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Who is Ursula

When you ask Ursula Richter how to describe her childhood, she answers with one word,“terrible!” There was very little food. She was not loved. She was not hugged. She was not even acknowledged. At four years old, her mother gave her away along with her brother to an orphanage. Government officials came to their apartment to investigate if there was enough room. After they looked around (4 were sleeping in 1 bed) the officials said there are two too many living here. Ursula’s mother pointed at Ursula and her brother and said "you can take those two".

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No matter how big an issue money is, my children will always have healthy good quality food to eat.
Ursula Richter

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THE CURRENT PROBLEM

The school situation in Brazil is different than that of Canada or the United States. All children go to school half days and are often left alone the remainder of the time since typically both parents work. Quite often children are left at home unattended. Five year-olds taking care of their infant brother or sister. House fires have occurred because a hungry child will attempt to cook for themselves on a gas stove.

Funding has always been a struggle for the Children’s Home. The Brazilian Government covers only 40% of the costs with the Home needing to raise the rest. Ursula has given all the staff termination notices due to lack of funds on two different occasions. Thankfully the Home avoided closure and has continued on. Unfortunately, the financial burden remains and donations are always needed and appreciated. Our goal is to recruit monthly sponsors so the home can avoid the stress of lack of funding.

It is our dream, that Ursula and her staff can focus on caring for and loving the children and not have to worry about fundraising.

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Film Documentary

ARMS WIDE OPEN Premiere Night in Edmonton

View red carpet photos from the night.

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WHAT THEY PROVIDE

Aminguino Feliz means happy little friend. The Children’s Home was founded in 1982 and today employs 32 full time staff members. The children’s ages range from newborn babies to 13 years old.

Children learn the alphabet, how to spell their name, learn to read and write simple words, counting and colouring. School age children are supported with their homework.

They are taught to be kind and respect one another. Children participate in sports activities, art and singing. Music teachers come weekly to teach the children how to play different instruments.

A Dentist comes two times per month for the children, a Paediatrician comes with medical students every Thursday to examine the children and are available if special medical attention is needed.

The Children are served two hot meals each day that are healthy and nutritious as well as two snacks. It’s important to Ursula that each child is fed well, as she remembers the painful memories of nearly starving when she was a child.

It’s very important to Ursula that all the children feel special. One way this is done is all children’s birthdays are celebrated. Thats right, all 187! The class will sing happy birthday, have a decorated cake and the child receives a card and a gift. This is done for the staff members as well. Ursula’s first birthday present was at seven from neighbour boy – a paper airplane. At twenty four she received her first birthday cake.

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At age seven Ursula looked out of the kitchen window and vowed someday she would give children the life she never had and always longed for; food, attention, toys and a hug.

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meals served per day

full time employees

% funded by donations

187

enrolled children

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LIFETIME IMPACT

Most importantly they are taught they are children of God, that Jesus loves them and has a special plan for each one of their lives. The children participate in daily devotions along with prayer and singing.

Not only does the Day Home help by taking the children during the day but they also offer counselling and support to the families. Ursula grew up an orphan and she knows first hand what it feels like to have a Mom and Dad that are not there for you. It is her mission to keep families together and do everything she can to support them.

Most orphans in orphanages are NOT orphans - the parents are around, they just CAN’T take the children because of financial, emotional and time restraints usually due to poverty.

Ursula’s Children's Home allows the families to STAY TOGETHER!

donate

3 EASY WAYS TO DONATE

All donations are accepted through YWAM

By Cheque

Please make it payable to “Youth with a Mission” and mail to:

Project Funding Office,
PO Box 57100,
Vancouver, BC V5K 1Z0

Please add a note saying “For Ursula Richter in Brazil” (not in the memo on the cheque, a note or post it).
Tax receipt will be mailed to address and donor name provided.