Atlanta agency that assists children in Ukraine is concerned as violence erupts in the region

ATLANTA — Jane Hyatt has dedicated most of her life to helping children and teenagers in Ukraine whose parents are trying to overcome substance abuse.

“Our goal is to put families back together. Our goal is restoration of family,” said Hyatt, who is the co-founder of Father’s Care.

Father’s Care is based in Atlanta but operates out of Ukraine. Eight buildings are dedicated to providing care for children.

The children who live there are now living in bomb shelters.

“I cling to the word of God and I pray and trust that it’s going to work out. My heart is crushed,” said Hyatt.

Not knowing what will happen next is what’s most difficult for Hyatt right now.

“It’s extremely serious, we cannot disclose where they are or who they are with,” said Hyatt. “No child should ever have to be prepared to know how you lie in a trench if a bomb hits nearby,” said Hyatt.

Hyatt and her team packed survival bags for the children weeks ago.

“We bought a good six weeks worth of food and water,” said Hyatt.

Hyatt left Ukraine a week ago to fly back to the United States — a trip she had planned months ago. Hyatt’s team called her once they began hearing sirens and began moving the children into a bomb shelter.

“Sirens went off and then they heard all the shelling and the explosions,” said Hyatt.

Hyatt hasn’t slept for days. She communicates with the children regularly via phone.

“It’s good to talk to them and just listen to them and hear what’s going on and encourage them in any way that I can,” said Hyatt.

Hyatt will spend her time raising funds in Georgia while she waits to get access back into Ukraine. She says she can use all the help she can get for the children through donations.

You can donate at https://www.fathers-care.org.

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