Prisons.
Katya is 18 and serving a long sentence in prison. She had been systematically abused as a child by a series of ‘uncles’ who moved in with her alcoholic mother. One day Katya fought back when her mother’s latest man attacked her. He fell and died.
Yulia is an orphan aged 17 and found it difficult to live after leaving the orphanage. She was offered accommodation and work by a friendly women then discovered alone in the streets. She soon discovered that in order to pay back for the ‘kindness’ she had received she was expected to become a prostitute for her. She was arrested and sentenced but is now hoping for a different type of life when she leaves the prison.
Facts: Young people over the age of fourteen can find themselves in prison for minor or major crimes but in either case they are fearful and need help to adjust to their position and prepare them for the life they will lead when they leave. Love Russia helps support Luba, a Christian worker, in one young women’s prison, who visits three times a week and works directly with the girls. She helps in practical ways running errands, counselling and sharing her faith when appropriate. After they leave she continues to help and support them. Her work has shown outstanding results and those that she has become ‘Mum’ to, seldom re-offend.
Love Russia is always seeking ways to give the young people skills for future employment. A major initiative is the provision of a large greenhouse at the girls prison, where they learn horticulture and grow vegetables.  Sewing machines which Love Russia has helped to supply give the girls another set of skills which can be used. Love Russia is looking at helping with a ‘half-way’ house to help acclimatise them to their new life when leaving the prison.