Recommendations
“It’s important to note that the experience gained by this non-profit organization enabled the local municipality to establish something similar… this non-profit organization pioneered the way; they showed us that this problem needs to be taken care of and that it can be done, and they gained the trust of Perm’s homeless children…One additional important factor is that these volunteers operate quite differently from most local non-profit organizations. They come up with new ideas without waiting for help from the local government, showing everyone how much love they have for this work.”
Vice Mayor Tatyana Margolina
“We were immensely impressed with the wonderful work you are doing to help homeless children in the Perm region. Your commitment is evident not only in the safe and nurturing environment that you have created, but in the faces of the children themselves. The home environments these children abandoned must have been truly desperate for them to have chosen life on the streets and an uncertain future. It was obvious to us that these kids now have a chance to build decent lives for themselves because they are out of harm’s way and understand that there are people like you and your staff who care about them.
My wife and I were also impressed with how much you have accomplished with such limited resources. As a student we met in Perm noted, Love’s Bridge is not only filling an important need, but is also demonstrating how even a few individuals can make a huge difference in a community. Nevertheless, I know that your plans to expand and improve your programs are constrained only by lack of money, not desire. We certainly wish you well in your efforts to attract new sources of finance so that your ambitions can be realized and more children can benefit from your program.”
US Ambassador Alexander Vershbow
“Unfortunately, there are many, many children like this in Russia and Perm. There are just as many homeless children now as after WW2. It’s clear that there’s been a complete miracle in this center. I was greatly impressed by the children’s behavior, their openness and desire to talk and communicate. Many of those here today have probably been to orphanages, state institutions for underage children, and juvenile detention centers. You can see that children there don’t make contact easily, and dialogue with them can be very difficult. It’s so different here, no doubt because you speak the children’s language. We’re very appreciative of what you do. Thank you.”
Perm Mayor Arkady Kamenev
”We’ll need to study this center’s program, so that these methods for adaptation can also be applied in other institutions in our city. We understand what a large contribution these projects give to the education of children and teenagers in our city. I’d like to thank everyone, who took part in this project, supports it and helps give a new start in life to children who for various reasons are in a socially dangerous position. I hope this center’s attendees will find their way to a better life.”
Vice Mayor Nally Mindubayeva
“I believe what they do enriches US-Russian relations; they do something very beneficial for us all, because these children need adults to care for them, and what we as adults do for this type of children is very important for mankind. And I am very proud that Americans are doing it, and not only Americans, but that the people of Perm support it as well.”
US Ambassador James Collins
