Easter Monday at the Vmeste Cemter

On Easter Monday, we went to the Vmeste Center created by Valentina Valeyeva to help children with psychological and physical disabilities. For over 25 years the Center has been a unique and invaluable resource and a safe haven for the families of these children.

Valentina has worked miracles with these children, many of whom came to her unable to speak, walk, sing or play the piano. Her secret in reaching and helping these children? Song, dance, and skits over a period of months and years. For some reason, they all can resonate with these activities.

Many have been able to go on and adapt to the world around them.

We have been volunteering at the Vmeste Center for over 5 years now, and we have seen amazing improvements in physical, mental, and social skills. Some who seemed lost and unable to interact, now happily engage with each other. Some help and support each other, and others clean up after lunches and celebrations without being asked!

Another important ingredient here is love. They all respond to love and return it a hundred fold. I suppose that’s the real secret here. When I first came here, the children seemed distant and lost. Now when I arrive, everything stops, and they all come to meet me with cheerful greetings and hugs. It’s always very hard to hold back the tears.

On this occasion, scouts from an Orthodox church came with their leaders, Ruslan Lazarev and Darya Semenchuk to sing and perform. Ruslan has assisted with video and the creation of animated cartoons.

Truthfully, I don’t really volunteer. I just come here to be with them, to support them, and to attend their events.