Faith Focus 2008-2010
Faith Focus 2009: Eagles' Wings
17,000.
There are currently more than seventeen thousand orphans in
The resources and safe places for these children have been minimal. In a country where “amily” is everything, orphans are often left feeling that they are worthless. Those leaving state-run facilities at the age of 14 and up often leave feeling a sense of entitlement (I’m an orphan, therefore people should feel sorry for me and give me what I want”) only to be shocked when society doesn’t give in. These teenagers are at a very high risk of being abused. Girls are especially vulnerable to being forced into prostitution or human trafficking.
Enter Eagles’ Wings.
Since 2008, EPC Women have partnered with the Eagles’ Wings foundation to financially support the establishment of a transition home for adolescent girls in
To provide a culturally-sensitive, safe and nurturing home where teenage girls (ages 14 - 21) can develop emotionally, spiritually and physically.
From April 27 – May 3, 2009, a team of six EPC women traveled to Tirana and
The team spent a day listening to stories and observing situations to understand what the existence of the Eagles’ Wings home will mean to young girls who have no safe options that provide them with a sense of hope and purpose. Anticipation was great driving thirty minutes outside the city towards the calmness and beauty of the Albanian mountains surrounding the
The women joined with the new staff of the home to put the final cleaning touches in preparation for the first girls to arrive the following weekend. There was great excitement as the team spent time getting to know the staff and listening to God’s work in their lives that has brought them to serve at Eagles’ Wings. Therese Fuglaar spent a morning with the staff sharing her skill in baking and candy making which worked to build cohesiveness among the staff and made a connection with EPC Women who support and care for them and the home even from thousands of miles away.
Eagles’ Wings came alive as furniture was moved in and the hopes and vision for the mountainside haven became a tangible reality. Imagine eight women – each with a varied opinion - working together to determine how the furniture in the living room should be arranged. It was surely the first of many lively discussions that will take place in that home in the years to come.
The purposes of the trip were met as the focus became clearer for the ways EPC Women can continue to support the sustained existence of the home. Of primary importance will be determining the specific ways that the staff can be supported in ways that will allow them to be effective in their work and ministry with Eagles; Wings.
It is anticipated that a team (4-6) of counselors and social workers to provide support for the new staff will be formed for a week-long trip in Spring, 2010. In addition, a team (4-6) will be sent in Summer 2010 for the purpose of educating and promoting the concerns of self-care (nutrition, physical, spiritual) with both staff and residents.
In addition, a sponsorship program for individual girls and staff will be established in early Summer, 2009 for EPC women to have a specific and personal connection to the ministry and work of Eagles’ Wings.
Please pray for the staff of Eagles’ Wings:
Alda Dogani - Administrative Assistant; Suli Kocaqi - Social Worker; Ilsa Dede - Resident Assistant; Alda Breshani – Psychologist; Miranda Dalani – Physician; Teuta Rizai - House Live-in Staff; Miranda Dalani - Physician
Faith Focus Financial Goal 2009: $20,000.00
Faith Focus Financial Participation 2008: $21,343
For 5 Year Project Report on the project, click here.
For updated project cost report, click here.
For questions regarding the project and the variety of ways EPC women can be involved, contact
To learn about the special Bible study that has been written for the project, Embracing An Aching Heart, click here.
