American Belarussian Relief Organization

The American Belarussian Relief Organization (ABRO) is an American non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children located in areas of Belarus affected by the Chernobyl disaster of April 26, 1986. The main focus of ABRO is to provide children with time away from the contaminated areas of Belarus.

The organization’s American headquarters is located in Zebulon, NC.

Summer program

The summer program is the heart of the ABRO mission. Every year, ABRO leaders in Belarus and various American states work together to orchestrate a six week summer trip to America. Groups of children ranging in age from about 7 to 16 years old travel to various parts of America along with an interpreter. These children are from very needy locations in Belarus, and many will come with just the clothes on their back. The time spent in the United States lowers the level of radiation in their bodies and helps to restore their immune system.

Costs

The American families and/or the local church are required to raise the money to actually bring the child they desire to America. As of 2008, this amount was around $1,850. The participating families raise the money by many means. Typically this comes from family members, their workplace, church support, etc.

Who participates?

The families who take in the children are typically members of a local church that participates in the program. The churches involved can be of several denominations, although Southern Baptist is most...
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