AGROPROJECT
The agricultural project is currently in an active phase. All seed kits have already been delivered to towns and districts, and distribution to local residents has begun.
Last week, aid reached Kryvyi Rih, Zhovti Vody, Druzhkivka (Donetsk region), Derhachi, Berestove, Izium, Lukashivka, and Voznesensk. People are receiving seeds exactly when they’re needed—weather conditions are favorable, the soil is ready, and many have already started planting.
In conversations with residents, we often hear heartfelt gratitude. For people, it’s not just about receiving help—it’s about knowing they are remembered and cared for. This gives them hope and strengthens their belief in the future.
Despite the war and ongoing uncertainty, people are working their land and gardens, planning for a harvest. This takes a great deal of inner strength. What we see is that this support is helping them keep going.
Thanks to your support, we are not just distributing seeds—we are delivering hope. And today, that holds extraordinary value.
Thank you for allowing us to be by their side.
TROITSKE, DONETSK REGION
DOBROPILLYA, DONETSK REGION
SAMAR, MAGDALYNIVKA
NIKOPOL, MARGANETS
Seed distribution was organized for the residents of Voroshylivka village, part of the Marhanets community.
The residents express sincere gratitude and share their warmest thanks with the sponsors of the project.
Seed distribution was organized for the residents of Marhanets, specifically in the 8th Quarter and private households.
Seed distribution was organized in the city of Marhanets, specifically in the 10th Quarter and private households.
Today, the city is not only classified as a red zone, but also stands as a direct contact point between opposing forces, separated only by a narrow 1.5 km-wide stretch of water.
Seed distribution was organized in the city of Marhanets, specifically in the 12th Quarter and private households.
Seed distribution has been organized in the city of Marhanets, specifically for Quarter 11 and private households.
Larysa, a native of Marhanets, was someone we had previously visited and provided with much-needed mobility aids. Today, thanks to that support, she was able to come and receive seeds. Seeing her again filled us with joy and fulfillment, realizing just how much we had been able to do for her — and how truly meaningful that help turned out to be.
As of now, the seed distribution in this region has been completed. A total of 800 households were reached. Distribution took place across 9 different locations, including Nikopol, Marhanets, and the surrounding villages.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the sponsors for supporting the long-suffering Nikopol district.
From April 17 to 21, humanitarian trips were carried out in the following directions:
Beryslavskyi district, villages: Urozhayne, Tarasa Shevchenko, Rakivka, Novoraysk, Shlyakhove, Tomarino
Distribution of planting seeds.
KRAMATORSK
KHERSON
Repairs to our car continue
We’re sending the crankshaft for grinding, to be fitted with new bearings and so on. After that, we’ll bore the engine block and sleeves. We’ll see what the condition is. If possible, we’ll repair the old pistons — if not, we’ll order a new piston set. The goal is to finish all the work on the engine block within this week.
NIKOPOL
We have been preparing for the costly repair of our vehicle in Nikopol for quite some time, gradually purchasing spare parts in pieces. Over the past couple of weeks, our repair request for the steering rack was approved.
Replacing the steering rack required us to disassemble and rebuild the entire front end, as reinstalling the old worn-out parts was impractical.
The vehicle has been repaired and continues to perform its duties.
Kryvyi Rih
The Dacia Duster, a vehicle used by volunteers for transporting humanitarian aid in the towns and villages of Kryvyi Rih district, underwent technical maintenance.
The maintenance work included:
— Replacement of tires.
— Oil and filter changes,
— Replacement of stabilizer bushings and silent blocks,
DNIPRO
The Volkswagen Transporter T5 began showing signs of wear on one of the half-shafts, accompanied by a noticeable clicking noise. Additionally, a leak was detected from the power steering pump housing, and one of the engine mounts was damaged.
These issues were successfully repaired within a few days, resolving the unpleasant breakdowns.
The Volkswagen Bora passenger car, which is regularly used by the psychosocial support team, required maintenance including oil and filter changes. A diagnostic check was performed, and the rear brake pads and taillights were replaced.
The Renault Scenic, which is used for office passenger transportation, experienced a seized rear brake caliper, causing the vehicle to barely move.
The Ford Transit bus, used by the rapid response mobile team that travels to impact sites to support those affected, had an issue with power steering fluid leakage. This problem has been resolved.
KHERSON REGION. KHERSON.
Here is a video our team shot in Kherson showing the so-called Easter ceasefire. The enemy is not honoring any agreements. The shelling of the city continues relentlessly.
This is one of Kherson’s districts — Naftohavan.
There are absolutely no people here; the entire area has been completely destroyed.
This week, the Step with Hope team continued refueling generators in two districts of Kherson city: Skhidnyi and Ostriv. People still live there and continue to need assistance, but unfortunately, basic necessities we are used to—such as electricity, heat, and water—are absent in these areas.
We are addressing these essential needs and supporting those who continue living in the red zones, even during the holidays, so that people feel they are not alone and not abandoned.
A canister of gasoline and oil were delivered for the generator in the Eastern neighborhood.
A canister of gasoline was delivered for refueling generators in the building.
The charging station was sent for repair.
We also continue conducting deratization efforts, as this problem is widespread and, unfortunately, still far from being resolved.
Last week, the following was accomplished:
1) Fed two animals throughout the week;
2) Refueled 16 generators;
3) Delivered 3 canisters of gasoline to support the functioning of three large apartment buildings;
4) Conducted deratization of one large basement area;
5) Provided oil for a generator to one individual;
6) Sent a charging station for repair.
DONETSK REGION
KRAMATORSK, SLAVIANSK, MYKOLAIVKA
This week, the situation has not changed significantly — neither for better nor worse. The Easter ceasefire was respected: there were no sirens, and the atmosphere remained calm. The roads, as before, are still in poor condition.
This time, we brought not only humanitarian aid kits but also wet wipes and bread. People were genuinely grateful for such assistance.
We have already written about the needs before, but we want to remind once again: the most urgent need in this region is household cleaning supplies.
This week, our trip to Lyman left a strong impression on us.
The city is large, but there is hardly a single intact building left. Here and there, some people still live — we saw them. But overall, the picture is striking: the city has been almost wiped off the face of the earth.
Before the war, Lyman was a quiet, cozy town on the border with Luhansk region, with the character of a large village. Today, only ruins remain.
During the journey, we got a bit lost and drove an extra 5–6 kilometers through neighboring villages. There, the contrast is even more striking: some villages stand almost unharmed, while others are completely destroyed, literally wiped out.
Another painful sight was the forest around Lyman. It used to be dense pine woods. Locals called it the “oxygen mask of Donbas.”
Now, these forests look eerie: in some places, live fir trees still stand, but most of the trees are blackened burnt trunks. In some areas, the forest has been completely scorched.
KONSTANTYNIVKA, DRUDZHKIVKA, DOBROPILLYA
Seed distribution, bread, eyeglasses, children’s workshops, and a charity lunch were provided.
Svitlana (Dobropillia) said:
“The city is under shelling. Our family is very grateful to the foundation for the seed assistance. Now I can grow vegetables in my garden, and this is a great help to our family during these difficult times.”
KHARKIV REGION
ZNAMIANKA
I am Olga Hryhorivna, a 72-year-old pensioner and internally displaced person (IDP). I live on my pension and IDP benefits. Every Wednesday, I receive free bread.
I sincerely thank the “Step with Hope” Foundation for the help in the form of bread. This assistance means a great deal to us. I wish you kindness, peace, and good health, and I hope this war ends soon.
KHARKIV, KAMYANA YARUGA, MALA DANILYVKA
The situation in the city is tense. This week there were shellings, including a hit on a residential building. The surrounding region also suffered.
Despite this, our team managed to hold about nine meetings for children and teenagers, plus a charity lunch.
Midweek, we conducted online sessions with children and teens. On Friday, there was a joint meeting for children and teenagers on the topic “Positive Influence.” Afterwards, an additional session focused on teenagers’ relationships.
On Saturday, we held a charity lunch for the community, and bread was also distributed.
In the evening, boys and teens gathered for art therapy: some decorated clothing, while others made figures using fuse beads. For the teenagers, there was also an evening of board games.
Previously, we wrote about a girl named Malika, whose mother passed away a month ago. Malika was deeply affected and withdrawn, but now noticeable progress is evident — she has begun actively participating in lessons, smiling, and interacting with others. She has a talent for drawing, and after her mother’s death, she started to express herself through art. She was recently invited by her school to take part in a drawing competition, for which she is currently preparing enthusiastically.
Olha, 70 years old, receives a small pension and is always grateful to receive delicious bread.
DNIPROPETROVSK REGION
NIKOPOL
We continue to support those most in need in the Nikopol region. We work directly—helping the most vulnerable people.
On Sunday at 4:00 PM, we arrived in the village of Chystopil.
Our visit was to an elderly family of internally displaced persons from Marhanets. Their home in Marhanets was destroyed, and they had to relocate here. The local authorities helped as much as they could by providing them with a small house. It had been empty for a long time—surrounded by a broken fence and showing signs of neglect. The grandparents no longer have the strength or health to restore the property.
Water is scarce in the village: it is either brought in or people rely on wells, which are now unaffordable for many. This is how they survive.
The nature here is beautiful: the area is suitable for beekeeping and farming—for those who still have the health and strength to work the land.
The family did not know about our visit—we do not have constant contact with them, so each time we come hoping all is well.
We hadn’t seen them for a long time, missed them, and were happy to meet again. Of course, we brought essential aid and supported them as much as we could.
This week, most of our work took place not in Nikopol itself, but primarily in the surrounding villages and towns. We continued regular visits by an ophthalmologist, distributed mobility aids for people with limited movement, and, which is especially important now, handed out seed material.
When distributing, we were guided by the real needs of each settlement: we considered the condition of irrigation systems and the feasibility of cultivation. We wanted our assistance to be truly necessary and to give people a chance to grow their own crops. We believe that our efforts will help many families get back on their feet in these difficult conditions.
Without stopping, we also continued our work in Marhanets. There, for eight months now, we have been gradually serving the city, moving from one neighborhood to another. This time, we organized an ophthalmologist’s appointment for the residents. Marhanets has endured a lot during this time, so every such visit is like a breath of normal life for the locals.
Receiving drinking water at the Nikopol Assistance Center.
During the week, we distributed: 80 pairs of glasses from Restoring Vision, 3,000 liters of drinking water, 300 seed kits.
PAVLOGRAD
Vyacheslav Kyrylovych, 80 years old, pensioner from Zaporizhzhia region, is in need of medication, food, and hygiene products.
He sincerely expresses his gratitude for the humanitarian aid and support.
SAMAR, MAGDALYNIVKA
Trips were made to receive, transport, and distribute humanitarian aid in the form of food kits totaling 80 sets (600 kg). The aid included canned goods, grains, seed kits, and other items (300 kg), second-category clothing, and eyeglasses.
This aid was provided for collective housing locations of internally displaced persons, the volunteer center in the urban-type settlement of Cherkaske, and displaced persons in the urban-type settlement of Magdalynivka and the surrounding district.
Kryvyi Rih
In the city of Kryvyi Rih and the Kryvyi Rih district, distribution took place of:
- Food kits, bread, gadgets, and hygiene products for families of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and socially vulnerable groups (SVGs).
At Kryvyi Rih–Sofiivka, aid was provided at the night shelter for homeless people and at the volunteer center in Kryvyi Rih.
- Delivery of bread and food for IDPs and SVGs.
At the volunteer center in Kryvyi Rih:
- Humanitarian and psychosocial support was provided to a total of 170 families of IDPs and SVGs.
- Hot meals were served to about 60 IDPs and SVGs.
- Bread distribution was provided to 200 recipients.
The total volume of cargo amounted to approximately 4,500 kg.
KAM’IANSKE
Volunteer center activities in Kamianske district from April 14 to April 21, 2025:
Distribution of seeds in Kamianske city
— Transportation of humanitarian aid across Kamianske city (both left and right banks). Transport of volunteers. Delivery of bread throughout the city. Delivery of seeds to the city of Verkhivtseve. Transportation of food supplies from Dnipro to Kamianske;
— Distribution of bread;
— Operation of the children’s center “Usmishka” (“Smile”);
— Organization of charity meals;
— Laundry services for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and socially vulnerable groups (SVGs);
— Psycho-social support programs;
— Creative hub “Berehynia”;
— Massage services.
My name is Valentyna Ivanivna, I am 77 years old. I came from Donetsk region, from the city of Dobropillia in the Pokrovsk community. In October 2024, I left my hometown together with my daughter, grandson, and son-in-law. Our building was partially destroyed. It was unsafe to stay, so we moved to the city of Kamianske.
I am grateful to the sponsors and the “Step with Hope” foundation for their care and support with fresh bread.
April 15, 2025 — Kamianske, right bank. Rehabilitation center “For Life.”
DNIPRO
Lately, our city has been under constant enemy pressure, with continuous air raid alerts, numerous Shahed drones, and ballistic missile strikes. Every night is a test of endurance. Unfortunately, there have been destructions and civilian casualties. The grim reality is that our mobile team has been responding weekly to provide aid—and sadly, this week was no exception.
We serve the people directly at the impact sites.
Summary for this week:
- People served: 8,150 individuals
- Bread distributed to: 6,600 individuals
- Total food distributed: 22,050 kg
Operations were carried out in the following regions and cities:
Kherson Oblast:
Berislavska Territorial Community (Urozhayne, Tarasa Shevchenka, Rakivka, Novoraysk, Shlyakhove, Tomaryne)
Donetsk Oblast:
Kramatorsk, Sloviansk, Druzhkivka, Kostiantynivka, Dobropillia, Troitske, Lyman
Kharkiv Oblast:
Kharkiv, Kamiana Yaruga, Znamianka, Balakliia, Krasnohrad, Chuhuiv, Merefa, Pershotravnevyi, Izium, Derhachi, Nova Vodolaha, Lukashivka, Myroliubivka, Novoukrainka, Lozivskyi District, Berestyn
Dnipropetrovsk Oblast:
Samar, Kamianske, Synelnykove, Kryvyi Rih, Nikopol, Dnipro, Pavlohrad, Magdalynivka, Arkhanhelske, Andriivka, Nyva Trudova, Radushne village, Inhulets, Shyroke, Oleksandriia, Zelene, Yuhok, Sofiivska Territorial Community, Marhanets, Chystopil, Voroshylivka
Report on the work of the psychosocial department of the “Step with Hope” foundation
Spring for our team is not only a time of renewal in nature but also a period of deep work on the inner recovery of those who turn to us.
We operate in the cities of Dnipro, Samar, Pavlohrad, Kamianske, Synelnykove, and Kryvyi Rih, where every week we touch lives, helping people regain their footing.
Work with adults: support that warms from within
In difficult times, we all need a space where we can be ourselves — without fear or judgment. This is exactly the space we create within our programs for adults.
The program “Healing of Soul Wounds” has become a profound impetus for many — recently, several of our volunteers successfully completed it and are now sharing their acquired knowledge with those in need.
In Dnipro, our “Soul Gatherings” have become a real breath of warmth:
- “Let There Be Spring” — a resource art therapy session with a spring flower. Each participant shared their associations with spring — for some, it was the first snowdrops, for others, the fresh air of change, and for others, renewal and hope for the better.
- “The Four Colors of My ‘I’” — a light yet precise conversation about temperaments. Each participant received a colored ribbon symbolizing their temperament — this became not only a reason for reflection but also for smiles.
- Music therapy — harmony that sounds from within. Our sessions help you relax, find inner balance, and recharge with positive energy.
- “My Inner Battery” — about exhaustion and resources. Sometimes it is important to pause, take a breath, and take care of yourself.
- “The Art of Conflict Resolution” — about dialogue and preserving understanding. Together, we developed a “code” to help maintain sanity in conflicts and not lose what is most important — mutual understanding.
For people aged 60+, an especially important program “Clear Mind” operates — about memory, thinking, communication, and support. We believe a dignified life is a right for everyone, regardless of age.
Also, our English Club is active. At one meeting, we hosted guests from the USA, Canada, and Ireland. Conversation, laughter, and inspiration — that’s what true stress-relief English is!
In Samar, at the shelters “Katyusha” and “House of Mercy,” we held deep sessions:
- Art therapy “My Hope”;
- A conversation about criticism — how to perceive it without breaking;
- Talks on the topic “The Bible and Crisis” — spiritual support in turbulent times.
In Kamianske, within the creative club “Berehynia,” we do more than just paint — we open new stories, restore feminine strength, and share wisdom.
Work with children: childhood as it should be
Being with children is not just about support. It is about creating an island of joy amid a sea of worries. This is the huge daily effort of our volunteers who sincerely and passionately create a special space for each child.
Samar
Trips to different countries: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Philippines — each stop filled with creative crafts, drawing, and discoveries.
Meetings “Rules of Friendship,” “Friends Abroad” — about sincerity, connection, and trust.
Pizza-making workshops and crafts on the theme “Gifts.”
Synelnykove
Little hands made themselves a magical friend — the Wave Doll. With it, children learn to manage emotions and tension.
Pavlohrad
Warm workshops: paper flowers, jump ropes, games, laughter, and lots of joy.
Kryvyi Rih
Despite the pain that envelops the whole city, children keep coming. We visited the botanical garden with them, talked about good deeds, nurtured dreams and belief in life.
Kamianske
Holiday school — daily journeys, culinary experiments (coconut candies, lazy lasagna, pastries), art projects, celebrations.
Creative activities: “Fairy Tale Therapy,” drawing, painting, appliqués, working with clay, dream collages.
Special sessions for children with disabilities — attentive, gentle, very profound.
Dnipro
Group “Schoolkids”: interesting geometry, generosity, health, journeys into the world of knowledge.
Theater studio “The Little Prince” for teenagers — meeting characters, living roles.
Heartfelt thanks
We are grateful to every volunteer, every partner, every caring person who makes all this possible. Our team grows, develops, and stays close to those who need support.
Together we create spaces where life blossoms.
