Shelter Ministry
Safe homes where abused women and their children find protection, food, clothing, counseling, and care.
See the safe houses
Serving since 2008
Faith · Shelter · Hope
Caring in His love, with outstretched hands
A Christian ministry walking alongside orphans, widows, and abused women and children in Kyrgyzstan — offering safety, dignity, and the hope of a loving Savior.
“Pure and genuine religion … is caring for orphans and widows in their distress.” — James 1:27
The heart of it
It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.James 1:27 · our calling
2008The year our shelter ministry began, after our founder escaped abuse herself.
100+Children welcomed to summer camp every year.
2013The first safe home — the House of Comfort — opened its doors.
Up to 7Children some mothers arrive with, fleeing to safety together.
How we care
Three ways outstretched hands reach
From a safe place to sleep tonight to a summer that changes a childhood — every hand we extend is held out in His love.
Summer Camp
Faith, fellowship and fun for 100+ children each year — and the chance to hear about the love of Jesus.
Inside the camp
A Future for Orphans
Our growing dream: loving homes for orphaned children, and help for mothers so families can stay together.
Our vision
2010Iris began offering abused women a place of safety — with her young daughter in tow.
Our story
One woman’s pain, turned into a place of refuge
Outstretched Hands for the Poor and Needy began with Iris Pritchard, who had suffered abuse herself. Rather than let that pain define her, she channelled it into compassion — first a single rental home, then the House of Comfort, then a ministry that has sheltered countless women and children across Kyrgyzstan.
Today that same love reaches further every year: a second shelter opening, summer camps for the children of her community, and a vision for orphan care still to come.
Your kindness goes a long way
A gift today provides food, shelter, and hope
Please share your kindness with women and children who need your love and caring support. Every gift is given in His name. Thank you, and God bless you.