Weekly Report on Psychological Support Department Activities
With great pleasure, we present the weekly report on the activities of the Psychological Support Department of the “Step with Hope” Charitable Foundation. Our team continues to implement programs aimed at supporting and restoring the psychological and emotional well-being of those affected by the war.
Psychological Support and Therapy Programs
Our specialists employ a variety of methods, including:
- Art Therapy: Creative workshops and art sessions were conducted to help participants express their emotions, relieve psychological tension, and stabilize their emotional state.
- Psychological Support Group “Anti-Stress Course: Resilience Skills”: Regular meetings were organized where participants discussed their experiences, shared insights, and received mutual support.
- “Healing Wounded Souls” Program: Individual and group sessions with psychologists were held, including training sessions, art therapy, and spiritual guidance.
Work with Children
In the city of Kamianske, children’s groups were actively engaged in various activities tailored to different age groups:
- Teenagers: Practical sessions on goal-setting and achievement.
- Younger schoolchildren: Educational activities on topics such as “A True Miracle? It’s You!” (exploring the DNA molecule) and “Exploring Animal Migration.”
- Children also participated in drawing, outdoor games, making festive greeting cards, and celebrating birthdays.
As part of the “Club of Healed Hearts” program, children explored crucial topics:
- “Say NO to Unwanted Touches” (developing personal boundaries and recognizing one’s intrinsic value).
- “Bringing Our Pain to Christ.”
For adults, the weekly creative club “Berehynia” continues to operate. This week, during the “Garden of My Heart” art therapy session, participants worked on the theme “Prayer of Transformation.”
Activities in the City of Samar
Our volunteers are actively working in several directions:
- Support for Shelter Residents: This week, discussions focused on “How to Protect Yourself from Manipulation.”
- Children’s Creative and Educational Activities: Sessions on “Arrows of Friendship” and “Journey Through Countries: China” were conducted, reinforced through art therapy and themed games.
Activities in Kryvyi Rih
For children, practical workshops were held on:
- **”How to Avoid Arguments?”
- “Overcoming Challenges.”
We sincerely appreciate your ongoing support, which enables us to implement these vital programs and bring positive changes to many lives.
KHERSON REGION
Kherson
The “Step with Hope” team in Kherson continues to bring light into people’s homes. Critical infrastructure has been destroyed in three districts, and restoring electricity remains impossible—whenever the enemy spots a gathering of repair equipment, a drone or shell strikes immediately. This happened again this week. Thankfully, no repair workers were injured, but residents are left without light and heat. Our generators and fuel supply are helping them endure.
“Step with Hope” is always there for those in need.
- A charging station was sent for repairs. Three districts have been without electricity for an extended period, and restoring it remains unfeasible.
- A dehumidifier was installed, and mold disinfection was carried out in three rooms.
- Another dehumidifier was set up in a separate apartment.
DONETSK REGION
Assistance in Frontline Areas
Due to constant shelling, residents of Kramatorsk, Dobropillia, Bilytske, Druzhkivka, and other settlements in Donetsk Oblast face daily danger. The enemy targets civilian infrastructure, residential areas, and even individual vehicles. People are forced to make difficult decisions: stay or leave, risk their lives or hope for a temporary lull.
Humanitarian Aid
The “Step with Hope” International Charitable Foundation continues to provide assistance to affected communities by delivering essential supplies. Recently, we organized:
- Distribution of bread and food packages—ensuring that those unable to leave or purchase food have access to basic necessities.
- Providing eyeglasses—as many people have lost access to vision care due to the war, this support is critical for daily life.
- Events for children and women—children’s workshops, a concert for women, and a charity luncheon offered a moment of distraction from the harsh reality, bringing joy to children and warmth to adults.
Life Under Shelling
Residents of Bilytske and Dobropillia report chaotic attacks with no military objectives—the enemy deliberately strikes private homes, cars, and streets. The situation in Druzhkivka has also deteriorated, with intensified shelling in recent days.
Despite constant danger, many are still undecided about leaving their homes. Explosions force people to pack their belongings and consider evacuation, yet every period of silence revives the hope that they can stay.
Gratitude from the Community
Larisa, a mother of two daughters, expresses deep gratitude for the eyeglasses assistance—finding them in the city is nearly impossible. She is also particularly thankful for the children’s activities, as there are almost no clubs left, and the weekly workshops have become a bright spot in her daughters’ lives.
The “Step with Hope” Foundation will continue doing everything possible to support people in frontline areas and help them persevere.
KHARKIV REGION
The “Step with Hope” Foundation remains committed to aiding the most vulnerable during these difficult times. Our volunteers operate in Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and other regions, supporting people facing severe hardships.
In many towns and villages, we regularly provide bread and food packages. This aid is crucial for pensioners, people with disabilities, and those who have lost their livelihoods due to the war.
- Znamyanka: Lyudmila, 67, living alone, is grateful for the bread deliveries as her health prevents her from shopping.
- Chuhuiv, Kochetok: Zinaida, a pensioner, appreciates the care and support.
- Krasnohrad: Inna, a person with disabilities on a very small pension, is thankful for the foundation’s support, especially the food assistance.
- Kharkiv, Kamyana Yaruha, Mala Danylivka: Despite a relative decrease in shelling, the situation remains tense. The foundation continues distributing bread and food packages.
Support for Children and Events
The foundation cares not only about material aid but also about children’s emotional well-being. We organize meetings, workshops, charity luncheons, and other activities to give children a respite from the horrors of war.
- Children’s Workshops: Last weekend, our team held five children’s and teenagers’ meetings. Young ones crafted paper tulips and greeting cards for women, while teenagers enjoyed movie screenings and discussions.
- Festive Events for Women: A concert and charity luncheon provided warmth and joy to women in frontline cities.
Words of Thanks
Yuriy, 62, a low-income pensioner, expresses his gratitude for the timely bread deliveries.
The “Step with Hope” Foundation remains steadfast in helping those in the most difficult situations. We believe that even in the darkest times, kindness and support can change lives.
This is a condensed version of the full report. If you need additional details on specific regions, let us know. Thank you for your continued support!
DNIPROPETROVSK REGION
The “Step with Hope” Foundation continues its humanitarian mission, providing aid to people in the most challenging circumstances. Thanks to the support of compassionate partners and volunteers, we have been able to reach multiple regions and supply essential resources to those in need.
NIKOPOL
A local aid center operates in the city, regularly distributing drinking water, food, clothing, eyeglasses, and other essential supplies.
✔ Humanitarian Aid
This week, volunteers traveled to the foundation’s storage facility to collect clothing, ensuring warm attire for many people.
✔ Support for the Seriously Ill
Andrii, a father of two battling cancer, received support from the foundation during his stay at the oncology clinic. Previously a successful massage therapist and rehabilitation specialist, his illness devastated both his career and family life. Volunteers provided him with a food package and words of encouragement.
✔ Assistance for People with Disabilities
Olha, a resident of Zakamianka, spent her life working at a manganese mining enterprise, which severely impacted her health. Now wheelchair-bound, she remains determined—knitting warm clothes for female snipers on the frontlines.
✔ Support for the Elderly
Eighty-six-year-old Lidiia Volodymyrivna from Marhanets, struggling with significant health issues, received a walker from the foundation, enabling her to move independently outdoors.
Additionally, women suffering from rheumatic arthritis, who have battled the disease for years, also received assistance.
PAVLOHRAD
The “Step with Hope” Foundation provided aid to 65-year-old Zoia Mykolaivna, an internally displaced person (IDP) from Horianka, Donetsk region. In need of medication and medical consultations, she expressed heartfelt gratitude for the foundation’s support.
PETRYKIVKA
The foundation organized a mobile team visit to provide psychosocial and humanitarian assistance to IDPs and individuals facing difficult life circumstances.
KRYVYI RIH
Recent aid missions included visits to:
✔ Shyrokivska and Sofiivska Territorial Communities – distribution of generators and food packages to large families of IDPs and low-income households.
✔ Mykolaivska Territorial Community – training sessions for schoolchildren on mine safety, first aid, counteracting recruitment by Russian intelligence services, and preventing violence.
✔ Kryvyi Rih and Sofiivka – delivery of bread to IDPs and socially vulnerable individuals.
✔ Volunteer Center in Kryvyi Rih – provision of humanitarian and psychological support to 150 families of IDPs and low-income residents.
✔ Total aid delivered: 4,500 kg of humanitarian supplies.
SOFIIVSKA TERRITORIAL COMMUNITY
✔ Generators and food packages delivered to large families. ✔ Bread distributed to the House of Mercy, which shelters lonely and disabled individuals. ✔ Weekly bread distribution for people in crisis situations. ✔ Assistance for a large family, helping them save money on baby food and diapers.
The “Step with Hope” Foundation continues to assist those in greatest need. Your support not only provides essential resources but also brings hope for a better future.
KAMIANSKE
In Kamianske, our aid center serves as a refuge for people facing hardship. We provide humanitarian assistance to the elderly, people with disabilities, families with children, IDPs, and anyone in need of support.
✔ Humanitarian Aid
Each week, dozens of people visit our center to receive:
- Food packages – essential groceries to support families.
- Bread – free distribution, crucial for low-income individuals.
- Clothing and footwear – seasonal wear for children and adults who cannot afford new attire.
- Hygiene products – vital for those in difficult conditions.
✔ Support for Vulnerable Individuals
✅ Liudmyla, 72, a lonely pensioner with mobility issues, now receives bread and food packages from the foundation, significantly improving her quality of life.
✅ Oleksandr, 58, an IDP from Donetsk, lost his home and job due to the war. He turned to us for help and received warm clothing, food, and guidance on social benefits.
✔ Working with Children and Families
We support large families, IDPs, and children in difficult life situations by:
- Providing families with food and baby formula.
- Supplying diapers and infant care products.
- Organizing events to support children’s psychological well-being, especially those affected by war and loss.
✔ Moral and Psychological Support
Beyond material aid, psychological well-being is a key focus. Our volunteers offer a listening ear, support, and assistance to help people cope with their challenges.
Together for Change!
Every day, our team works tirelessly to assist those in need. Thanks to your support, we can continue our mission and help even more people in Kamianske.
➡ Join us—together, we make the world a better place!