Imago Dei Community Center

Our global outreach to people with disabilities in Eastern Europe is centered in Chernigov, Ukraine. Our team pursues our mission of Christ-centered transformation in the lives of people affected by disability. The needs within this city are great for children and adults with special needs. 

Basic therapeutic and special education resources are largely unavailable. Activities for people with disabilities are lacking. Training for parents and caregivers on how to better help those they serve is not available. There are so many needs in this country when it comes to disability.

Our efforts work towards advancing the gospel among those with disabilities and their caregivers while also providing needed developmental resources - education, training, seminars, and more. 

We've identified a location near the center of the city that is completely wheelchair accessible (a rare occurrence in our region) and within walking distance to major access points of the city. Our goal is to secure the rental of this space, make minor accessibility repairs, and outfit the space to accommodate our existing programs along with additional new programs. 

Imago Dei Community Center would house our existing disability sports and fitness program, weekly disability resource seminars, life skills training, respite nights, Bible studies, counseling, special education for orphans, and vocational training along with other programming provided through short term resource teams. We seek to make it a hub of ministry and provide community for this stigmatized segment of society.

The name Imago Dei points to the ultimate distinction of worth and value that we all bear as created in the image of God. This distinction sets us apart gives us value entirely apart from our abilities. Our value is established and undiminished by disability, sickness, or infirmity. We want those we serve to know that God sovereignly creates with intention and purpose all His image-bearers, those with and those without disabilities.

There is much that we envision for this Center but we know our course is developmental and spiritual for those with disabilities, along with spiritual and educational care for their caregivers. We count these gospel opportunities a privilege and honor.

We are raising funds to cover the first 24 months of rent and utilities (approximately $800/month) with an additional $7,500 in repair, setup, and furnishing expenses. A total of $26,700.

Please prayerfully consider how you might be able to help.

In Christ,

Justin Reimer

Executive Director, The Elisha Foundation