AGROPROJECT
Status of Implementation – First Wave of Seed Distribution
We are nearing the completion of the first stage of our agricultural project. The majority of seed kits have already been delivered and distributed across various regions. Last week alone, we managed to reach 10 settlements, including:
- Kryvyi Rih — 200 families
- Synelnykove — 430 families
- Sloviansk — 90 families
- Zmiiv / Donets — 250 families
- Merefa — 150 families
- Nova Vodolaha — 260 families
- Valky — 90 families
- Znam’yanka — 330 families
- Pechenihy — 140 families
- Kobelyaky — 150 families
The distribution is taking place at the optimal time — right in the peak of the planting season. We are doing everything possible to ensure that people receive the materials exactly when they are most needed.
However, weather conditions have unfortunately disrupted the process. In Kharkiv region, a sharp drop in temperature led to crop losses in many communities. The most affected areas are between Shevchenkivskyi and Kupianskyi districts, as well as the Chuhuiv area. Due to the frosts, a significant portion of the seedlings planted by residents did not survive.
We have already started receiving requests from local administrations for additional support, particularly for new seedlings to replace the lost ones. We are actively working to find the necessary resources and solutions to respond to these urgent community needs in a timely manner.
Kherson region, Beryslav district
Zmiiv has completed its seed distribution and expresses heartfelt gratitude to the “Step with Hope” foundation and its sponsors.
Donets, Andreevka
Sloviansk and Mykolaivka thank you for the seeds.
Kryvyi Rih
The seedling suppliers have already reported that the seedlings are reaching maturity. Tentatively starting from May 5, the second phase of the agricultural project will begin — the delivery of seedlings.
We are actively preparing for this. We see the needs, we see the applications, and we are aware of the requests that are coming in. We are getting ready to meet them.
Therefore, the implementation of the second part of the project is set to begin on May 5.
Kherson region
Kherson
Last week was done:
1) Refueled 6 generators
2) Organized a children’s program in Kherson with gifts
3) We purchased and delivered a food package, personal hygiene items, and medicine to a person with limited mobility.
4) We dried out 2 apartments (collected 2 dehumidifiers).
5) Oil was changed in one generator.
6) Disinsection of one room was carried out.
7) Deratization was performed in 5 premises, including 4 large ones: one humanitarian headquarters and three basement rooms.
8) Poison for deratization was provided to three people.
9) We assisted a person with evacuation after a drone struck their car.
The “Step with Hope” team continues working in Kherson despite the daily risks faced by both residents and volunteers.
This time, we went to a new location to help with deratization — mice have become a serious problem in the city, and many families cannot handle it on their own.
As soon as we arrived, an enemy drone appeared over the area. We quickly hid our vehicle and moved to a prepared basement shelter in case of a renewed threat. A few minutes later, two explosions sounded. The noise was so close that we realized the attack happened very nearby.
After finishing the deratization, we saw a damaged civilian car in a nearby block. Approaching it, we met an elderly man who told us it was his son’s car — it had been attacked by an FPV drone. The son suffered a minor injury and was already taken away by an ambulance.
At first glance, help didn’t seem necessary. But seeing the car’s condition — with punctured tires — we understood that it would be extremely difficult for two men to repair it on their own, especially with the high risk of another attack.
Our volunteer, Sasha, quickly returned, removed the damaged tires, and installed working ones. While replacing the last tire, an alarm sounded again. We managed to hide in time and immediately left the area afterward. The owner was then able to tow the car to a repair shop.
In Kherson, owning a personal car is not a luxury — it is a means of survival, a way to protect one’s family, and a way to access basic help and food. Public transport is practically non-existent in the city. That is why our team not only carries out planned tasks but is also ready to respond to situations that arise during our work.
We thank everyone who supports our mission. Thanks to you, we can be close to those who need it most.
Donetsk region
Trip Report: Kramatorsk, Druzhkivka, Sloviansk, Dobropillia
Over the course of three days, the “Step with Hope” foundation team worked in the cities of Donetsk region: Kramatorsk, Druzhkivka, Sloviansk, and Dobropillia. The situation remains tense, especially due to escalations on the Pokrovske front. Local residents respond sensitively to these changes — fear and anxiety have become part of everyday life.
Despite the threats, we were deeply impressed by the example set by local authorities, particularly in Kramatorsk and Dobropillia. Municipal services continue to mow the grass, clean public areas, and maintain order. These may seem like small things, but it is precisely such actions that sustain the spirit of the people and remind them that life goes on and communities endure.
Today, the foremost desire of the local residents is peace — for the shelling to stop. Unfortunately, this is beyond our control.
Wherever we can be helpful — we take action. The greatest current need is for household chemicals. Food supplies are still available, but cleaning products, hygiene items, and basic necessities for maintaining cleanliness are in short supply.
We thank everyone who supports our work. Thanks to your help, we can be present even when it seems everything is hanging by a thread.
Konstantinovka, Druzhkivka
Druzhkivka
Nadiya Hryhorivna learned about the eyeglasses aid point from her neighbors.
“Here, I receive more than just a loaf of bread and glasses. Here, I receive support, care, and inspiration. I thank the foundation for the help and concern shown to people in the frontline zone.”
Kharkiv region
Znamenka
Assistance was received by internally displaced persons, pensioners, people with disabilities, low-income families, and large families.
I am Kateryna Ivanivna, a 64-year-old pensioner. I live on my pension.
Every Wednesday, I receive bread for free. I sincerely thank the Foundation for the help in providing bread. This is a great help for me. Thank you very much!
Chuhuiv and the urban-type settlement Kochetok
I am Marfa Petrivna, born in 1947, a pensioner with low income, and a resident of the city of Chuhuiv.
Thank you for helping us and caring for us during this difficult time.
Krasnograd
Internally displaced persons, people with disabilities, large families, pensioners, low-income individuals, temporarily unemployed, and refugees.
Zoya Ivanivna, 56 years old. I receive a minimum wage, which is not even enough to cover utility bills. I am very grateful for the help provided by the “Step with Hope” foundation! Special thanks for caring about the needs of ordinary people during this troubling time!
Pervomaisky
The city has become a little quieter; air raid sirens sound less frequently. The local authorities have begun repairing roads, cleaning up, and removing winter debris. The city is transforming. We thank the foundation for its charity and support and wish you all the best!
Dergachi
Today, aid was distributed to all those in need: pensioners, people with disabilities, the unemployed, large families, low-income individuals, and internally displaced persons. Unfortunately, fewer people came because there were explosions in the morning, followed by a large fire. The situation in the city is currently unstable — there are endless air raid alerts, power and water outages, and explosions that deeply worry the population.
However, everyone is grateful to the compassionate people for the delicious bread and their care for the community.
Kharkiv, Kamyana Yaruga, Mala Danylivka
Sorokin S.M., 40 years old, temporarily unemployed. His parents are people with disabilities. He is very grateful for the bread. The situation in the city district is tense, with frequent alarms and shelling. However, all infrastructure is still functioning.
Dnipropetrovsk region
Nikopol
During the week, as before, assistance was provided to the long-suffering population of the city and district. Responding to calls for help, we headed to the city of Pokrov, whose residents had been waiting for our arrival for a long time. In total, 70 people were assisted. We combined the ophthalmologist’s consultation with the distribution of food supplies.
The “Step with Hope” foundation team worked at the local aid center. During this period, we were able to provide the city residents with 3 tons of drinking water.
The city has been without centralized water supply for several consecutive years. The situation is extremely difficult. Everyday tasks, such as washing, have become a real challenge. There is no access to the nearest river—it is under constant shelling. The city itself suffers daily from attacks by drones and artillery.
Despite all the risks, we remain on site and continue to help people, because water is a basic necessity that cannot be postponed.
Currently, we are preparing to increase the volume of water deliveries for the summer period, as the demand rises along with the temperature.
We thank each and every one of you who helps us sustain life where it is being threatened every day.
In the second half of the week, we made another trip to Pokrova. After coordinating formalities with the local authorities, we organized a reception for socially vulnerable groups of citizens at the local vocational school.
My name is Valentina. We live in the city of Pokrov. We are very grateful to the organization “Step with Hope” for paying attention to us during this difficult time of war and helping us restore our eyesight.
My name is Hanna Mykolaivna, I am an internally displaced person from the Kherson region, Beryslav district, the village of Havrylivka. I have been living in Pokrov for the third year now. Today I received a pair of glasses. I am very happy. A big, big thank you!
My name is Nataliya from Pokrov. I am very grateful to you for the help you provided. I truly appreciate that you care about people and that you come to our city with such important support. Thank you so much!
A huge thank you to the charitable foundation “Step with Hope.” Thank you. Thank you to your team members who truly opened my eyes. I couldn’t see well with my old glasses that had 2.5 diopters, but they fitted me with glasses with 1.5 diopters—and now I can see clearly.
Thank you so much. I believe I’m expressing the feelings of all the residents of Pokrov. I’m a refugee from the village of Pokrovske. There’s heavy shelling in my village, constant gunfire.
Pavlograd
Maryna Olehivna, 60 years old, from Pavlohrad, a person with a childhood disability, is in need of medication and food. She is sincerely grateful for the assistance!
KRYVYI RIH
This week, humanitarian trips were carried out in the following directions:
Beryslav District — Village of Velyka Oleksandrivka
- Distribution of planting seeds to local residents.
Kryvyi Rih and Kryvyi Rih District
Humanitarian assistance was provided in various forms:
- Distribution of food packages, bread, gadgets for orphaned children, clothing, and hygiene products to families of internally displaced persons (IDPs), socially vulnerable individuals (SVI), and large families.
Kryvyi Rih – Sofiivka — Night Shelter for the Homeless
- Delivery of bread, food, and clothing for IDPs and socially vulnerable groups.
Volunteer Center in Kryvyi Rih
- Humanitarian and psychological support was provided to 140 individuals from families of IDPs and SVIs.
- Hot meals were served to about 50 people.
- Bread, clothing, and inclusive assistance devices were distributed to 180 people.
- Training sessions were held on providing basic psychological first aid.
Total amount of humanitarian cargo distributed: approximately 4,500 kg.
Night Shelter:
Homeless individuals, people facing difficult life circumstances, and internally displaced persons (IDPs) regularly receive support here.
Every week, the shelter is provided with 50 loaves of bread by the “Step with Hope” Foundation.
15 loaves of bread are used weekly for charity lunches provided to internally displaced persons (IDPs) and socially vulnerable groups (SVGs) at the volunteer center.
The Social Wardrobe Project continues its work to support people in need of personal clothing items.
In Kryvyi Rih, there are many internally displaced persons (IDPs) who arrived with almost nothing and have no clothes to wear.
This initiative provides essential clothing to help restore dignity and meet basic daily needs for those who have lost everything due to the war.
Sofiivska Hromada
We continue to provide assistance to large families.
KAMYANSKE
Work of the volunteer center in Kamyanske district this week included:
— Transportation of humanitarian aid across Kamyanske city (both left and right banks). Transporting volunteers. Delivery of bread throughout the city. A trip to a volunteer meeting. A visit to the shelter with a mobile aid team for photo and video reporting;
— Distribution of bread;
— Distribution of food packages;
— Organization of charity meals;
— Laundry services for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and socially vulnerable individuals (SVIs);
— Psycho-social programs;
— Massage services.
My name is Antonina, I am 36 years old, and I am a resident of Donetsk region, Pokrovsk district, Novogradivka community. In September 2024, I was evacuated to the city of Kamyanske with my three children, a dog, and a cat. When we were fleeing the city, our car came under drone attack. The children lay on the floor of the car the entire time. Thank God we all survived; only the car was damaged. Many of our fellow villagers also arrived in Kamyanske, so I decided to come here as well. I am very grateful to the foundation and sponsors for their help and care during this difficult time for us, the displaced. May God protect you.
My name is Olga Volodymyrivna, I am 76 years old. My husband and I lived in the city of Bakhmut. When the invasion began, we were reluctant to leave because it was hard to leave our home. However, in April 2022, when the intensity of shelling increased, we were forced to evacuate.
At first, we moved to the village of Loboykivka, where we lived together with other families, but we realized we needed to find our own housing. So, in December of the same year, we relocated to Kamyanske, where my husband and I now rent an apartment.
We are very grateful to the kind-hearted people for their help and support.
Summary for the period from April 21, 2025, to April 27, 2025
- Number of people served: 8,200 individuals
- Number of people who received bread: 6,600 individuals
- Total food distributed: 20,900 kilograms
Work conducted in the following regions and cities:
- Kherson Region: Kherson, Beryslavska Territorial Community (OTG)
- Donetsk Region: Kramatorsk, Sloviansk, Druzhkivka, Dobropillia
- Kharkiv Region: Kharkiv, Kamyana Yaruga, Znamianka, Balakliia, Krasnohrad, Chuhuiv, Merefa, Pervomaiskyi, Izium, Derhachi, Nova Vodolaha, Valky, Znamianka, Pechenihy
- Dnipropetrovsk Region: Samar, Kamyanske, Synelnykove, Kryvyi Rih, Nikopol, Pokrov, Dnipro, Pavlohrad, Mahdalynivka, Arkhanhelske, Andriivka, Nyva Trudova, village Radushne, Inhulets, Shyroke, Oleksandriia, Zelene, Yuhok, Sofiivska Territorial Community (OTG), Marhanets, Kobeliaky
Report on the work of the psycho-social department of the “Step with Hope” Foundation
We operate in the cities of Dnipro, Samar, Pavlohrad, Kamyanske, and Kryvyi Rih, where weekly we touch lives, helping people regain their footing and sense of stability.
Work with children
Samar
The most recent sessions in Samar were especially meaningful — they took place just before Easter and were dedicated to the theme of love.
Children gradually explored this eternal value:
- April 14 — “Love is a Gift.”
- We talked about how important it is to give love and care to one another. The session ended with a fun game of Jenga.
- April 16 — “Love is Meaning.”
- The children painted pictures of how they imagine love in their lives.
- April 19 — “The Greatest Love is for People.”
- We painted again — creating warm, sincere, and very deep artworks.
- April 20 — Easter Holiday —
- The final chapter of our conversation about love. We spoke about the strongest love — God’s love for people. We celebrated together: painting, playing in the yard, and sharing joy.
An important symbolic event also took place — the return from a great journey.
In previous weeks, the children had been virtually traveling the world: learning about different countries, cultures, and traditions. On April 27, we “returned home” together, back to Ukraine.
It was a touching moment. The drawings the children created that day were a genuine expression of love for their homeland.
The work was done in two groups: younger and older children.
Kryvyi Rih
- The children had a busy and fulfilling month: lots of socializing, warm gatherings, outings into nature, and picnics under spring trees.
- They also attended hippotherapy sessions, prepared communal meals together, talked a lot, and enjoyed the simple pleasures of life.
- The younger group continues learning, making friends, and exploring the world in a safe and supportive environment.
Dnipro — April 22
We held art therapy sessions for socially vulnerable children. The themes were “Owl in the Night Sky” and “Viburnum Branch.” The children had the opportunity to express their emotions through colors, symbols, and calmness.
Work with Adults
Dnipro
On May 1, we celebrated the anniversary of the “Soulful Gatherings” — a space that has become a second home for many.
This is a place of strength where we share thoughts, support each other, learn to cope with stress, and simply live.
Over the year, we have had many important events: art therapy sessions, cooking masterclasses, celebrations, and evenings filled with deep conversations. We have become a family.
Open-Air Flash Mob
On the eve of the anniversary, the foundation team organized a dance flash mob in the city center. There was lots of music, joy, and movement.
Dancing is a powerful stress relief: it helps relax, release emotions, and feel unity.
The atmosphere was warm, lively, and inspiring.
Every Tuesday: “Anti-stress: Burnout Prevention” Group
This is a space where people can breathe out, talk about important things, and learn how to restore themselves in difficult circumstances.
English Club “Anti-Stress English”
This is not just about language learning but also about new friendships, discoveries, lightness, and smiles. Participants not only study but also recharge with positivity.
Pavlohrad and Shelter in Dnipro
We talked about self-esteem, sources of strength, emotional recovery, and how to support ourselves and each other in hard times.
We invited a hairdresser and massage therapists who held mini-sessions and demonstrated simple self-massage techniques — so that people could take care of themselves even in everyday conditions.
