Abused Twins Find Happiness From Adopted "Grandmother" and Hesed

At 9 years old, Dimitry and Katya have led a hard life. The twins have been abused and intentionally malnourished. Just after their birth their father abandoned the family, leaving them to be raised by a schizophrenic mother and alcoholic grandparents. The children were placed in an orphanage, but soon their grandparents reclaimed them in order to use benefit money they received from the State for alcohol.

For four years Dimitry and Katya endured abuse and starvation. Each day their grandparents locked them in a room, leaving only one slice of bread by the door. They also forced the children to go begging on their behalf.

In 1998 the grandparents both died and their mother was taken to a psychiatric hospital. Dimitry and Katya were sent to live with their great-great-aunt Ella, age 78, who adopted the children. A ray of sunshine was finally brought into these children's lives, however not everything is perfect. Dimitry cannot forget the harsh memories of his abuse. If someone shouts at him, he covers his head with his hands and falls onto the floor crying, "Please, don't beat me"!

The small, happy family receives a total of $50 a month to live on. Ella receives a $30 pension per month and also receives $20 from the State for the children. Ella does her best to provide for the children and to make them as happy as she can. Buying a toy for Dimitry and Katya requires months of saving.

JDC and the local Hesed have become involved with the family and are providing the children with food packages twice a month. These packages include fish, chicken, dairy products, fruit and dry goods such as cereals, canned food, tea and sugar. This summer the children attended a Hesed sponsored day camp for a month where they were involved with arts and crafts, sports and computer training. At Sunday school, they learn about Jewish traditions and history. Dimitry and Katya also attend regular activities at the JCC and have received donated summer and winter clothes and shoes. In addition to the aid they are receiving through the Hesed, the children are also examined monthly by a neuropathologist due to problems that developed from their abusive upbringing.

For now the twin's lives are stable and happy with their adopted "grandmother". Ella provides them with the warmth and love they deserve. However, the children are aware that time is short and often say to her "Please don't die".