Russian Church Reaches Women and Children with Disabilities
by A. Victoria Hunter
Economic hard times in Russia mean more people with disabilities and fewer with access to medical care -- a combination that is especially impacting children.
"Before Perestroika, we had a free health-care system," said the Rev. Oksana Petrova, pastor of Holy Trinity United Methodist Church in St. Petersburg, Russia. "Today, people do not have free medical care, and most do not have money to pay for treatment."
The lack of resources has led to an increase in disabilities and conditions that can lead to them.
"Many people have become disabled because of wrong diagnosis and wrong medical treatment," she said. More and more children have disabilities because their parents abuse alcohol and because their mothers consumed alcohol and smoked cigarettes while pregnant.
"Life is difficult in Russia," Ms. Petrova said. "We have a lot of stress because of an unstable economical situation and lack of hope for the future. A lot of people are starving. We have a lot of homeless and poor."
The church is reaching out to those with disabling conditions.
"We as a church are trying to do something," Ms. Petrova said. "Help through the church is most effective."
The Boomerang Association of Disabled People in St. Petersburg is an example of the church caring. Organized in 1992, the association networks close to 200 women who have handicapping conditions. The association brings women together -- often by telephone since many cannot leave their homes -- for spiritual, psychological and financial support.
Through Boomerang, the women learn to turn talents that have been ignored by society into revenue-producing enterprises. The women make and sell clothing, souvenirs and toys, many working from their homes.
United Methodist Women’s undesignated giving helps support the association. Undesignated giving also helps support programs for Russian children with disabilities.
In Moscow, Help for Disabled Children and Their Parents offers step-by-step rehabilitation and help with adaptation for children with disabilities. Those who can study, attend a school where their needs are met. Those not yet able to study, attend a social center.
Activities of the program include classes in swimming, singing and art. Children get help with their speech, massage is offered, and a theater program has been initiated.
The program offers the children’s parents assistance in working with their children and works to make the needs of people with disabilities known in the community.
"Because of grants from the Women’s Division, it is possible for people with disabilities to be educated and to develop abilities they are using to survive in Russia," Ms. Petrova said.
A. Victoria Hunter is senior writer for Response.