Born with the Heart: The Story of a Family from Volyn Raising 18 Children

In the village of Dygtev, Volodymyr-Volynskyi community, there lives a family that has been taking care of children left without parental care for many years. They are Nadia and Oleksandr Stepanyuk, who created the first foster family in Volyn.

The Stepanyuk family, which includes ten adopted and foster children, as well as numerous foster children, has not only given a home and warmth to many children, but also become an example for others. One of their daughters, Nadiya, also decided to follow her parents' example and, together with her husband, created her own foster family. "Word of Truth" Publishing House tells the history of this family.

How did it all begin?

The story began on October 10, 2008, when the Stepanyuks adopted two-year-old Vadim. Later, upon discovering that his mother had abandoned another child, the couple could not leave Vadim's little sister in an orphanage, and in February 2009 she joined their family. This step became the impetus for further changes in their lives, when within six months the Stepanyuks became parents to four children.

The path to a large family

Nadiya and Oleksandr did not stop there. Each new step in their story became a challenge. New children appeared in the family, and each of them brought their own fate, their own difficulties and joys. They not only adopted children, but also took care of children who, for various reasons, were left without parental support.

The path to a large family was not easy. Although the Stepaniuks already had a dozen children, they decided to continue working with children in need of care and became one of the first foster carers in the Volyn region.

What is family patronage?

Family patronage is a special type of care, when social services transfer children who, due to certain circumstances, cannot live with their biological parents, to temporary care in a family. Since the Stepaniuk family became foster carers, they have taken on the care of 26 children. These were children who were taken from their families due to a threat to their life or health.

Children under patronage have the opportunity to meet with their biological parents, if necessary, on neutral territory or, by prior arrangement, at the Stepanyuks' home. This contributes to the children's better adaptation and their return to their biological parents, if the situation allows.

Following her mother's example, the eldest daughter Nadiya also decided to become a foster carer. Together with her husband Nazar, they created their own foster family. They take care of two girls, one of whom has already adapted to a new life. This is yet another proof that love and care can become the basis for creating healthy and happy families.

Source: slovopravdy.com.ua

Weekdays of a large family

The family has to face numerous difficulties - from organizing daily duties to providing the children with everything they need. They have to cook a huge amount of food: 15-liter pots of soup, dozens of dumplings and cutlets. And also solve household problems: shopping for groceries, caring for appliances, organizing school and leisure activities.

However, despite all the difficulties, the Stepanyuk family believes in their mission and continues to do everything possible to make the children feel happy.

The Stepaniuks plan to expand their patronage activities, attract help from charitable foundations, and work to improve conditions for children. The family is grateful to everyone who supports them and is not stopping there.

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