The Chernobyl Children Project, USA, Inc., was born in 1994 through the interest and compassion of American teenagers during an Irish exchange program. The American teenagers and their chaperones observed children from the Republic of Belarus who were in Ireland for respite and support. Upon their return from Ireland, Five Roman Catholic parish youth groups joined together and began to plan.
The fledgling Chernobyl Children Project USA launched the first mission to host children in June of 1995. Five families in the Archdiocese of Boston opened their hearts and homes to ten children from Belarus. The children stayed with their “host families” for four weeks, where the enjoyed rest from contamination, a chance to meet Americans and to experience faith, hope and love. Boston’s Mayor Thomas Menino received the children that year, saying, “This shows how small the world really is. Thank you for giving these youngsters the hope and opportunity to see the good things about America.” President Bill Clinton sent words of welcome from the White House: “I am delighted to welcome you to the United States. We value your friendship and hope you enjoy your stay in the US.”
In April of 1996 the first two representatives from the Project traveled to Belarus to obtain information and understand the conditions faced by the Chernobyl victims. First hand knowledge of the Belarussian society and infrastructure assisted the Project in planning for the children. Since that first trip, teams from the Project have traveled regularly to the Chernobyl region.
In June of 1996 the Project ambitiously brought 100 Belarussian children to the United States, children from orphanages and boarding schools. The rapid growth of the Project necessitated rapid change in structure and funding.
A new office, first in Hingham and now in Dedham, MA, has centralized the Project. The President handles the day-to-day operations. The New England Medical Center and its Floating Hospital for Children have taken the lead in donated care for our guests. Many hospitals, physicians, dentists, technicians and eye professionals have volunteered their time and resources. The Project attracted the attention of some very large corporate sponsors who enable much of the care to take place. Literally thousands of people make up the lifeblood of the Project; they live out the mission in their love and their sacrifice. The Project has grown and is growing — a true testimony to what is greatest about the human spirit — love and sacrifice!
Chernobyl Children Project USA was incorporated in 1997, and has welcomed over 1,400 children to the loving embrace of host families in the Boston area. An average of 100 children and adult chaperones arrive each year. Host families from all walks of life, from many different religious backgrounds, from all over Massachusetts and beyond, now provide the host setting for the children.