Into the light

Go back 30 years, and many children born with disabilities in rural Belarus were kept in hiding.

The social stigma was so strong, a father often abandoned the family.

Mom and children lived in poverty.

A woman named Alla, whose son had disabilities, set out to change things.

She set up an "Association for Families of Children With Disabilities" in Dzerzhinsk, her area of Belarus.

The parents gathered for mutual support and encouragement.

They set up activities and field trips, and eventually an annual talent show featuring the children.

Generous friends of New Thing provided aid to the families in need, and sent families to the circus, and to summer camp.

Our photographer Oleg Yarovenko shot family portraits to produce the book Look at Us. (You can download the PDF here.)

Together, we brought families of children with disabilities out into the sunlight.

Today, the Association is part of a major state operation helping all kinds of people with all kinds of needs in all kinds of ways.

We met a senior citizen outside computer class!

Children and adults engage in a wide range of games, activities, and lessons designed specifically for them.

There's an amazing workshop where puppets, hats, and other awesome paraphernalia are created for play, for performances, and for learning.

Some of the young people put on a cool show for us!

The families of Dzerzhinsk make me believe, all over again...

Your compassion isn't just for a moment.

It ripples, down through the years ... and changes things.

Thanks for journeying with New Thing!

Much love,

Doug Brendel

(Photos by Oleg Yarovenko)