Since becoming an independent state in 1991, Ukraine has experienced difficult times of instability and economic turmoil. Millions of people are still living in poverty across the country. In Ukraine, the majority of children that are considered as orphans, in fact, are “social orphans” because their parent(s) are still alive, but are unable to properly care for the child due to unemployment or poor living conditions. State orphanages are typically geographically isolated, and children living there are often cut off from their families and communities. Life in these institutions leaves orphans later often unprepared to manage simple tasks of life — or to make good choices about relationships, who to trust, or how to spend their time. Tragically, it is estimated that 20% of orphans end up having criminal records, 14% get involved in prostitution, and 10% commit suicide later in life. Those who make it have to overcome many challenges, including the prejudices many people hold against them.