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ALBANIA

Study of Evangelical Church Ministry to

VULNERABLE CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

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Urban

64%

Capital City

28%

90

CHURCH LEADERS SURVEYED

ABOUT THE RESEARCH

Rural

8%

1-30

33%

81-150

13%

150+

3%

Church Size

31-80

51%

of churches are part of the Albanian Evangelical Alliance (VUSH)

12 DISTRICTS

64%

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key RESEARCH QUESTIONS

How are churches in Albania caring for vulnerable children and families?

How are churches in Albania discipling vulnerable children and youth?

How can we better equip churches to meet the needs of vulnerable children, youth, and families?

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vulnerable children and families

MINISTRY TO

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What percentage of your children and youth would you say come from vulnerable families?

0-15%

26%

15-40%

33%

40-60%

30%

75-100%

10%

4 in 10 say that over 40% of children/youth are from vulnerable families

Vulnerable Families

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Church leaders report high percentages of children and youth who come to church without parents.

Percentage of children (5-12)

who come WITHOUT parents

0-50%

51-100%

Percentage of youth (13-19)

who come WITHOUT parents

61%

39%

38%

63%

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More than half

OF CHILDREN FROM VULNERABLE FAMILIES ARe very or highly involved in ministries they attend.

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Issues identified by

CHURCHES

Economic

Hardship

89%

Violence, abuse, or neglect

33%

Caregivers’ limited understanding of child development

29%

Instability due to parental separation/divorce

25%

Abandonment (including for work abroad)

21%

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Economic Hardship

Issues identified by

CHURCHES

a root cause for many other issues

Economic hardship was frequently identified as a root cause that intensifies other challenges for vulnerable families. Church leaders emphasize that many issues faced by families and children stem from financial difficulties.

Respondents frequently noted a lack of education and awareness among parents, particularly when it comes to the emotional and psychological support that children need. They emphasize the importance of improving parenting skills to better meet these needs.

Difficult family situations were a recurring theme. Some pointed to parental absence due to immigration—a longstanding issue in Albania—while others highlighted divorce—a newer trend contributing to family instability. Overall, there is a sense that many children are growing up with only one parent or in challenging family conditions.

Violence was described as a widespread cultural issue, perpetuating cycles of trauma and abuse. Its prevalence can make it seem normal and even necessary in the eyes of young people.

Other responses pointed to less visible issues, including "hidden" challenges like mental health struggles and family abuse. There seems to be a culture of silence surrounding difficult topics in family life, which makes it hard for families to seek help and support.

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Economic Hardship

Lack of Education among Parents

Issues identified by

CHURCHES

a root cause for many other issues

not knowing children development or how to support kids well

Economic hardship was frequently identified as a root cause that intensifies other challenges for vulnerable families. Church leaders emphasize that many issues faced by families and children stem from financial difficulties.

Respondents frequently noted a lack of education and awareness among parents, particularly when it comes to the emotional and psychological support that children need. They emphasize the importance of improving parenting skills to better meet these needs.

Difficult family situations were a recurring theme. Some pointed to parental absence due to immigration—a longstanding issue in Albania—while others highlighted divorce—a newer trend contributing to family instability. Overall, there is a sense that many children are growing up with only one parent or in challenging family conditions.

Violence was described as a widespread cultural issue, perpetuating cycles of trauma and abuse. Its prevalence can make it seem normal and even necessary in the eyes of young people.

Other responses pointed to less visible issues, including "hidden" challenges like mental health struggles and family abuse. There seems to be a culture of silence surrounding difficult topics in family life, which makes it hard for families to seek help and support.

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Difficult Family Situations

migration, divorce, and general instability among families

Issues identified by

CHURCHES

Economic hardship was frequently identified as a root cause that intensifies other challenges for vulnerable families. Church leaders emphasize that many issues faced by families and children stem from financial difficulties.

Respondents frequently noted a lack of education and awareness among parents, particularly when it comes to the emotional and psychological support that children need. They emphasize the importance of improving parenting skills to better meet these needs.

Difficult family situations were a recurring theme. Some pointed to parental absence due to immigration—a longstanding issue in Albania—while others highlighted divorce—a newer trend contributing to family instability. Overall, there is a sense that many children are growing up with only one parent or in challenging family conditions.

Violence was described as a widespread cultural issue, perpetuating cycles of trauma and abuse. Its prevalence can make it seem normal and even necessary in the eyes of young people.

Other responses pointed to less visible issues, including "hidden" challenges like mental health struggles and family abuse. There seems to be a culture of silence surrounding difficult topics in family life, which makes it hard for families to seek help and support.

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Difficult Family Situations

Violence or Abuse

migration, divorce, and general instability among families

Issues identified by

CHURCHES

widespread cultural norm that can seem normal or even necessary to these children

Economic hardship was frequently identified as a root cause that intensifies other challenges for vulnerable families. Church leaders emphasize that many issues faced by families and children stem from financial difficulties.

Respondents frequently noted a lack of education and awareness among parents, particularly when it comes to the emotional and psychological support that children need. They emphasize the importance of improving parenting skills to better meet these needs.

Difficult family situations were a recurring theme. Some pointed to parental absence due to immigration—a longstanding issue in Albania—while others highlighted divorce—a newer trend contributing to family instability. Overall, there is a sense that many children are growing up with only one parent or in challenging family conditions.

Violence was described as a widespread cultural issue, perpetuating cycles of trauma and abuse. Its prevalence can make it seem normal and even necessary in the eyes of young people.

Other responses pointed to less visible issues, including "hidden" challenges like mental health struggles and family abuse. There seems to be a culture of silence surrounding difficult topics in family life, which makes it hard for families to seek help and support.

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Difficult Family Situations

Violence or Abuse

migration, divorce, and general instability among families

Issues identified by

CHURCHES

widespread cultural norm that can seem normal or even necessary to these children

mental health, family abuse, drugs, etc.

Hidden Challenges

Economic hardship was frequently identified as a root cause that intensifies other challenges for vulnerable families. Church leaders emphasize that many issues faced by families and children stem from financial difficulties.

Respondents frequently noted a lack of education and awareness among parents, particularly when it comes to the emotional and psychological support that children need. They emphasize the importance of improving parenting skills to better meet these needs.

Difficult family situations were a recurring theme. Some pointed to parental absence due to immigration—a longstanding issue in Albania—while others highlighted divorce—a newer trend contributing to family instability. Overall, there is a sense that many children are growing up with only one parent or in challenging family conditions.

Violence was described as a widespread cultural issue, perpetuating cycles of trauma and abuse. Its prevalence can make it seem normal and even necessary in the eyes of young people.

Other responses pointed to less visible issues, including "hidden" challenges like mental health struggles and family abuse. There seems to be a culture of silence surrounding difficult topics in family life, which makes it hard for families to seek help and support.

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vulnerable children and families

SUPPORT NEEDED FOR

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varied challenges

VULNERABLE CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILIES FACE

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Support

NEEDED

both immediate needs and long-term employment and financial stability

Economic

Among those varied responses, however, 5 common themes stood out to us.

Vulnerable families often face critical financial challenges, primarily due to unemployment and low wages. Poverty leaves many struggling to meet basic needs. Church leaders highlighted the importance of providing immediate help, such as food, clothing, and financial aid, to fill these gaps. For long-term stability, they emphasized the need for better employment opportunities, financial planning, and higher wages to set families on a stronger economic path.

Children from vulnerable families often miss school or lack educational support at home. Church leaders stressed the importance of programs that promote learning, literacy, and continued education. Educational initiatives, such as parent training and after-school programs, can help children succeed academically and inspire a love of learning.

Many church leaders highlighted the diverse emotional, relational, and psychological needs of vulnerable populations. They emphasized the importance of support systems that promote mental health and emotional well-being. While some stressed the role of professional counselors, others underscored the value of everyday relationships with trustworthy, empathetic listeners. Overall, there was a clear sense from these leaders that many different kinds of psycho-emotional support are needed.

Many of the challenges children face stem from a lack of support or even abuse from their parents. Church leaders identified supporting parents as a key way to improve the lives of vulnerable children and youth. This support would focus on building parents' skills and confidence, improving family dynamics, and strengthening child-rearing practices. By increasing parental engagement and awareness of their responsibilities, parents would be better equipped to create supportive environments for their children.

Spiritual support is essential for fostering a sense of community and belonging among vulnerable families. Church leaders emphasize that vulnerable children and youth need not only material assistance but also spiritual encouragement. They especially need to experience Christ’s love and understand their value and worth in His eyes.

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both immediate needs and long-term employment and financial stability

Economic

Educational

for children including literacy, missing school, etc.

Support

NEEDED

Among those varied responses, however, 5 common themes stood out to us.

Vulnerable families often face critical financial challenges, primarily due to unemployment and low wages. Poverty leaves many struggling to meet basic needs. Church leaders highlighted the importance of providing immediate help, such as food, clothing, and financial aid, to fill these gaps. For long-term stability, they emphasized the need for better employment opportunities, financial planning, and higher wages to set families on a stronger economic path.

Children from vulnerable families often miss school or lack educational support at home. Church leaders stressed the importance of programs that promote learning, literacy, and continued education. Educational initiatives, such as parent training and after-school programs, can help children succeed academically and inspire a love of learning.

Many church leaders highlighted the diverse emotional, relational, and psychological needs of vulnerable populations. They emphasized the importance of support systems that promote mental health and emotional well-being. While some stressed the role of professional counselors, others underscored the value of everyday relationships with trustworthy, empathetic listeners. Overall, there was a clear sense from these leaders that many different kinds of psycho-emotional support are needed.

Many of the challenges children face stem from a lack of support or even abuse from their parents. Church leaders identified supporting parents as a key way to improve the lives of vulnerable children and youth. This support would focus on building parents' skills and confidence, improving family dynamics, and strengthening child-rearing practices. By increasing parental engagement and awareness of their responsibilities, parents would be better equipped to create supportive environments for their children.

Spiritual support is essential for fostering a sense of community and belonging among vulnerable families. Church leaders emphasize that vulnerable children and youth need not only material assistance but also spiritual encouragement. They especially need to experience Christ’s love and understand their value and worth in His eyes.

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promote mental health and emotional safety

Psycho-Emotional

Support

NEEDED

Among those varied responses, however, 5 common themes stood out to us.

Vulnerable families often face critical financial challenges, primarily due to unemployment and low wages. Poverty leaves many struggling to meet basic needs. Church leaders highlighted the importance of providing immediate help, such as food, clothing, and financial aid, to fill these gaps. For long-term stability, they emphasized the need for better employment opportunities, financial planning, and higher wages to set families on a stronger economic path.

Children from vulnerable families often miss school or lack educational support at home. Church leaders stressed the importance of programs that promote learning, literacy, and continued education. Educational initiatives, such as parent training and after-school programs, can help children succeed academically and inspire a love of learning.

Many church leaders highlighted the diverse emotional, relational, and psychological needs of vulnerable populations. They emphasized the importance of support systems that promote mental health and emotional well-being. While some stressed the role of professional counselors, others underscored the value of everyday relationships with trustworthy, empathetic listeners. Overall, there was a clear sense from these leaders that many different kinds of psycho-emotional support are needed.

Many of the challenges children face stem from a lack of support or even abuse from their parents. Church leaders identified supporting parents as a key way to improve the lives of vulnerable children and youth. This support would focus on building parents' skills and confidence, improving family dynamics, and strengthening child-rearing practices. By increasing parental engagement and awareness of their responsibilities, parents would be better equipped to create supportive environments for their children.

Spiritual support is essential for fostering a sense of community and belonging among vulnerable families. Church leaders emphasize that vulnerable children and youth need not only material assistance but also spiritual encouragement. They especially need to experience Christ’s love and understand their value and worth in His eyes.

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promote mental health and emotional safety

Psycho-Emotional

Parenting

build parenting skills, confidence, and responsibility

Support

NEEDED

Among those varied responses, however, 5 common themes stood out to us.

Vulnerable families often face critical financial challenges, primarily due to unemployment and low wages. Poverty leaves many struggling to meet basic needs. Church leaders highlighted the importance of providing immediate help, such as food, clothing, and financial aid, to fill these gaps. For long-term stability, they emphasized the need for better employment opportunities, financial planning, and higher wages to set families on a stronger economic path.

Children from vulnerable families often miss school or lack educational support at home. Church leaders stressed the importance of programs that promote learning, literacy, and continued education. Educational initiatives, such as parent training and after-school programs, can help children succeed academically and inspire a love of learning.

Many church leaders highlighted the diverse emotional, relational, and psychological needs of vulnerable populations. They emphasized the importance of support systems that promote mental health and emotional well-being. While some stressed the role of professional counselors, others underscored the value of everyday relationships with trustworthy, empathetic listeners. Overall, there was a clear sense from these leaders that many different kinds of psycho-emotional support are needed.

Many of the challenges children face stem from a lack of support or even abuse from their parents. Church leaders identified supporting parents as a key way to improve the lives of vulnerable children and youth. This support would focus on building parents' skills and confidence, improving family dynamics, and strengthening child-rearing practices. By increasing parental engagement and awareness of their responsibilities, parents would be better equipped to create supportive environments for their children.

Spiritual support is essential for fostering a sense of community and belonging among vulnerable families. Church leaders emphasize that vulnerable children and youth need not only material assistance but also spiritual encouragement. They especially need to experience Christ’s love and understand their value and worth in His eyes.

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promote mental health and emotional safety

Psycho-Emotional

Parenting

Spiritual

build parenting skills, confidence, and responsibility

foster community and belonging so they know they are loved and worthy

Support

NEEDED

Among those varied responses, however, 5 common themes stood out to us.

Vulnerable families often face critical financial challenges, primarily due to unemployment and low wages. Poverty leaves many struggling to meet basic needs. Church leaders highlighted the importance of providing immediate help, such as food, clothing, and financial aid, to fill these gaps. For long-term stability, they emphasized the need for better employment opportunities, financial planning, and higher wages to set families on a stronger economic path.

Children from vulnerable families often miss school or lack educational support at home. Church leaders stressed the importance of programs that promote learning, literacy, and continued education. Educational initiatives, such as parent training and after-school programs, can help children succeed academically and inspire a love of learning.

Many church leaders highlighted the diverse emotional, relational, and psychological needs of vulnerable populations. They emphasized the importance of support systems that promote mental health and emotional well-being. While some stressed the role of professional counselors, others underscored the value of everyday relationships with trustworthy, empathetic listeners. Overall, there was a clear sense from these leaders that many different kinds of psycho-emotional support are needed.

Many of the challenges children face stem from a lack of support or even abuse from their parents. Church leaders identified supporting parents as a key way to improve the lives of vulnerable children and youth. This support would focus on building parents' skills and confidence, improving family dynamics, and strengthening child-rearing practices. By increasing parental engagement and awareness of their responsibilities, parents would be better equipped to create supportive environments for their children.

Spiritual support is essential for fostering a sense of community and belonging among vulnerable families. Church leaders emphasize that vulnerable children and youth need not only material assistance but also spiritual encouragement. They especially need to experience Christ’s love and understand their value and worth in His eyes.

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reflect and

DISCUSS

What is standing out to me?

What is stirring in my heart as I reflect on these results?

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and intervention by churches

PREVENTION

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Does your church have any policies specifically related to protecting or supporting vulnerable children?

Yes

No

Child protection policies

61%

39%

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How would you characterize your policy’s role:

Actively used to guide choices

13%

Regularly referenced

22%

Present but not actively used

25%

Not available

41%

Child protection policies

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Church SUPPORT

Aid Distribution

Family Visits

Mentoring of children and youth

Parenting Support

Financial Support

Church leaders could select as many kinds of support as they liked - this is where we get to the heart of what Albanian churches are already/currently doing to help vulnerable families and children.

The most common kind of support is distribution of aid. This can mean many different things. Based on responses church leaders primarily used it to referred to food packages and other material goods, with varying frequencies and methods of distribution. While some churches provide aid regularly—such as monthly —others offer assistance sporadically depending on available resources. Collaborations with organizations such as food banks were also mentioned.

Some family visits are planned and occur regularly, others are spontaneous—driven by specific needs or circumstances. These visits usually focus on building relationships, providing emotional support, and bringing aid packages.

Mentoring typically occurs in one-on-one sessions or group meetings, with a focus on offering guidance, support, and encouragement.

Parenting support, when provided, typically occurs through occasional meetings and informal interactions rather than structured programs. These efforts are often focused on mothers or take place within women's groups.

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Psychological Support

After-School Programs

Meals

Other

Church SUPPORT

Financial support is limited and case-by-case, focusing on specific needs like rent, medicine, and utilities rather than direct cash assistance.

Psychological support usually means pastoral care. A few leaders mentioned making referrals to professionals, usually in the context of trauma or disability.

After-school programs focus on tutoring and enrichment, with sessions in subjects like English, math, and chemistry. Programs are generally available 2 to 5 days a week but are limited due to lack of staff and volunteers.

Meal support may be offered 2 to 5 times a week, often alongside children’s activities or community gatherings. Meals are typically cooked by church members or in partnership with organizations.

Other types of support include spiritual support, job orientation, and social events. A few leaders mentioned practical aid like school supplies, heating assistance, and emergency healthcare, as well as recreational activities, such as sports, excursions, and free courses in music and languages. Specialized support is sometimes offered to families facing disabilities, addiction issues, or single parents, often through partnerships with local and international organizations.

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reflect and

DISCUSS

What strikes you about how churches are responding to the needs of their communities?

Why might this be happening?

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ministry

and misalignments

ALIGNMENTS

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celebrating

ALIGNMENT

Here are several areas where the needs of vulnerable families are being met by the support churches offer.

Community Integration

Relationship Building

Emotional Support for Families

Support for Basic Needs

Community Integration -

Vulnerable children, youth, and families may feel isolated due to shame or judgment. They need to experience the truth that they are loved and belong to their community.

Albanian churches can play a key role in meeting this need. Many leaders reported that their congregations actively invite vulnerable children and youth into church activities. Social events, spiritual engagement, and mentoring are ways churches are integrating young people into community life and battling feelings of isolation.

Relationship Building -

Regardless of their family situation, children need support and encouragement from other adults in their lives. External affirmation is especially crucial for young people who face a lack of support at home.

Churches play a key role in helping young people form relationships with caring adults outside of their family. Many church leaders shared examples of relationship-building, ranging from formal mentoring programs to after-school activities that pair young people with caring volunteers.

Emotional Support for Families -

Challenges faced by vulnerable families, such as violence, addiction, and hunger, leave deep emotional scars. People in these situations need encouragement, empathetic listening, and positive feedback. Pastoral care is a key type of support leaders are providing. Through home visits, prayer, and being available to listen, pastors and other church members affirm the worth of individuals and offer kindness to those in pain.

Support for Basic Needs -

Vulnerable children and youth often face material needs that make life difficult, such as hunger, lack of clothing, or an unheated home in winter. Churches can play a crucial role in addressing these basic needs. Food packages and occasional meal programs help meet nutritional needs, while financial assistance for urgent medical care or winter heating can extend families' limited resources.

Although many leaders highlighted the limited capacity of their churches to provide concrete support, it was encouraging to see their desire and commitment to offering basic material comforts to the vulnerable when possible.

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How can we celebrate and build on these to strengthen Albanian churches’ care for vulnerable children and youth?

celebrating

ALIGNMENT

Here are several areas where the needs of vulnerable families are being met by the support churches offer.

Community Integration

Relationship Building

Emotional Support for Families

Support for Basic Needs

Community Integration -

Vulnerable children, youth, and families may feel isolated due to shame or judgment. They need to experience the truth that they are loved and belong to their community.

Albanian churches can play a key role in meeting this need. Many leaders reported that their congregations actively invite vulnerable children and youth into church activities. Social events, spiritual engagement, and mentoring are ways churches are integrating young people into community life and battling feelings of isolation.

Relationship Building -

Regardless of their family situation, children need support and encouragement from other adults in their lives. External affirmation is especially crucial for young people who face a lack of support at home.

Churches play a key role in helping young people form relationships with caring adults outside of their family. Many church leaders shared examples of relationship-building, ranging from formal mentoring programs to after-school activities that pair young people with caring volunteers.

Emotional Support for Families -

Challenges faced by vulnerable families, such as violence, addiction, and hunger, leave deep emotional scars. People in these situations need encouragement, empathetic listening, and positive feedback. Pastoral care is a key type of support leaders are providing. Through home visits, prayer, and being available to listen, pastors and other church members affirm the worth of individuals and offer kindness to those in pain.

Support for Basic Needs -

Vulnerable children and youth often face material needs that make life difficult, such as hunger, lack of clothing, or an unheated home in winter. Churches can play a crucial role in addressing these basic needs. Food packages and occasional meal programs help meet nutritional needs, while financial assistance for urgent medical care or winter heating can extend families' limited resources.

Although many leaders highlighted the limited capacity of their churches to provide concrete support, it was encouraging to see their desire and commitment to offering basic material comforts to the vulnerable when possible.

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exploring

MISALIGNMENT

Here are several areas where the needs of vulnerable families exceed the support churches are offering.

Economic Challenges and Employment

Abuse and Psychological Support

Supporting the Whole Child

Parenting Support

Substance Abuse Programs

Community Integration -

Vulnerable children, youth, and families may feel isolated due to shame or judgment. They need to experience the truth that they are loved and belong to their community.

Albanian churches can play a key role in meeting this need. Many leaders reported that their congregations actively invite vulnerable children and youth into church activities. Social events, spiritual engagement, and mentoring are ways churches are integrating young people into community life and battling feelings of isolation.

Relationship Building -

Regardless of their family situation, children need support and encouragement from other adults in their lives. External affirmation is especially crucial for young people who face a lack of support at home.

Churches play a key role in helping young people form relationships with caring adults outside of their family. Many church leaders shared examples of relationship-building, ranging from formal mentoring programs to after-school activities that pair young people with caring volunteers.

Emotional Support for Families -

Challenges faced by vulnerable families, such as violence, addiction, and hunger, leave deep emotional scars. People in these situations need encouragement, empathetic listening, and positive feedback. Pastoral care is a key type of support leaders are providing. Through home visits, prayer, and being available to listen, pastors and other church members affirm the worth of individuals and offer kindness to those in pain.

Support for Basic Needs -

Vulnerable children and youth often face material needs that make life difficult, such as hunger, lack of clothing, or an unheated home in winter. Churches can play a crucial role in addressing these basic needs. Food packages and occasional meal programs help meet nutritional needs, while financial assistance for urgent medical care or winter heating can extend families' limited resources.

Although many leaders highlighted the limited capacity of their churches to provide concrete support, it was encouraging to see their desire and commitment to offering basic material comforts to the vulnerable when possible.

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How can we consider these areas as opportunities for growth and deeper ministry?

exploring

MISALIGNMENT

Here are several areas where the needs of vulnerable families exceed the support churches are offering.

Economic Challenges and Employment

Abuse and Psychological Support

Supporting the Whole Child

Parenting Support

Substance Abuse Programs

Community Integration -

Vulnerable children, youth, and families may feel isolated due to shame or judgment. They need to experience the truth that they are loved and belong to their community.

Albanian churches can play a key role in meeting this need. Many leaders reported that their congregations actively invite vulnerable children and youth into church activities. Social events, spiritual engagement, and mentoring are ways churches are integrating young people into community life and battling feelings of isolation.

Relationship Building -

Regardless of their family situation, children need support and encouragement from other adults in their lives. External affirmation is especially crucial for young people who face a lack of support at home.

Churches play a key role in helping young people form relationships with caring adults outside of their family. Many church leaders shared examples of relationship-building, ranging from formal mentoring programs to after-school activities that pair young people with caring volunteers.

Emotional Support for Families -

Challenges faced by vulnerable families, such as violence, addiction, and hunger, leave deep emotional scars. People in these situations need encouragement, empathetic listening, and positive feedback. Pastoral care is a key type of support leaders are providing. Through home visits, prayer, and being available to listen, pastors and other church members affirm the worth of individuals and offer kindness to those in pain.

Support for Basic Needs -

Vulnerable children and youth often face material needs that make life difficult, such as hunger, lack of clothing, or an unheated home in winter. Churches can play a crucial role in addressing these basic needs. Food packages and occasional meal programs help meet nutritional needs, while financial assistance for urgent medical care or winter heating can extend families' limited resources.

Although many leaders highlighted the limited capacity of their churches to provide concrete support, it was encouraging to see their desire and commitment to offering basic material comforts to the vulnerable when possible.

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reflect and

DISCUSS

How might this information influence our ministry strategies?

How can we respond together, with intention and hope?

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TO CHILDREN DEPRIVED OF PARENTAL CARE

MINISTRY

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ORPHAN

SUNDAY

Have you heard about Orphan Sunday?

If yes, have you organized something on that day in previous years?

Church service focus and/or sermons

Awareness and information distribution

Prayer focus

17

19

9

6

Material or financial donations

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ORPHAN CARE

Fostering or adopting families in the church

5

Mentoring or individual support of orphans

6

Activities with and for children living in orphanages

5

Supporting families caring for orphans

6

Church leaders could select as many kinds of support as they liked - this is where we get to the heart of what Albanian churches are already/currently doing to help vulnerable families and children.

The most common kind of support is distribution of aid. This can mean many different things. Based on responses church leaders primarily used it to referred to food packages and other material goods, with varying frequencies and methods of distribution. While some churches provide aid regularly—such as monthly —others offer assistance sporadically depending on available resources. Collaborations with organizations such as food banks were also mentioned.

Some family visits are planned and occur regularly, others are spontaneous—driven by specific needs or circumstances. These visits usually focus on building relationships, providing emotional support, and bringing aid packages.

Mentoring typically occurs in one-on-one sessions or group meetings, with a focus on offering guidance, support, and encouragement.

Parenting support, when provided, typically occurs through occasional meetings and informal interactions rather than structured programs. These efforts are often focused on mothers or take place within women's groups.

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Do you think that church members would be interested in becoming foster or adoptive families or learning more about it?

Yes

38%

No

20%

I’m not sure

42%

ORPHAN CARE

Church leaders could select as many kinds of support as they liked - this is where we get to the heart of what Albanian churches are already/currently doing to help vulnerable families and children.

The most common kind of support is distribution of aid. This can mean many different things. Based on responses church leaders primarily used it to referred to food packages and other material goods, with varying frequencies and methods of distribution. While some churches provide aid regularly—such as monthly —others offer assistance sporadically depending on available resources. Collaborations with organizations such as food banks were also mentioned.

Some family visits are planned and occur regularly, others are spontaneous—driven by specific needs or circumstances. These visits usually focus on building relationships, providing emotional support, and bringing aid packages.

Mentoring typically occurs in one-on-one sessions or group meetings, with a focus on offering guidance, support, and encouragement.

Parenting support, when provided, typically occurs through occasional meetings and informal interactions rather than structured programs. These efforts are often focused on mothers or take place within women's groups.

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Do you think that church members would be interested in becoming foster or adoptive families or learning more about it?

Yes

38%

No

20%

I’m not sure

42%

What prevents church members from getting involved in foster care or adoption, and how can these be addressed?

ORPHAN CARE

Church leaders could select as many kinds of support as they liked - this is where we get to the heart of what Albanian churches are already/currently doing to help vulnerable families and children.

The most common kind of support is distribution of aid. This can mean many different things. Based on responses church leaders primarily used it to referred to food packages and other material goods, with varying frequencies and methods of distribution. While some churches provide aid regularly—such as monthly —others offer assistance sporadically depending on available resources. Collaborations with organizations such as food banks were also mentioned.

Some family visits are planned and occur regularly, others are spontaneous—driven by specific needs or circumstances. These visits usually focus on building relationships, providing emotional support, and bringing aid packages.

Mentoring typically occurs in one-on-one sessions or group meetings, with a focus on offering guidance, support, and encouragement.

Parenting support, when provided, typically occurs through occasional meetings and informal interactions rather than structured programs. These efforts are often focused on mothers or take place within women's groups.

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resources and needs

CHURCH

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Do you believe that your workers or volunteers are well equipped with the knowledge and practical skills needed to minister to vulnerable children/youth?

VOLUNTEER PREPAREDNESS

Yes

34%

No

11%

Partially

55%

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Do you work with any partners to help address the needs of your vulnerable families? (select all that apply)

COLLABORATION

NGOs

58

responses

Other churches

34

Local authorities

33

Other

4

responses

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Are local authorities aware of the work you do?

Do you have a formalized agreement with local authorities?

80%

15%

11%

84%

9%

1%

LOCAL AUTHORITIES

Yes

Unsure

No

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What are your greatest needs for ministry to vulnerable families and/or children/youth with trauma? Pick your top two priorities.

Training for volunteers and/or staff

42%

34%

39%

Networking with others doing the same thing

More volunteers and/or staff

Materials or curriculum with better content

A good ministry model or program

Advocacy and vision for prioritizing children and youth ministry

Collaboration with local authorities

27%

22%

17%

7%

CHURCH

NEEDS

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reflect and

DISCUSS

Knowing the needs expressed, what next steps could help us create spaces for deeper collaboration?

What can we do together that we cannot do alone?

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THANK YOU

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Ruth Vergnon works with vulnerable children through Alo ! Mik, an organization in Albania that supports children facing trauma or loss of a caregiver. In 2023, she reached out to OneHope to explore how churches in Albania are supporting vulnerable families. In response, we interviewed 90 evangelical church leaders about their efforts to help vulnerable families and children. The interviews were conducted in person by volunteers and staff from Alo! Mik, in Albanian, and were translated for analysis by the OneHope research team. We especially thank Elona Deliu and Frederik Qokaj for the time they gave to the data collection including traveling, listening and data entry.

Data was collected between December 2023 and June 2024. Not all church leaders answered every question, but the sample sizes were sufficient for all questions in this report. Researchers transcribed and reviewed the interviews, identifying key ideas and recurring themes. These themes were refined through multiple review cycles to reflect the pastors’ perspectives. The analysis considered both direct responses and deeper meanings, highlighting differences in context to capture the diversity of church experiences. This process provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities Albanian churches face in supporting vulnerable families.

ABOUT

THE PROJECT

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ABOUT

THE PARTNERS

Alo ! Mik is an Albanian NGO inspired by Christian faith to serve vulnerable children and families. Alo ! Mik has been operating in Albania since 2003, running different projects to ensure holistic well-being of children, especially for the more vulnerable. Alo ! Mik’s area of expertise ranges from direct interventions with vulnerable children and their families, to empowerment of local actors through training, networking and resources sharing. https://alomik.org/

In partnership with local churches, ministries, and governments around the world, OneHope has reached over 2 billion children and youth with God’s Word. Based on in-country research OneHope conducts, Scripture programs are designed to be age and culturally relevant. Since 1987, OneHope has helped kids experience God’s Story, sharing the life-changing message of hope with children and youth in every country. https://onehope.net/

WWO Europe is part of a global movement pursuing a world where every child is cared for in a safe and loving family and reaches their God-given potential. They call and equip national Christian leaders to enable Christians and churches in their country to address the needs of orphans, children-at-risk, and their families. WWO Europe partners with Alo ! Mik and Albania Without Orphans in realizing this vision in Albania. https://europe.withoutorphans.org/