Our Agroproject is approaching its final phase. Over the past week, we actively continued distributing vegetable seedlings, reaching over 1,500 families. The primary focus was on the Kharkiv region—supporting towns and villages most in need—and partially on communities in the Dnipropetrovsk region.
We would like to highlight the village of Zolochiv, located in Kharkiv region. Our partnership with this community has a long-standing history, and we maintain a strong, cooperative relationship with the local authorities. The village lies just 20 km from the Russian border, and unfortunately, it is under constant shelling. Although there are no active ground operations in the area, the population lives under the continuous threat of long-range attacks.
Today, Zolochiv has become a refuge for many displaced people from nearby border villages. Most families rent homes in the private sector and do their best to rebuild their daily lives in extremely difficult conditions. Employment opportunities are scarce, and for many, home gardening remains the only reliable source of food and stability.
That’s why our seedling assistance was particularly timely and vital. People expressed deep gratitude for the chance to grow their own food, prepare for the coming winter, and care for their families in a context where every resource counts.
Distribution map:
Dnipro — 100 families
Berestyn — 150 families
Valky — 90 families
Znamyanka — 330 families
Zolochiv — 270 families
Khotomlia — 200 families
Lukashivka — 150 families
Sakhnovshchyna — 100 families
Kyrylivka — 170 families
We are sincerely grateful to everyone who supports this initiative. Your contribution is more than just seeds and seedlings — it’s a path to dignity, a step toward self-reliance, and a source of warmth and resilience that grows, even in times of war.
Distribution of seedlings in Berestyn.
Everyone is very grateful to the “Step with Hope” foundation for the support — people are very pleased.
Residents of Sakhnovshchyna also received seedlings.
VEHICLE REPAIRS
Gasoline injectors for a passenger car
Engine oil and filter replacement
We received 20 tons of food humanitarian aid from Odesa.
Opel Zafira — this vehicle is assigned to the logistics department and is used for office passenger transport and the delivery of small humanitarian shipments.
An urgent replacement of the rear shock absorbers was carried out due to severe knocking. All engine mounting cushions were also replaced. The lamps and tail lights required replacement as well.
Kherson Region
Support for Residents on Kulyka Street, Kherson
Our partnership with residents of a large apartment building on Kulyka Street in Kherson began last year. At that time, they reached out to us for help dealing with a severe flea infestation, which was making it extremely difficult to stay in their bomb shelters during air raids.
Our team from Step with Hope responded by sanitizing the building’s entrances and basement shelters. Residents later shared that, thanks to this support, they were able to spend the summer free from pests and move safely through the shelters — a small but vital relief amid ongoing attacks.
Despite the risks — including recent drone strikes and a tragic hit on a nearby playground that claimed the life of a child — people continue to live in this building. Their shelters are essential for survival. When rodents appeared again this year in the shelters, residents turned to us once more for assistance.
Our team carried out rodent control (deratization) in all three bomb shelters located under the building. Now, residents can seek safety in spaces that are not only secure but also hygienic and free of infestations.
We thank each and every one of our supporters. Your contributions help us respond quickly and compassionately — even in frontline communities where every act of care truly matters.
It was Tetyana and Larisa who called us for help.
«Thank you very much for helping us through your foundation. We’ve been coming to you for decades now. How great you are for our new home»
We delivered poison for rodent control.
This is Valentyn Pavlovich, another resident of another building who called for pest control help.
In areas where stable electricity is unavailable, our generators have become a true lifeline for local residents.
In the neighborhoods where we regularly refuel these generators, people from across the district come to the power points — to charge their phones, flashlights, and other essential devices.
We would like to highlight one specific location — the Skhidnyi neighborhood. Here, one of our generators provides electricity to at least four apartment buildings. In the Yantarnе settlement, nearly the entire community relies on another generator we have stationed on the outskirts of the area.
Despite ongoing challenges and constant threats, the residents choose to stay in their homes.
Reaching them is difficult — there is currently no direct access. But our volunteers find a way. At night, by bicycle, a local resident delivers fuel to the generator so that homes can stay lit, and people can continue to power their essential devices.
We purchased building materials for the house that was directly hit.
The generators are running continuously and need to undergo maintenance.
Oil change in the Skhidny Microdistrict.
We delivered oil for replacement in our generator.
Support for Homebound Individuals
Recently, we delivered a food package, medications, and hygiene supplies to Halyna Pavlivna, a woman with a disability who is unable to leave her apartment on her own. She lives alone, with almost no support, and faces daily challenges most of us can hardly imagine.
As a volunteer, I often witness both tears of gratitude and deep despair. These are emotionally intense moments — because you realize just how vulnerable people like her remain during wartime. Especially in Kherson, where the situation remains tense and access to basic necessities is still very limited.
We do this so they can survive. So those who are physically unable to leave their homes have a chance to hold on until peace comes. We, the volunteers, are their only bridge to the outside world. We support them with whatever we can — food, medicine, warmth, and care.
Targeted Aid | Komkova Street
Another important part of our recent work involved helping residents of a building on Komkova Street. Following a recent shelling, hot water flooded the building through damaged, aging pipes. Two apartments were affected, including one two-room flat.
We quickly responded by delivering a dehumidifier, drying the premises, disinfecting the area, and then drying the space again — making it livable once more.
This is not just about repair — it’s about restoring safety and dignity to people who chose to remain in their homes despite the war.
We continue repairing our vehicle. Our passenger car suffered very serious damage. We are repairing the engine, and it is almost fully assembled.
Last week’s activities:
1) Fed two animals for a week. 2) Rodent control carried out in 2 large basement premises. 3) Refueled 9 generators. 4) Organized a children’s program for young Kherson residents with contests, games, and gifts. 5) Purchased and delivered building materials for a man whose house was directly hit by a mine. 6) Delivered a canister of gasoline to people in the red zone to power a generator providing electricity to four families. 7) Purchased and handed over medicine, a food package, and personal hygiene products to one person. 8) Dried out 1 apartment and removed the dehumidifier. 9) Changed oil in two generators. 10) Delivered poison for rodent control to one person.
Donetsk Region
Over the course of three days — from May 23 to 25 — our foundation’s team carried out another humanitarian mission to the cities of Kramatorsk, Sloviansk, Dobropillia, and the village of Holubivka. We delivered food supplies, bread, and household essentials — basic goods that have become increasingly vital in this high-risk area.
As part of the trip, we also held a social program for children. We invited children from Kramatorsk and Druzhkivka who already attend our community events, brought them together, and organized a special day filled with connection, learning, and joy.
Some might see such initiatives as too risky — the front line is dangerously close. But we firmly believe that these moments of warmth and support will stay in these children’s hearts for a long time.
Holubivka | Aid for Survivors
During the same week, we visited the village of Holubivka, now home to people who escaped from the village of Novoeconomichne — a place that has nearly disappeared from the map due to ongoing hostilities.
Among those we supported was a family that survived against all odds: a mother, father, and their son. They lost everything — including personal belongings and documents. While evacuating, their car was hit by a drone strike, tragically killing the grandfather, the head of the family. We provided the family with essential humanitarian aid and offered temporary accommodation at the Harmoniya (Harmony) Sanatorium, where other internally displaced families are currently staying. The family has agreed to consider this opportunity — and once the school year ends, they are likely to join the program.
Konstantynivka, Druzhkivka
The front is slowly but steadily advancing. The suburbs are under constant shelling.
Lidiia Andriivna thanks the foundation for the help with glasses. They broke after falling, and it’s difficult to buy new ones now. She also thanks for the bread, which helps a little to stretch her small pension.
A huge thank you for caring for us.
In addition, we held children’s workshops on making cotton candy and a children’s concert.
KHARKIV REGION
Znamianka
My name is Vira Ivanivna, I am 80 years old, and I live with my daughter. We live on one pension, and my daughter takes care of me. Every Wednesday, we receive free bread. I sincerely thank the Foundation that helps us and wish everyone good health and a speedy end to the war!
Nova Vodolaha
I am Valentyna Vasylivna from Nova Vodolaha, Kharkiv region. I am very grateful for your help. I am a pensioner, and my pension is small — the bread helps us a lot. We truly appreciate your support.
Chuhuiv, Kochetok
I am Varvara Semenivna, born in 1959, a pensioner with limited means, and a resident of Chuhuiv. Thank you for the bread.
Berestyn
Lyudmyla Ivanivna, 60 years old. Pensioner, living alone, with a small pension. Thank you for the help provided by the foundation, and it is very heartening that there are people who do not pass by those in need!
Kamiiana Yaruga, Mala Danylivka
The security situation in the city this week remained highly unstable, with shelling recorded in three districts. Attacks in the region also continued without pause.
Our team persevered in its mission to support local communities despite these challenges. We organized over eight gatherings for children and teenagers, providing them with a safe environment in which to socialize, learn new skills, and simply be together away from the stress of conflict.
For individuals facing difficult life circumstances, we hosted a charity luncheon, where anyone in need could receive a hot meal and a measure of care. Additionally, with the foundation’s support, we distributed fresh bread—a basic yet crucial resource for many families.
A highlight of the week was the charlotte (apple pie) cooking workshop held on Sunday. This was more than just a culinary event— it was a day of unity. Adults and children worked side by side to prepare the batter and filling, baked the cake together, and then gathered around a table, warmed by the aroma of fresh pastry and hot tea.
It is precisely these simple moments of shared activity that foster an atmosphere of support, dignity, and humanity—even in the most challenging times.
Dnipropetrovsk Region | Nikopol District
This week was one of the most eventful in our work across Nikopol District—both in terms of activity and the heartfelt response from the local community.
Social Wardrobe in a Frontline Village
Our week began with a visit to a frontline village where we organized a Social Wardrobe distribution of donated clothing. The reaction from residents exceeded all expectations—clothes were taken within hours. For many families facing severe hardship, these items provided genuine relief.
Targeted Assistance for a Seriously Ill Pensioner
During the same trip, we delivered a mobility aid to a pensioner who needed it for daily life. This equipment became a significant source of support for her, helping her remain more independent.
“Vision Restoration” Project & Humanitarian Aid
We conducted three scheduled mobile eye‐care visits as part of our Vision Restoration project, combining them with the distribution of food packages and bottled water. A highlight was our visit to Novoiivanivka, where our ophthalmologist saw 50 patients. This village represents a new point on our assistance map, and we plan to expand our reach further now that daylight hours are longer.
Practical Support for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)
At the IDP center in Novoiivanivka, we installed washing machines for free use. For people living here in very modest conditions with limited access to basic services, this was a true relief and a caring initiative we wholeheartedly support.
Thanks to every donor whose generosity makes these actions possible. Your support—whether in the form of clothing, mobility aids, medical care, or simple household appliances—brings dignity, hope, and practical help where it is needed most.
Dnipropetrovsk Region | Nikopol District | Mendeliivka
Continuing our work on Nikopol District, we made a scheduled trip to the village of Mendeliivka—the most remote point in the district. This was our second journey there in the past two weeks.
We departed early in the morning to ensure delivery of assistance and to hold an ophthalmologist’s clinic by midday.
In the village, we met with residents from 24 households, including many internally displaced persons from Nikopol and Marhanets. Numerous families required follow-up eye exams, as over a year had passed since our previous visit and several residents had outdated or broken eyeglasses.
Water Delivery Due to the urgent need for potable water, we equipped our vehicle with additional water containers. The load was heavy, but absolutely essential. We distributed drinking water to all those gathered, ensuring that each household received this fundamental resource.
Ophthalmological Assistance After distributing humanitarian aid, we went to the tractor brigade, where we organized a mobile ophthalmologist clinic. People had the opportunity to undergo an eye examination and, if needed, receive new prescriptions or glasses.
Dnipropetrovsk Region | Marhanets
As part of our Vision Restoration project, we continue to organize mobile ophthalmology clinics in Marhanets. To date, we have reached approximately 90% of the city.
May 22, Thursday, 5:30 PM Our team held the latest clinic at a new location—the local general education school. The space proved to be very comfortable and welcoming, and the school administration provided everything needed for a smooth and dignified patient experience.
The clinic ran efficiently, and every person who came received a professional eye consultation. We remain committed to ensuring that all residents of Marhanets—regardless of age or ability—have access to vital medical care.
Our Nikopol assistance center was not left out of our attention. We also continue to distribute drinking water to those taken under our care. We work in all areas available to us.
Continuing with the topic of water, we also deliver it to the homes of people with limited mobility.
Pavlograd
Dmytro Volodymyrovych, 56, disabled, Pavlohrad Requires medication, medical support, and food assistance.
Kryvyi Rih
Humanitarian Trips | May 20–25, 2025
Kryvyi Rih → Dnipro • Collected and transported humanitarian aid
Mykolaivka • Delivered psychosocial support to children • Organized a puppet show • Distributed humanitarian aid to children
In the city of Kryvyi Rih—at our volunteer center and the overnight shelter for homeless IDPs and vulnerable families—we provided:
Clothing and inclusive mobility aids (with home delivery to people with disabilities)
Bread
Hot meals (served to 70 individuals)
In the city of Kryvyi Rih, assistance was provided at the volunteer center and at the night shelter for homeless internally displaced persons (IDPs) and socially vulnerable people (SVPs) in the form of:
Clothing and inclusive aids (delivery of assistive devices to people with disabilities)
Bread
Hot meals served to 70 individuals
The total weight of the cargo amounted to approximately 4,000 kg.
Sofiivska Hromada
Kamianske
Activities of the Volunteer Center in Kamianske District | May 19–25, 2025
Ran the women’s circle “Berehynia”, offering a space for mutual support and empowerment
Transported humanitarian aid throughout Kamianske (both left and right banks)
Delivered bread to neighborhoods across the city
Distributed bread to residents in need
Organized charity meals for vulnerable individuals
Provided massage services to help ease physical tension and stress
Offered laundry services for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and families in difficult circumstances (FDCs)
Conducted psychosocial support programs to address emotional well‑being
Operated the children’s center “Smile”, where kids engage in safe, educational activities
I am Viktoriia Valeriivna, 78 years old.
I arrived from the city of Berdyansk to Kamianske in August 2022.
I live with my daughter and grandchildren — there are four of us in total. My son-in-law serves in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. We rent our home.
It was very hard to leave everything behind and come to a place where you have nothing.
I sincerely thank you for the help you provide us during this difficult time.
Between May 19 and May 25, 2025 Total Persons Assisted: 8,050 + 6,600 individuals received bread
Distributed: 20,950 kg of food supplies.
Activities were carried out in the following regions and localities:
“Yes, my heart bears scars. But they show that healing has taken place.”
This week, we once again stood alongside those seeking peace, support, and inner light. We remind everyone:
Healing is possible
It is a process
It requires the care of others
That is why our team continues to hold regular gatherings—spaces where anyone can find understanding, encouragement, and answers.
This Week’s Events:
Monday • “Healing Emotional Wounds” Group — a safe place to explore matters of the heart: where suffering originates and what helps mend it. The session was warm, profound, and deeply honest.
Tuesday • Anti-Stress Workshop — practical tools to prevent emotional burnout. This session focused on grounding techniques for moments of anxiety and developing flexible thinking. • Anti-Stress English — an inspiring meeting with a native speaker from Ireland. It was fun, educational, and emotionally safe—exactly what’s needed when life is tense.
Wednesday • Art Therapy: “Journey to Self” — adaptation through creativity. Instead of words, we used paint to express ourselves, and each artwork told a personal story. • Music Therapy “Harmony of the Soul” — we sang together. As many know, singing can heal the soul in ways that medicine cannot.
Thursday • “Heartfelt Gatherings” — informal meetings filled with warmth, laughter, and meaningful conversation. Sometimes, relief comes simply from being with those who understand.
Special Event of the Week:
“Warm Gathering for Women with Loved Ones in the Military” This was an extraordinary occasion. We created a safe space where every woman could be herself, share her pain, or simply sit in silence. We spoke about maintaining balance during difficult times and finding resources to carry on. We painted, connected over tea and treats, and—most importantly—felt the comfort of community.
