Report on the Activities of the Psychological Support Department of the “Step with Hope” Charity Foundation for the Past Week
Dear Friends and Partners,
We sincerely thank you for the opportunity to stand beside those in need and to share the results of our work. Last week, our team continued its efforts to restore the emotional and psychological well-being of individuals affected by war. Every program and meeting was filled with warmth, understanding, and sincerity.
Psychological Support and Therapy Programs
Our specialists use methods that help participants express their emotions, cope with stress, and find inner strength to move forward.
Art Therapy
Last week, we conducted a workshop on creating a “Flower Cart for Emotional Balance.” It was more than just a creative process—it was a true moment of healing. Through soft colors and the symbolism of flowers, each participant found hope, expressed their dreams, and shared their emotions.
Psychological Support Group: “Anti-Stress Course: Resilience Skills”
This session focused on emotional management. Participants learned to recognize and control their feelings while reducing stress levels. These meetings provide a safe space where everyone can share their struggles and find support.
Heartfelt Gatherings
Our discussion centered on “Flexible Thinking—New Opportunities in Difficult Circumstances.” We explored ways to adapt to changing conditions, discover solutions in seemingly impossible situations, and embrace change without fear.
Family Club
A special session was dedicated to women whose spouses serve in the military. We listened to the story of a guest, the wife of a serviceman, who shared her challenges of separation, anxiety, uncertainty, and responsibility. Yet, alongside these hardships, she also spoke of resilience, determination, and the importance of supporting her husband while taking care of herself.
Work with Children
We continue our efforts with the youngest participants of our programs in the cities of Kamianske, Pavlohrad, and Kryvyi Rih.
Kamianske:
Teenagers engaged in an art therapy session titled “Patterning,” while younger schoolchildren participated in an educational workshop, “A Real Miracle? That’s You!” As part of the “Healed Hearts Club,” children learned about forgiveness and understanding their emotions.
Pavlohrad:
Under the motto “I Am Special,” we hosted the “I Have Talents” event. Displaced children showcased their abilities in arts, sports, and poetry. Teddy the Bear brought warmth and joy to all attendees.
Kryvyi Rih:
Children participated in a practical session on “Conflicts and How to Master Your Words.” We also held creative workshops on plate painting and bookmark making.
We are deeply grateful for your support, which allows us to continue this vital work. Every word, every action matters—together, we are changing the lives of those who need it most.
With respect and gratitude,
The “Step with Hope” Charity Foundation Team
KHERSON REGION
Kherson: Light in the Darkness
Kherson trembles under new attacks. The enemy relentlessly destroys critical infrastructure, leaving people in darkness and cold. But even when the city is shrouded in night, we bring light.
Last week, our team once again refueled generators, which have become beacons of hope. Without them, life in powerless districts comes to a halt. The number of those in need continues to grow. It doesn’t matter if it’s a neighborhood, a building, or just one floor—we bring light where there is none.
The front line is close. Enemy drones prevent the restoration of power grids, forcing Kherson residents to endure the wait for summer. Generators and fuel are essential for survival. For a month now, three major districts have been without electricity and heat. But generators are not just about bringing them in and turning them on. They require constant refueling, maintenance, and oil changes to prevent breakdowns.
This week, in addition to supporting the power supply, we also carried out pest control in the basements of apartment buildings in the Ostriv district. First, it was flooded, and now it is overrun by mice, all while suffering daily shelling. The district is close to the river, meaning it is also close to the enemy. Yet despite everything, people still live here, and the mice infestation has become another hardship for them.
We came to help. We try to conduct pest control in multiple buildings at once—it’s too dangerous to make multiple trips. We plan our routes carefully to reach as many addresses as possible, ensuring that no one is left alone with their struggles.
Kherson stands. And as long as it stands, we will do everything in our power to keep life here from fading away.
DONETSK REGION
Donbas: A Week of Trials
Kramatorsk, Dobropillia, Sloviansk
Donetsk region. Here, the war never stops. A week ago, the situation was dire, but now it has worsened. Shelling has intensified.
In Kramatorsk, the attacks are mostly targeting industrial areas. But in Dobropillia, residential buildings are now being hit. People live in constant fear. They want to leave but don’t know where to go.
Sometimes, a solution appears unexpectedly. One woman asked for evacuation, and we helped her reach a shelter in Pavlohrad. But what next? Call relatives? Look for acquaintances? What if there are none? She had no one… In the end, she was taken to a hospital in Solone due to severe leg pain.
Evacuations are becoming more difficult. Finding shelter space for displaced persons is increasingly challenging. People are lost in uncertainty.
To make matters worse, the roads are deteriorating. What we had long feared is becoming reality—the edges of the asphalt are collapsing, leaving only one passable lane. But this road is the only way to Dobropillia.
Despite all obstacles, we made it. We delivered humanitarian aid and distributed it to those in desperate need.
Kostiantynivka, Druzhkivka
The center of Druzhkivka was shelled the day before our visit. There were injuries. But people were waiting for us, and we could not let them down.
Food packages, bread, eyeglasses—all distributed to those remaining in the city. Our meeting with the children was especially meaningful. A professional artist led an art workshop, offering them a rare chance to escape the horrors of war, even if just for a moment. On June 1st, we plan to host an exhibition of their artwork to show the world how Donbas children see the war.
We also organized a charity lunch for those in need and distributed blankets and pillows to those affected by the bombings.
In Kostiantynivka, the situation is even worse—the city is closed, and entry is only allowed with special permits. But local residents helped us distribute the bread to those still there.
Lidiya’s Story:
Her home stands just one street away from where the shell struck. Shattered windows, a collapsed ceiling, damaged walls. The house is cold, but she remains strong. She expresses gratitude for the blankets, bread, glasses, and support.
Donbas continues to endure. And as long as people are here, we will stand by them.
Kharkiv Region: Days of Struggle and Support
Znamenka
“My name is Mykhailo Vasylovych Fedoshchuk, I am 84 years old. I live alone, a retired man. I sincerely thank you for the bread delivered to me every Wednesday. Thank you to the Foundation for helping people. I wish you peace, well-being, and God’s blessings!”
Mr. Mykhailo’s words are just one of hundreds of stories where a simple loaf of bread has become a symbol of care and support.
Balakliia
Every night here begins with the sound of kamikaze drones. Over the past two weeks, there have been six explosions. Thankfully, no casualties, but residential buildings, a school, and a children’s clinic have been destroyed. People hold on, yet fear and tension persist.
The line for bread grows longer. Every day, new faces appear. Some receive aid for the first time, while others have been waiting, knowing we will not fail them.
Krasnohrad
Valentyna Andriivna, 73 years old. Disabled. A small pension. Lives alone. She is sincerely grateful for the support, as life without it would be difficult.
Valentyna Mykolaivna, 75 years old. Also lives alone. With a minimal pension, she is forced to rent out one of her rooms. She, too, thanks us for the bread that helps her get by.
Simple words of gratitude, yet within them lies an entire world of struggle for survival.
Kharkiv, Kamiana Yaryha, Mala Danylivka
The situation in Kharkiv is stable, but the sense of safety is deceptive. Shelling has become less intense, yet drone attacks still begin as soon as curfew sets in.
This weekend was not as busy as usual. Many people fell ill with the flu. Despite this, our team managed to hold three meetings for children and teenagers and organize a charity meal.
On Saturday, children attended a session on “How to Make New Friends.” They then created their own currency—small fantasy banknotes symbolizing their dreams and values. For adults, a charity lunch was held, along with the distribution of bread.
On Sunday, we cleaned the area and even helped release bats at Feldman Ecopark. For some children, it was their first visit there.
Many people are sick and seek help with medication. Unfortunately, we are currently unable to assist in this matter.
Vitalii Vasylovych, 74 years old. Retired. His wife suffered a stroke. Their pension is small. He is very grateful for the bread.
Kharkiv region holds strong. People here do not just survive—they fight for each new day. And we will stand with them for as long as needed.
Dnipropetrovsk Region
Nikopol: A Week of Aid and Struggle
This week brought essential humanitarian aid—food—to our battle-weary city. We immediately sorted and distributed everything at our assistance center. Below are photos detailing the distribution process. We are deeply grateful to everyone who supports us and works for the people.
But food is not the only critical need. We also provided drinking water, a growing necessity as more people turn to us daily.
Beyond water and food, we were able to distribute clothing. Those under our care received seasonal apparel, bedding, and children’s items—arriving just in time.
Aid didn’t stop at our center’s walls. We traveled to areas where people are in even greater distress. In collaboration with local authorities, we supported individuals with limited mobility in frontline settlements, places so dangerous that even paid deliveries refuse to enter.
This week, we distributed:
✅ 3,000 liters of drinking water ✅ 500 kg of clothing through our social wardrobe ✅ 100 food packages ✅ 80 pairs of eyeglasses ✅ 3 boxes of rice ✅ 15 boxes of powdered milk ✅ 4 walkers and 2 pairs of crutches
Each of these items represents health, support, and a reminder that no one is left alone in their struggle. We will continue to do everything in our power to ensure that remains true.
Synelnykove and Afanasiyivka: Boundless Care
This week, our volunteers from Synelnykove not only provided aid within the city but also traveled to Afanasiyivka, a village 15 kilometers away, where we support several families.
This time, we visited two large families and an elderly man facing dire circumstances.
The two families we assist are displaced from Donetsk. One is in a relatively stable situation, expecting their fourth child. However, the other struggles significantly. The parents left for work in another city, leaving their children in the care of their elderly grandmother.
Their living conditions are appalling. The grandmother barely manages, with no support from relatives.
Another visit was to an elderly man abandoned by his family. He lives in an unheated house. We brought him warm clothing, blankets, and food to ease his hardship.
We cannot change everything, but we can support those who need it most. And we will continue to do so for as long as we have the strength and means.
Kryvyi Rih: A Week of Care and Support
From March 12 to 18, humanitarian missions covered key locations across Kryvyi Rih district. We visited the Mykolaiv and Sofiivka communities, providing essential aid, including massage sessions, food packages, and bread.
Another route—Kryvyi Rih–Sofiivka–Radushne—focused on delivering bread to displaced persons, individuals in hardship, and shelters for the homeless.
The volunteer center in Kryvyi Rih provided both humanitarian and psychological support to 90 individuals. Here, people not only received necessities but also found a space to talk and feel heard.
Additionally, we provided hot meals to those in greatest need.
🔹 Total aid weight: 2,500 kg
Radushne: Helping the Most Vulnerable
Residents facing hardship, including displaced persons, received bread and food supplies to help them endure these difficult times.
Each journey is more than just aid distribution. It’s an opportunity to show people they are not forgotten. And we will continue to do everything in our power.
Kamianske: A Week of Aid and Compassion
From March 10 to 16, the volunteer center in Kamianske provided support to hundreds facing hardship.
Aid for Displaced Persons and Those in Need
🔹 Bread distribution
“Bread that warms the heart,” says 70-year-old Tetiana Mykhailivna, displaced from Avdiivka. She hesitated to leave her home but finally evacuated in April 2022. Now alone in Kamianske, she is deeply grateful for the support.
🔹 Food packages
Svitlana, 57, from New York, Donetsk region, lost her home to shelling. Evacuated in August 2024, she now rents a home in Kamianske. She thanks the foundation for invaluable support.
🔹 Eyeglass distribution
Valentyna, 76, displaced from Avdiivka, lost her home. Now, thanks to new glasses, she can read again.
Additional Support Programs
✅ Children’s center “Smile” ✅ Charity meals ✅ Laundry services ✅ Massage therapy ✅ Psycho-social programs ✅ Women’s art therapy center “Berehynia” ✅ Clothing distribution
We continue to work, support, and bring hope for a better future.