Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mission 823?
Mission 823 is a Christian 501(c)(3) nonprofit that defends, rescues and restores at-risk and traumatized children and families in Ukraine. We build and support family homes for orphaned and vulnerable children, run free camps for children affected by the war, deliver humanitarian aid such as clean water, food and winter supplies, and support local churches and new church plants.
Where does the name “Mission 823” come from?
The name Mission 823 comes from Psalm 82:3-4: “Defend the poor and fatherless: Do Justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy: Rescue them out of the hand of the wicked.” That verse shapes our mission to defend, rescue and restore.
Who founded Mission 823, and when?
Shawn and Amy Sullivan founded Mission 823 in 2018. They have served as missionaries in Ukraine for more than 25 years, beginning with Shawn’s first trip there in 1995. Shawn serves as President.
Where is Mission 823 located?
Mission 823 is headquartered in Clermont, Florida, and works throughout Ukraine. Our mailing address is P.O. Box 120748, Clermont, FL 34712.
Is Mission 823 a faith-based organization?
Yes. Mission 823 is a Christian organization, and our work is motivated by our faith in Jesus Christ. We serve children and families in need regardless of their background. It is the policy of Mission 823 not to discriminate against any employee, applicant, student, or participant on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Our work in Ukraine
What does Mission 823 do?
Mission 823 works in four main areas in Ukraine:
- Family homes: building and supporting homes where trained adoptive and foster parents raise orphaned and vulnerable children.
- Youth camps: free, all-inclusive camps for children traumatized by the war, plus retreats for refugees, widows, orphans and under privileged children.
- Humanitarian aid: evacuation, reconstruction, clean water, food, winter supplies, generators and shelter for families affected by the war.
- Church support and church planting: supporting local Ukrainian churches, including those near the front lines, and helping plant new churches that grow to become self-sufficient.
What is a family-type home?
A family-type home is a house designed for a large adoptive or foster family, where trained and licensed parents raise children who have lost their families. Mission 823 builds and supports these homes so children can grow up in a loving, permanent family instead of an orphanage or state institution.
What is Faith House?
Faith House is Mission 823’s family-type home in Ukraine, where Julia and Sergei, a Christian couple, are raising a family of 10 children with Mission 823’s support. During the war it also sheltered dozens of people displaced from the front lines.
Who are the children Mission 823 serves?
Mission 823 serves orphans with no living relatives able to care for them, “social orphans” who have been abused, neglected or abandoned, children who have been taken advantage of and exploited, and children displaced or traumatized by the war. “Who Are These Kids?” We also support widows and families who have lost a husband or father in the war or have a family member in active duty with the military.
What are Mission 823’s youth camps?
Mission 823’s youth camps are free, all-inclusive camps at Camp Willow Park in Western Ukraine for children suffering from war trauma and PTSD. Children receive rest, healthy meals, care from trained staff and volunteers, and a safe place to heal.
What humanitarian aid has Mission 823 provided?
Since the full-scale war began in 2022, Mission 823 has evacuated over 70,000 people, delivered 10 shipping containers of aid and more than 51,000 water filters. We have also built two water filtration plants that together produce 200,000 liters of clean water per day, and we provide food, generators, blankets and other winter supplies to families in need.
Who carries out the work in Ukraine?
Mission 823’s work in Ukraine is led by an all-Ukrainian team through Mission 823’s registered Ukrainian nonprofit. Taras Savchuk serves as our Ukrainian Director.
Trust and accountability
Is Mission 823 a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit?
Yes. Mission 823, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) public charity in the United States, EIN 82-5088294. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
How does Mission 823 make sure donations reach those in need?
Mission 823 oversees its Ukrainian team through regular reporting to the President and the U.S. board of directors. Shawn Sullivan travels to Ukraine several times each year to inspect the work in person, and board members and donors often join him. Our partners are invited to come see their investments at work.
Where can I find Mission 823’s financial information?
Mission 823’s nonprofit profile, including financial information, is available on Candid (formerly GuideStar) at guidestar.org/profile/82-5088294. We are also happy to answer questions directly at office@mission823.com.
How much of my donation goes to programs?
Camp sponsorships go 100% to supporting children in Ukraine, with no administrative fees deducted. 90% of other designated funds are sent directly to the projects with only 10% set aside for administration and management.
Giving
How can I donate to Mission 823?
You can donate online at mission823.com/donate, by check mailed to Mission 823, P.O. Box 120748, Clermont, FL 34712, or by calling our office at (352) 432-8587.
Can I give to a specific program?
Yes. You can give to our general fund, the Ukraine Emergency Relief Fund at mission823.com/ukraine-emergency-relief-fund, or Sponsor a Child to attend youth camp at mission823.com/sponsor-a-child-to-youth-camp.
Can I give monthly?
Yes. You can set up a recurring monthly gift on our donation page. Monthly gifts help Mission 823 plan ahead and keep family homes and camps running year-round.
Does Mission 823 accept gifts of stock, IRA distributions or donor-advised fund grants?
Yes. Mission 823 accepts grants from donor-advised funds and is happy to discuss gifts of stock, IRA qualified charitable distributions, real estate and in-kind gifts. Please contact our office to discuss at (352) 432-8587 or office@mission823.com, and use EIN 82-5088294. Learn More Here.
Will I receive a receipt for my donation?
Yes. You will receive a thank-you email after giving online, and Mission 823 provides receipts for tax purposes. End of Year Tax Statements are sent to all of our partners.
Getting involved
Can I travel to Ukraine with Mission 823?
Mission 823 regularly takes board members, donors and specialized volunteer teams to Ukraine to see the work firsthand. If you are interested in joining a future trip, contact us at office@mission823.com.
How can my church partner with Mission 823?
Mission 823 partners with churches through prayer, missions giving, speaking engagements and mission trips. Shawn Sullivan is available to share about the work in Ukraine; contact him to schedule a visit: Shawn@mission823.com
How else can I help?
You can pray for the children and families of Ukraine, follow Mission 823 on Facebook and Instagram, Subscribe to our You Tube Channel, share our posts, or become a Mission 823 ambassador by introducing us to friends, pastors, colleagues and business leaders.
How do I contact Mission 823?
You can reach Mission 823 by phone at (352) 432-8587, by email at office@mission823.com, or by mail at P.O. Box 120748, Clermont, FL 34712.