CCPGC hompage Chernobyl Children's Program of Greater Chattanooga

CHILDREN OF CHERNOBYL PROGRAM is a non-profit humanitarian program created for the

purpose of meeting the spiritual and physical needs of Belarussian children whose lives are impacted by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster of 1986. Seventy percent of the fallout from that catastrophe blew north into the country of Belarus, effecting millions of people. As a result, radioactive compounds will be contaminating the soil, water and air in areas of Belarus for many generations. Physicians and statistics indicate that birth defects, lowered fertility rates, cancers, immune system disorders, depression, and other illnesses are extremely prevalent in the distressed regions.

WHAT WE DO - we host Belarussian children between the ages of 8 and 16 for one month during the summer allowing them an opportunity to visit Chattanooga and experience our culture. While they are here, they receive routine dental and ophthalmologic care and their immune systems are boosted through fresh air, good food, and clean water. They return home to Belarus with donated medical and dental supplies, warm clothing, school supplies and other useful items.

MOST IMPORTANTLY - The children stay with Christian families and are incorporated into all activities of the family. It is our desire to have an impact on the children’s lives, not only their physical well-being by living in a clean environment and receiving medical/dental care, but also by giving them hope for their future.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT - is essential to the continuance of CCP.
There are numerous ways by which you may choose to help the children of Belarus:

• Purchase original artwork created by young Belarussian artists, the proceeds of which are used for the benefit of the program.

• Make a contribution toward the $1,500.00 per person costs for travel, visas, insurance and fees.

• Solicit health care and retail providers to donate their medical services and products.

• Donate warm clothing, medications, school supplies and other essentials.

• Volunteer to help coordinate the administrative aspects of this ministry.

We hope you will join us in helping the children of Belarus. In the words of one of our former host families - "We thought we were going to be a real blessing to the Belarussian child…but we received far more than we gave as we opened our hearts to this program."