Our Mission

In the summer of 2000 a newly-formed international association "Friends of the Mennonite Centre in Ukraine" purchased the former Girls' School in Molochansk as the focus of a program of Mennonite humanitarian assistance in southern Ukraine. We shared the expectations of Molochansk Mayor Alexandra Saenko, who, in negotiations for the privatization & purchase of the building, said: "I know Mennonites quite well. I think that the Centre offers our devastated people hope. Perhaps the school will become a 'light on a hill'. We are eager to work with you". Since the USSR collapse, Ukraine has been passing through a harsh subsistence, health & economic crisis which continues. At risk are seniors and children. Food, medical, & social assistance initiatives were begun in 2001, followed by educational programs. We have partnered with local government, hospitals, orphanages & schools to offer help & hope to Ukrainians in tangible ways, regardless of gender, ethnic background or religion.