A story of transformation
Nelya’s journey is a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of unconditional love, care, and mentorship. Growing up in a home filled with pain, loss, and emotional neglect, Nelya was a young girl who had given up on trusting anyone. But through the dedicated care of the New Beginnings Programme and the unwavering support of Igor and Alexandra Matveyuk, Nelya’s life changed. This is her story of how love and consistent support helped her heal and build a future full of hope.
Her early life was filled with emotional and physical hardship. Her mother passed away from cancer and alcohol addiction, and her family was caught in cycles of dysfunction and violence. This left her feeling abandoned and disconnected from the world.
At just 15 years old, Nelya entered a dormitory program for teenage orphans, already hardened by years of emotional neglect. She arrived full of fear, pain, and distrust. Her heart was closed off, and she didn’t believe anyone could help her—especially after so many past disappointments
When Nelya joined the dormitory program for teenage orphans run by our partner, she found a safe home and a chance for a new beginning. The program offered more than just shelter—it provided education, life skills, and mentorship. It was a place where Nelya could start over, but even then, she was still filled with skepticism and fear.
She had learned to rely only on herself, having been let down by too many adults before. Despite the care and safety around her, Nelya kept her distance and had a hard time believing that people could truly be there for her.
That all changed when she met Igor and Alexandra Matveyuk. They didn’t give up on her, even when she pushed them away. Despite Nelya’s resistance, Igor and Alexandra showed her something she hadn’t experienced before—love, patience, and unwavering support. They kept their promises and demonstrated that love doesn’t disappear when things get tough.
Igor and Alexandra slowly broke down the walls around Nelya’s heart. They became the parent figures she had been missing and provided the emotional stability she had never known. They showed her that she didn’t have to face life alone and that trust could be rebuilt.
Once Nelya left the dormitory program, the real challenges began. But Igor and Alexandra were still there, offering guidance and practical help. They assisted her with finding housing, securing work, and providing the support she needed as she stepped into adulthood.
Nelya’s life began to transform. With their help, she gained the skills to navigate the adult world and build a future she had once thought impossible. She pursued her education and, eventually, became a nursery teacher. She met and married Vova, and together they built a stable, loving home. Her daughters now call Igor and Alexandra their grandparents, a testament to the deep and lasting bond they share.
Nelya’s story is a powerful example of how mentorship for orphans and support programs for vulnerable youth can change lives. From a girl who had lost all hope to a mother who now shares the love she received, her journey highlights the transformative power of family-based support and unconditional care and the importance of programs like New Beginnings, which provide not just shelter but a future—helping young people build the foundation for a bright and hopeful future. Her story proves that with the right guidance, even those who have been through the most difficult situations can turn their lives around.
Every young person deserves a chance to thrive—and with the right support, they can.
As Nelya herself says: "Thank you for allowing me to feel love, for staying by my side, and for showing me loyalty. Thank you for becoming my parents and giving me the chance to believe in myself again."
Nelya is one of the many young orphans supported by the transformative New Beginnings Programme.
Read Maria’s story and learn how this programme is changing lives: Finding Acceptance
