCTS FOR MY FAMILY MY MOTHER IS A NEXT MOMENT WITHOUT WORK AND WE VERY NEED PRODUCTS SAVE MORE UAC

I Natasha.I have known this organization for many years and it helps my family and people who need this help a lot. Due to the fact that there is a war in Ukraine, we lost our jobs. And your organization helps us a lot for everything, thank you very much.

Universal Aid for Children (UAC) in Ukraine is an organization that allowed me to support an orphan boy (that I had met there while on a mission trip) finish school. They even helped me to support him later at a time when he was in the military and didn’t have much of any support. I have gotten to know some of the leaders because they have taken the time to email me, call me, and have even invited me to events of Ukrainian heritage. And I know that they are accountable with donations provided, because I have been able to contact the children I support and they let me know that they have received the money and other aid.

This was all before Russia’s war. UAC is desperately needed NOW to help Ukrainian refugees and children that are still left inside Ukraine. I donate through them because I know my money is actually going to where it is needed (and is not being wasted or pilfered). I will always recommend UAC and continue to help them because I know that they are really helping the children in Ukraine!

This is an organization I know from childhood. They organized events, summer camp activities, found sponsors, and simply gave us their time - which is the greatest gift one can give to children growing up without parents.

The organization helps young people At the moment, in a difficult time in Ukraine, with elementary food kits, as there are a lot of needy young people who are left without work and helps if there is an urgent need to pay for medical services and medicines. also continues to financially support student orphans.

The organization helps orphans who have graduated from a boarding school or an orphanage to continue their studies in every possible way, support them by paying a stipend and, if necessary, help pay for medical care. If necessary, currently provides all current and former graduates of the organization in need and not only food packages in wartime. This is very important, because a lot has been left without work, thanks to the organization there are Elementary Products.

I have been a proud sponsor of UAC for over 5 years and am amazed at the hard work being done at UAC. During the war - UAC has continued to support their students and programs, despite the numerous challenges. The UAC is a fantastic organization that is making a difference in the lives of Ukrainians.

This is a great organization that is doing a lot of important services in Ukraine, especially during this time of war. I highly recommend giving to this organization.

I have a story to tell about Universal Aid for Children-I lived in Orphanage #3 in Odessa, Ukraine when this organization started to help orphans around l997. A volunteer who happened to be a nurse was on a medical mission and she visited my orphanage and adopted me when I was about 4 and a half years old. As I grew into a teenager, I had a hard time trying to understand why my parents would give me up to an orphanage. I asked if I could find my biological mother-not that I wasn't happy-I was just trying to understand. My adoptive mom explained it was an act of sacrifice and that my birth mother couldn't care for me so she placed me where I could be cared for. The son of another volunteer for UAC, Irina arranged for a lawyer who happened to be her son-try and help find my birth mother. We never did find her, but I visited the Ukraine when I was about 16 years old. We visited the orphanage where I was raised as a toddler. The orphanages had greatly improved and had better facilities, more equipment, better food and health care thanks to Universal Aid for Children. I was able to visit the hospital where I was born and the Doctor explained the tile floor in the operating room was falling apart and was not sanitary for an operating room. My mom and I discussed this situation and we donated the funds to UAC so that they could have the floor replaced. I am 28 years old now and I have a college degree and I work part time and Universal Aid for Children is the non profit organization I prefer to donate to because if it wasn't for them I would not be in U.S. During this time of an unprovoked war UAC needs donations more than ever to care for the displaced orphans who are subjected to the tragedy of war. I hope by telling my story many more donors will consider this organization when considering donations. This is a responsible group who provides much needed supplies to children who otherwise wouldn't have support.

My little brother was adopted from Ukraine at about age 4 years and 5 months with the help of UAC. My mom got involved and went to Ukraine and saw hundreds of needy orphans that were given nutritious food, needed health care, clothing, medicines and the such. We fell in love with Ukraine and UAC that helps these children in a financially responsible way. The workers, volunteers, Board of Directors are responsible with the funding that they are given and prioritize in appropriate ways. We definitely support UAC and the good works that they do and we encourage others to get involved and do the same. YOU will not be disappointed!

I volunteered as a Registered Nurse on a medical mission in 1997 in Odessa, Ukraine where I met hundreds of needy orphans and dedicated Universal Aid for Children workers. I continued to intermittently donate and volunteer for this organization throughout the years. When the War in Ukraine broke out, my heart ached to see how much progress was made and now it was being destroyed by the unprovoked war. Our family discussed how we could help-there must be a way. WE reached out to this organization again as we knew their efforts and funding were carefully and thoughtfully utilized. We offered to sponsor a Ukrainian Family if they wanted to leave their country and stay with us in United States to be safe. The U.S. news media showed women and children buried in rubble and little hands destroyed and lifeless sticking out of the rubble. A miracle evolved. This organization was able to get a mother and her two children to U.S. within about 14 days. LIVES WERE SAVED! They have also been instrumental in saving many more during these war torn times! You can only save the world one child at a time! UAC makes this possible! UAC continues to feed, clothe and help Ukrainian children. They have developed a college sponsorship program to help orphans get higher educations so that they can become wage earners and be self supportive. This program has been successful in producing Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, ship workers, teachers -just to name a few professions. Funding is needed and this is a non profit I would highly recommend.

Universal Aid for Children is great organization that help children in need and also helps people who would like to help to find exact person that they feel they need to support. At least that was our experience with Universal Aid for Children. We wanted to support a person who was going to receive education that will help her/him to make contribution in Ukraine through education. And we supported a future teacher through her study in college for 4 years! We had the best experience, we felt safe donating through this organization and knew exactly where the money is going. We were receiving monthly letters from the girl we were donating to and felt very connected with her and with the organization. Thank you for creating safe way to donate to Ukrainian children!

In the past years I have made frequent trips to Odessa, Ukraine. I was so happy to see the improvements made in the lives of the children over the years. It was very rewarding to be able to help the children with their present needs, and to support UAC in the children's future lives.
It was wonderful, also, to help the children with vision problems receive glasses for the first time. We were even able, one year, to buy hot water heaters ,so that the children and staff could take hot baths and washing their hands with hot, soapy water.
There is always a need for more improvement in the orphanages. UAC helps tremendously with the upgrading of these orphanages and helping to buy the kids shoes, clothes, underwear, toilet paper, soaps, etc. Donations are always welcomed. I feel blessed to have gone so many times to volunteer there. Linda Terry

I visited Odessa, Ukraine several times as a volunteer working with orphans in the summer camp. The life of orphans in Ukraine is difficult, especially after they leave the orphanage. The Students Program of Universal Aid for Children, Inc. is helping orphans to receive education and become successful in life. Thanks to the UAC support, many orphans have been able to break the cycle of poverty, graduate from college and university, and have found employment. UAC gives Ukrainian orphans, refugees, and special needs children a chance for a better life!

For the past two decades, my husband and I have felt blessed to be able to "give back" by assisting in the vocational education of UAC students. It is so heartwarming to receive letters and photos periodically from the students telling us about their educational progress and challenges. Recently, we received graduation photos of Christina and Anastasia, two young women whom we supported. To see their smiles as they embark on independent living is quite a tribute to the UAC program. UAC and its staff are certainly doing "God's work" in making a difference in the lives of so many Ukrainian orphans. "Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed." (Psalm 82:3)

I am grateful to UAC for the opportunity to help support youth and young adults as they begin navigating their lives. It’s admirable to see the help and outreach that this organization provides to the youth that needs it most in Ukraine. I am happy to be a part of this organization and be able to support a very hardworking and talented girl.
UAC, thank you for everything that you do!

I am grateful to UAC for giving me the opportunity to support the education of a Ukranian orphaned university student for more than 2 years. I feel very happy that my student successfully finished her studies and now she has a university degree which I know will help her to succeed in life and to overcome the burdens of her unfortunate childhood and teenage years. Now that my student graduated, I chose to continue supporting another orphaned UAC student . I received first few letters from my second student, and she too is a wonderful young lady like my first student. In her letter she tells me: “Thank you for your kind heart, and for your sincere help. May the Lord bless you and reward you a hundredfold. God's blessings to you and your family! I prayed that God would send me help, now I will thank God and pray daily for you and your family.” What can be a bigger joy than getting a gratitude message as lovely as this one and knowing that the very little that I give goes a very long way and makes a big impact in a young person’s life. Thank you UAC!

Great organization, helping those Ukrainian older children who fall through the cracks of adoption. Too old, unwanted,parentless.they are given love and attention and an education. Sponsors who donate ,like myself, send monthly donations to their sponsored children, to help them get the tools for education, so they can live an Independent and productive life,instead of on the street. I have sponsored at least 8 children, we send letters back and forth through the organization. They tell me how they are and what they do daily.i do the same,and send pictures and words of encouragement and congratulations.
So glad to help them in their lives,as I have also adopted into my home 3 boys from Russia. They are grown and on their own. I am glad this organization is helping children whom we would want to adopt every single one of them,but at least can do something for them from miles away.

I have been supporting Universal Aid for Children for over 3 years. When my student graduated I supported a new student. Ukraine is struggling for its sovereignty, it is badly struck by the COVID 19 Pandemic, and many young people are working to get their education. While I have supported UAC I have received letters from the students I support and they update me on their successes and troubles. UAC is doing a great job supporting children in need.

Jim Gilchrist

This is an update to my original story about UAC. Since that time, I have been supporting UAC for more than 15 years. When the student or students I am supporting graduate from their school of choice, I check the UAC site to find a new student seeking a better education and life. For the last two years, I have been supporting a young teenager named Elisey. We are a good match; he is my namesake because my name is Eliseo! We also share the same goals; for Elisey to finish the marine college and become a sailor. I receive monthly letters from Elisey and watch his progress. Another goal is for Elisey to become a successful in his chosen profession and become a productive citizen of his beloved Ukraine and break the chain of poverty and cycle of life that left him an orphan. My hope is that my story will encourage others to support UAC, as there are so many orphans and children in need in Ukraine, who with a little help become successful. The greatest reward is to see your students succeed and to know that your help changes their lives and their future families.

I have been a supporter of Universal Aid for Children for many years, having sponsored 14 Ukrainian orphaned students to date. We have watched all of our young friends continue their education with such willpower and fortitude , the majority having completed and graduated from University to date. Some are now married with children of their own and most are making their way in the world, regardless of these challenging times. I am very proud to have the opportunity to support my “kids”, communicate with them and watch them move forward to, hopefully, a brighter future. Thank you!

I have been a UAC volunteer for 17 years. I would raise money here in CA for their needs. One year I was able to buy paints, rollers and other paint brushes, and a variety of tools for the boys to learn a trade. Other times I have given classes in different types of arts and crafts. We did jewelry, painting , weaving, knitting, drawing and many other kinds of crafts including working with kids in learning cooking. It was fun working with the children and also talking to Directors and teachers on what items were needed.
We shared American Easter fun like painting the eggs, hiding plastic eggs that were filled with small candies. It was so educational to learn about their cultures and foods. Buying Easter breads so each child received one in each of the orphanages. I was impressed what UAC has done in helping the older children in learning a trade or helping them get through a University. One year I took my 24 year old daughter who had graduated from UCSC. She helped me with art classes and also some science classes. Clara Pascal and UAC have helped so many children. Thank you so much for all of your help.
I also enjoyed going to the flea market to buy clothes and shoes, detergents, diapers, toilet paper , foods and many other things.
One year we saw a need for a new bathroom in a mental hospital. Took many pictures and wrote up a report. When I went the next year there were new toilets and showers. Always so much need. I was so blessed to be able to help.

I have been a UAC donor for more than fifteen years. UAC does outstanding work helping displaced and vulnerable children in the Ukraine, special needs children and refugees. UAC provides education, medical and other needs through direct aid. Through UAC I sponsored an orphan named Taya through her years in primary and secondary school, Medical college, Medical University, and Internship. I was able to communicate with Taya monthly through UAC provided translated letters, and witnessed her hard work, eventually receiving emails directly from Taya in English. Taya was an excellent student, and after graduation always found the time to volunteer and visit children in the orphanages and shelters. She received a special UAC award Gold Star Student in 2009. After graduating from Medical University, Taya had a medical practice in Great Britain. Now Taya is a licensed physician, and a volunteer translator for the UAC. She gives back to the community and the organization, and the love and care made a full circle. I am proud of Taya and her success story, and I continue to support UAC in its mission to help children. Taya is only one of the many students who left the Orphanage to further their education through charitable sponsorship, who have repaid the sponsors by returning to the orphanages to work, and continue contributing to society. Contributing to UAC is truly an example of what happens when you give a "hand up, rather than a "hand out".
Sincerely,
Jacquelin A Calvert

My name is Anastasia, I have been in the UAC program for 3 years already, and I am very glad that I have become part of a large and friendly family because, during this time, the organization has become a family for me. Where everyone understands and supports each other, people there very friendly, and you can easily make friends with them.
I want to say a huge thank you to the UAC organization, for helping me get an education, for making dreams come true, and for supporting me with a warm word at the right moment. Your help is an invaluable contribution to development, and undoubtedly, tangible support for all students and children.

They do great things. They value you your money. I love working with them.

I would like to share my experience with the UAC organization, as a former student. I joined it at the last year of high school. The representatives of the organization came and talked to us about how we see our life when we finish school and where we would like to go study after. We were also provided with the opportunity to get additional classes to prepare for the final exams at school and as well to the entrance exams for the university. After we finished school UAC did the graduation party and got us graduation dresses. It’s just incredible to feel all that support and maybe it’s one of things that helped me to became, who I am today. maybe it’s very detailed review but I just want to tell how much it means to the kids and what impact this organization does. When I became a student, all the members would meet every last Saturday of the month to get the program scholarship and of course the letters from the sponsors. It’s so important to receive such care and support as we received from the organization. We were as a big family. I could go on for hours but I just would like to express my gratitude to Clara Pascal for her big heart, people who are taking part and support the organization as volunteers and sponsors. You really changing lifes. I would never be able to pay off to the organization as it’s priceless. The only thing I can do is to pay it forward so now I became one of the sponsors. Eternally grateful, Svetlana

I have worked with Universal Aid for Children for quite a few years now. The work that this organization does for children in Ukraine is profound. I have sponsored several teenagers and through the guidance and administration of UAC have been able to help them achieve lives that they otherwise would not have had. I believe that UAC is the most effective organization helping orphans and teens on the planet.

Charles J. Kropke

Hello, my name is Julia Kasko.
Thanks to UAC for helping me with hardware treatment for myopia, and also helping me grow as a photographer.

Hello,
My name is Taya Mladinova, I am a former student of the UAC organization, and now I already a member of the greatest team of this organization.
In Ukraine, I finished Medical college, Medical University, internship and practice in England with UAC.
I am a doctor, I know English, and they supported me all the way through.
This is a bond for life, I am happy to see, how the lives of people like me, are changing because of the UAC. You get moral support, financial, and more important you get a family.

UAC used to be an adoption agency back when Ms,Kellogg was in charge, She introduced legislation back in 1977 to make it legal for single women to adopt foreign children nationally .It was approved by congress and became the law of the land to this day I was born in a medically needy orphanage and am now a graduate student at FIU, studying to become a registered dietitian. I'm also a personal trainer. Thank you UAC! My mom founded a Ukrainian program there and brought me home. It took two years but here I am. Thank you for reading my UAC story. Stay strong and anything can happen! Kindly, Luke

With some many organizations promising to do good - the UAC is one that delivers on the promise. My family has been donating to the UAC for over two years and are very satisfied with the updates and the results. To hear from the recipients of the donation and how much it does for them is fantastic. But more than just money - it is the letters that one exchanges to offer hope and encouragement to them. The UAC facilitates this positive communication. I can not say enough good words about everyone involved in the UAC. Thank you for all you do.

UAC gave us opportunity to help an orphan girl that is studying in college to be a teacher.

The UAC's staff gave us great support in choosing what we could do. There are many different long term and short term projects that UAC does, but we wanted to make a difference in a life of a child that will be contributing to the future of Ukraine since we ourselves are no longer living in Ukraine. And UAC helped us to find this orphan girl who wants to be a teacher. All donations are going to very specific child. We love receiving letters from the girl that we are supporting and we love writing her back telling her about our experiences. We also know that UAC is not just giving her money but is providing a lot of support to her, like checking how is she doing in college and helping her with many aspects that parents would be taking care if she would not be an orphan. We really glad that such nonprofit exists and looking forward to continue contributing to the UAC for many years going forward.
Thank you, UAC!

I used to work for UAC with Lori Kellogg and Aileen. I was young then and did not realize the impact that the organization had on the lives of so many children. I was just wondering how Lori was and the rest of the folks. My email is Anthony@copianart.com

I became aware of Universal Aid for Children approximately 4 years ago. The work they do to help the children in orphanages in Ukraine is truly remarkable. It is a blessing to see the smiles on the children's faces when they receive gifts at Christmas, are able to attend Robin's Nest Camp or graduate from the scholarship program. UAC gives these orphaned children hope for a brighter future. I have sponsored one student who graduated from the scholarship program and am currently sponsoring another. It has been a very rewarding and gratifying experience to donate to UAC. I know that my donation will help impact a child's life. Keep up the good work UAC!

Clara Pascal is a very kind person. She helped the Orphans Future Foundation to help orphan graduates in Ternopil region, Western Ukraine. Thanks.

I have known Clara Pascal for years, and for almost 20 years she has been involved with UAC. I know she works tirelessly all year long to make every event, Holiday, graduation, and birthday special for these children. Not to mention the shear enormity of over seeing all of the orphanages living 1,000's of miles away! I admire her and what she has done in Ukraine. The world should have more people like Clara Pascal

I first came in contact with Universal Aid for Children -Ukraine from a letter written by Clara Pascal in March 1997 requesting for "help" from a medical team specializing in AIDS / HIV. I became involved with this organization and assisted with the first HIV / AIDS conference for medical professionals held in that region. While visiting the orphanages we realized that the children had many needs and thankfully the HIV / AIDS epidemic had not hit the orphanages as hard as we had originally thought. The assessment proved that without further educating the teenage orphans they would be at high risk for STDs / unemployment / and possibly repeating the cycle of having children themselves that could become orphans. The teenagers have since had this wonderful opportunity to have "hope" for a better life by getting an education post high school and becoming employable! I am surprised and grateful for this program that has helped so many youngsters! It has been unpredictably successful! These kids have worked SO HARD! It is a pleasure to donate to this worthy cause! The world can only be changed-by helping one child at a time! My own son, Sasha was adopted from Ukraine when he was 4 1/2 years old. He is now 16 years old and boasts a very high IQ with a college bound future here in United States. His goal is to pursue a degree in engineering and he wants to return to the Ukraine someday and help the orphans who were not as fortunate as he was to get adopted! I am proud that he is knowledgeable about his roots and he has the gentle,kind heart to help others! Sasha enjoys going back to the Ukraine and looks forward to returning there someday to live! My prayers are that others will be inspired to help this organization that is dedicated to helping children that otherwise, would not have these opportunities! Donating to this organization is a very worthy cause! Neena Griffin RN

My love affair with Universal Aid for Children (UAC) started on a cold Christmas week several years ago. That week I had been wondering about a young orphaned teenager from Boarding School named Vera, who I had been helping for several years, because her birthday had just passed. Knowing that at the end of the school year she would graduate, I was concerned about her future as she prepared to leave the boarding school. It was during that week when one morning I received an unexpected call from a close friend in Odessa. This close friend had been my interpreter and translator since I had met Vera. She knew that I consider Vera part of my family and also how concerned I was about her. The reason she called me was to tell me about an organization, UAC, which was available to help Vera continue her education after she graduated. After she told me that UAC had a scholarship program for teenage orphans she told me that Ms. Irina Tishchenko, who was the Director of the Orphaned Teen Scholarship Program, was with her and was waiting to speak with me. When I said that I would talk with her I never expected my life to be changed in such a radical and positive way. This lady named Irina, as I would later come to call Ms. Tishchenko, told me the details of the program, that she knew Vera, had spoken to Vera about the program and that Vera wanted to continue her education with UAC. Irina also told me that she and Vera had spoken about me and that she had seen my picture in Vera’s album. Finally she asked if I wanted to sponsor Vera and I immediately said “Of course I do.” It was after I switched my support to the UAC Orphaned Teen Scholarship Program that I slowly and then quickly realized how wonderful Irina, the UAC Staff, the scholarship program, and UAC itself were. As time passed the amount of time, hard work, and dedication Irina and the rest of the staff devoted to the programs amazed me. I say programs because I quickly learned about the other programs UAC administered in Ukraine. Amazed is an understatement! It is hard to put into words the affect that I felt when I realized the magnitude and scope of its programs and work. The administration of the scholarship program alone requires so much planning, coordination, and reporting by Ms. Tishchenko to successfully accomplish all the tasks that are required monthly. A few of those tasks include meeting with the Directors of the schools (where they graduated and where they are studying), translating the reports submitted by all students, monitoring the hours the students are required to work at their home schools, taking students to doctors, providing other medical support such as medicine, helping with clothing, etc. On a personal level I never stopped marveling at how Ms. Tishchenko translated my letters to Vera and her letters to me in such a timely manner. Later I learned that Ms. Tishchenko was available to the students, the staffs of the schools, the UAC staff and the sponsors on a 7 by 24 hour basis. Just a phone call away all the way to Odessa! Then the best about Ms. Tishchenko, the UAC Staff and the programs was revealed to me on my two one week visits to Odessa. They met me at the airport and brought Vera. At the airport they presented me with a loaf of bread with a cup of salt on top that we all shared. After the airport they took me to my hotel. The major activities the rest of the week were visiting boarding schools to meet students and school administrators, seeing the conditions of every day living for the students, making an assessment of the effort required by the UAC to meet its goals, and other UAC staff members. I met children of all ages, some healthy and some very ill. All needing help and all needing love! Lots of Love! And this is the best part I spoke of earlier – Irina and the UAC staff sure know how to LOVE the children a WHOLE LOT! They talked to them, listened to them, played with them, and corrected them. They even hugged them, and yes they kissed them! Even some that others would not hug or kiss for fear of catching something the child had. I was one of those who feared at first but now I just LOVE THEM! How did I learn to love them? That is an easy answer. From Irina and the UAC staff! After our first meeting on the phone that first December morning, Irina and I began a formal relationship when she began to translate letters between Vera and me once I began to provide the scholarship support. As I saw Irina’s very special love as she translated the letters, as she worked all those hours to ensure my Vera and all the children’s needs were met, as she made herself available to everyone at all hours of the day and night, and as she dedicated herself to the program and the children our relationship changed, like a snow ball rolling down the mountain side, from formal to friendly, to romantic and finally into a deep, rich, and beautiful LOVE! We are now married and our hope and prayer is that we will continue to support and do volunteer work for UAC for many years to come. For me UAC really knows what it means to declare that no child is left behind. They do it daily! And Vera, well she was always a head strong, independent teenager with her own ideas. But with the guidance, support, and dedication she received from Irina, with help from the UAC staff, Vera successfully completed her academic studies. But her story pales when compared to the accomplishments of other orphans. Do you need a fun, enjoyable way to receive a real blessing? Take some time to find out about other UAC orphan success stories. There are three other UAC workers that I want to mention. Mr. Igor Shepyeta who organizes construction, remodeling and continuing improvements made to all the institutions helped by UAC. During both my trips he provided logistical support, gave me valuable information about some of the orphanages, and became my friend. Mr. Maxim Kondritsky who is a Scholarship Program Coordinator, is an assistant to Igor Shepyeta and staff driver for the UAC staff. He was always available to provide transportation for me when other was not available and is also now a good friend. And finally Mr. Aleksey Tishchenko, now is my stepson, who provides legal support to UAC and is the Godfather to the child of, Olga Meximova, an orphan who graduated from the UAC program, is now working, and raising a beautiful family. Aleksey helped me navigate around Odessa’s at critical times. In conclusion I want to give Clara Pascal a really BIG THANK YOU!!! Without her insight, concern, and dedication UAC Ukraine would not be there for whose lives have been changed. Yes the program has helped many children, orphanages, doctors, hospitals, and the UAC Staff and their families. But also countless others who have benefited by the work it does. After several years of working with UAC I was blessed to meet Clara, blessed because I saw a woman with endless unquestioning love for children in need and a desire to make a difference in their lives. Following are pictures of some of “Our Kids” and others that are part of UAC’s work..