On May 21, 2025, Annenkirche’s project for orphanage leavers, Anna Helps, celebrated its 6th anniversary. 

In the highlight of the day was a premiere screening of a documental film You know, it happens, which tells the stories of the orphanage leavers and young people who have experienced orphanhood.

Statistics show that 80% of orphanage leavers fail to enter higher education, struggle to find jobs, face health problems, break the law, or suffer from various addictions. In the worst cases, they die berofe the age of 40.

To provide systemic support for parentless teenagers and orphanage leavers (aged of 18-23) the Church of Ingria officially registered the voluntary organization Anna Helps. The initiative was launched by parishioners of Annenkirche (St. Anna’s Church), which also gave the project its name. The organization is led by Oleg Belezhenko. The team helps young adults get in-demand jobs and provides psychological and spiritual support. The project offers three key programs for social engagement:

• public fostering,

• a charity coffeehouse,

• job skills training courses.

All these initiatives contribute to successful social integration. Anna Helps is an award-winning project.