Farewell Federovits

As you might have guessed from the title – we have big news.

The Federovits workshops were a beautiful idea, conceived more than three decades ago, by a man called Yuri, supported by his wife Ira.

Yuri had personal experience of orphanage life where he had friends with disabilities. It was hard for orphans in general, but Yuri observed a complete lack of opportunity for his friends with learning difficulties. This frustrated him enormously, as he knew they had more than enough capacity to learn and develop - but they were being written off as useless.

Compelled to offer hope, Yuri and Ira established a workshop for young people with autism, Down syndrome and other mental disabilities. In 90s Russia, this kind of help was almost non-existent. Here, they taught young people skills using print machines and provided a community that was dependable and fun – and because their workshop was open five days a week it became a respite for families needing support. Yuri sadly passed away in 2020, and since then, Ira has been passionately continuing with their work… but Ira is now well into her 70s.

Beginning with Noel, LR's founder, we have been involved since the mid 90s, helping with the cost of meals and craft materials. However, this summer, we said farewell to Federovits.

There have been major changes that have led to this point - and thankfully, when it comes to disability, Russia has been catching up.

Where it was once normal for new parents of disabled babies to leave them in the care of the state, today more Russian charities exist to equip parents wanting to care for their disabled children at home, and to empower those with disabilities themselves.

In recent years Federovits has worked closely with a local charity that runs similar beneficial workshops. They were able to accommodate Ira‘s group in their building and we continued to support with the cost of food for those who attended while this local charity increased its involvement. Today, praise God, our support is no longer needed! This local charity is equipped to take on all aspects of Ira's work, and Ira feels she is leaving her ‘young people’ in safe hands.

The young people who initially came to Federovits are not young any more. They loved being there so much that hardly anyone ever left! What a testimony of Yuri and Ira’s genuine love and dedication which saw them journey alongside many vulnerable young people, some, into their 40s.

It’s sad when things end. However, Ira will now be taking a well-earned rest - and the people to whom she and Yuri dedicated so much time now have skills, friends and ongoing support.

From all of us at Love Russia – thank you for sustaining this project for so long.

From Ira – “It was very important for me to hand over my work to strong young hands. Goodbye and thank you dear friends, for your kindness and warmth. I wish you all health and peace.”

If supporting people with disabilities is particularly on your heart, please remember to pray for the children at the Women's Crisis Centre and in our orphan mum support groups, where there are numerous children and young people with additional needs.