Ukraine
PROGRAM
Continuing the ministry. strengthening families. Sharing the gospel.
LOVE CRADLE INTERNATIONAL IS NOW PART OF LOVING SHEPHERD MINISTRIES
The ministry continues as LSM's Ukraine Program, led by Irina Yagilnicky, Program Director.
The ministry of Love Cradle International continues as the Ukraine Program of Loving Shepherd Ministries.
For more than 25 years, Love Cradle International has served vulnerable children and families in Ukraine, demonstrating Christ's love through practical assistance, family support, children's programs, and humanitarian outreach.
Following the passing of LCI founder, Steve Yagilnicky in January 2025, the Love Cradle Board entered a season of prayer and discernment regarding the future of the ministry. After careful consideration, in 2026, Love Cradle’s ministry in Ukraine became part of Loving Shepherd Ministries, with Irina Yagilinicky continuing to lead the work as Ukraine Program Director.
This transition brings together two ministries with a shared commitment to serving vulnerable children and families, strengthening communities, and sharing the hope of Jesus Christ.
While the name and structure of Love Cradle International have changed, the heart of the work remains the same and the mission continues.
SERVING VULNERABLE FAMILIES IN UKRAINE
As the conflict in Ukraine continues to impact lives, children and families remain vulnerable and in need of food, medicine, hygiene supplies, clothing, and other basic necessities.
The Ukraine Program comes alongside vulnerable families, single mothers and children in several communities across Ukraine. Through humanitarian assistance, children's programs, family support, and discipleship, we seek to meet practical needs while sharing the hope of Jesus Christ.
UKRAINE program provides:
Help for vulnerable children and families, while sharing the hope of Christ.
Humanitarian Assistance - Providing emergency relief and essential supplies to families and communities in need.
Support for Orphaned & Vulnerable Children - Meeting needs, while providing care, encouragement, and hope.
Foster & Family-Based Care - Strengthening families and promoting safe, nurturing environments where children can thrive.
Children's Camps & Outreach - Providing VBS camps, activities, discipleship, and opportunities for children to hear the Gospel.
Youth Leadership & Discipleship - Equipping young people to grow in faith, character, and leadership.
Single Mothers & Children - Providing compassionate care and practical assistance for single mother families facing significant challenges
The Impact
We bring comfort, dignity, and hope to vulnerable children, families, single mothers, and communities by helping people overcome hardship, build healthy and independent lives, and discover the transforming love of Christ.
“Through your prayers, generosity, and encouragement, together we provide food to the hungry, hope to the discouraged, support to orphaned and vulnerable children, assistance to families in crisis, and the love of Christ to countless lives."
- Irina Yagilinicky, Ukraine Program director
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
DOES LOVE CRADLE INTERNATIONAL STILL OPERATE AS A NONPROFIT MINISTRY?
Love Cradle International is now part of Loving Shepherd Ministries. While the Love Cradle International name is no longer used as a separate ministry, its mission and work in Ukraine continue through LSM’s Ukraine Program.
We are grateful for the more than 25 years of ministry God entrusted to Love Cradle International, and we look forward to continuing that legacy together through Loving Shepherd Ministries.
WILL THE UKRAINE MINISTRY CONTINUE?
Yes. The ministry continues under Loving Shepherd Ministries, with Irina Yagilnicky serving as Director of the Ukraine Program. She will help ensure that the ministry’s relationships, humanitarian efforts, and commitment to serving vulnerable children and families continue into the future.
WHY DID LOVE CRADLE MERGE WITH LSM?
After prayerful consideration, the Love Cradle Board determined that joining Loving Shepherd Ministries would provide greater long-term sustainability and additional administrative, fundraising, communications, and ministry resources to allow the work in Ukraine to continue and grow.
WILL MY SUPPORT STILL HELP UKRAINE?
Yes. Gifts designated to the Ukraine Program will directly support the ministry’s work with vulnerable children and families in Ukraine.
HOW IS LSM HELPING TO CARRY ON STEVE’S LEGACY?
Steve Yagilnicky's passion for serving vulnerable children and families continues through the ministry he helped build. Following his passing, the Love Cradle Board prayerfully considered how best to preserve that ministry and ensure its continued impact. Today, that work carries forward through the Ukraine Program of Loving Shepherd Ministries. We are committed to building on the foundation Steve helped establish by continuing to serve vulnerable children and families, providing practical assistance, strengthening families, and sharing the hope of Jesus Christ.
