Agricultural Project Completion: Support That Grows
Over the past week, we successfully completed our agricultural project, which has become a vital source of support for hundreds of Ukrainian families. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of our team and the generosity of our donors, we managed to deliver an additional batch of vegetable seedlings to the areas that needed it most — particularly Pavlohrad and Shevchenkove.
All planned distributions have now been completed, and the project has officially concluded. Our team is currently analyzing the data and preparing a detailed summary of the outcomes.
We would like to highlight the situation in Pavlohrad, where there is a significant influx of internally displaced people, especially from the Donetsk region. These are new arrivals who have recently fled active war zones. For them, this support was not just helpful — it was essential and, in many cases, life-saving. The gratitude expressed by the recipients was deeply moving and sincere.
Project Coverage:
- Pavlohrad – 300 families
- Nikopol / Marhanets – 300 families
- Synelnykove – 200 families
- Barvinkove – 300 families
- Rodzynky – 300 families
- Bohodukhiv – 500 families
Words of Gratitude from Beneficiaries
The conclusion of the project was accompanied by heartfelt messages of appreciation, reinforcing just how meaningful this initiative has been.
From the Novovodolazka Sanatorium School of the Kharkiv Regional Council, the staff sent a touching note of thanks on behalf of their community:
“Dear donors and the charitable foundation ‘Step with Hope’,
Please accept our heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing support and for once again providing vegetable seedlings and seeds for our home gardens. In these difficult times of war, your help is an act of great kindness. Nearly 70% of our staff are currently out of work and surviving on minimal income. Your assistance is truly a blessing. We bow low in thanks for your good deeds.”
Additionally, seedlings were distributed in the villages of Lukashivka, Novo-Ukrainka, Stepove, and Myrnivka. The recipients included:
- internally displaced persons (IDPs),
- families of active-duty soldiers,
- people with disabilities,
- low-income households.
All expressed deep appreciation to the “Step with Hope” foundation and to every donor whose support made this possible.
Report from Kherson Region: Support Where It Hurts the Most
Last week, the “Step with Hope” team continued its work in the frontline Kherson region. We remain close to people who face daily danger, loss, and instability — people who need not only material help, but also deeply human support.
Our actions this week:
- Psychological support for a family after a drone attack on their vehicle. We responded promptly, offered emotional assistance, and identified their most urgent needs.
- Refueled six generators, which now cover essential needs in critical areas.
- Conducted disinsection and deratization in a large basement used as a shelter during air raids — ensuring it is safe for residents.
- Delivered a canister of fuel to the red zone, helping four families who lack access to energy resources.
- Provided pest control supplies to a local resident to reduce epidemiological risks in vulnerable zones.
The Kamyshany Family Story: When Support Means More Than Aid
One of the week’s most pressing cases involved Mykhailo’s family, whom our team had previously evacuated from the village of Kamyshany. The family is large — two parents and ten children. We helped them find temporary housing and have stayed in regular contact.
This week, Mykhailo returned to Kamyshany with two of his children to collect personal belongings. On their way back, their vehicle was hit by a drone. Thankfully, everyone survived, though they were diagnosed with a concussion and signs of acoustic trauma.
We visited Mykhailo in the hospital, spoke with him and the children, and offered psychological support to help them overcome the initial shock. This family is more than just beneficiaries to us — they are part of our growing community. This situation reminded us once again how vital our presence in frontline zones is. It’s not just about being there — it’s about being there with care.
Thank You for Being With Us
Thanks to your support, dear donors, we can continue to stand with those living in uncertainty and under constant threat. We hear their stories, we feel their pain — and we strive to be the answer where others remain silent.
Thank you for helping the light remain — even in the darkest of times.
Two hours of operation — two buckets of water. This is how our dehumidifier works on Ostrov (the neighborhood was flooded after the Kakhovka HPP explosion).
BERISLAVSKA HROMADA
– psycho-social assistance to residents of Velyka Oleksandrivka, Kherson region.
– puppet show for children
– humanitarian aid with baby food to families in difficult life circumstances with infants
Donetsk Region: Standing by When It’s Hardest
Last week, the Step with Hope team continued its mission in Donbas — in cities living under constant threat of shelling. As one soldier put it, the situation is “consistently difficult but under control.” And we remain there — where people need us most.
Kramatorsk and Sloviansk
These cities are under regular fire. Despite the danger, our team reached Kramatorsk and:
- Distributed “The Good Samaritan Bag” containing essential supplies for those in need.
- Held a small gathering to celebrate local residents who had birthdays in May — a chance to bring light and connection amidst the uncertainty.
Druzhkivka
This trip was one of the most difficult. The front line is getting closer, and the city’s outskirts are under regular attacks. During our visit, we:
- Delivered humanitarian aid to families in critical need.
- Provided eyeglasses to those with vision issues — a vital but often overlooked necessity.
- Hosted a charity lunch and children’s workshops, offering a moment of joy and creativity for local kids.
We also visited the site of recent Friday strikes, where private homes were damaged. Heavy rain had begun, halting emergency roof repairs. The situation was dire. We responded by supplying:
- Tarpaulins for temporary shelter,
Fresh bread and food packages.
Valentyna’s Story: Saved by Chance
Valentyna and her family survived by a miracle. They had moved to a small summer kitchen for the season — and that decision saved their lives. One evening, a powerful explosion occurred just beyond their fence. The main house took the full impact: part of the roof collapsed, and all the windows shattered. Valentyna expressed deep gratitude for the tarps, bread, and — above all — the care. Her story is a reminder that even simple things can mean survival.
Kharkiv Region: Reaching Those Who Need It Most
Despite the ongoing tension in the region, the Step with Hope team continues to support local residents and internally displaced persons living in difficult conditions. Our aid reached the most vulnerable — the elderly, people with disabilities, low-income families, and those with many children.
Znamenka
We distributed humanitarian aid to IDPs, seniors, families with children, and others left without stable support.
Hanna Antonivna, 86 years old:
“I live alone on a small pension. Neighbors bring me bread — and I’m grateful for that. I thank the foundation sincerely for the support. I wish you health and peace!”
Chuhuiv and the town of Kochetok
We met with local residents who shared their gratitude for the help they received:
Vira Antonivna, born in 1946, pensioner:
“In such a difficult time, it’s important to know we are not alone. Thank you for your care!”
Raisa Ivanivna, born in 1953, pensioner:
“Your warmth and assistance help us get through the hardest moments. Thank you!”
Berestyn
Ivanna Ivanivna, 67 years old:
Lives with her displaced daughter on a minimal pension.
“I’m deeply thankful for your help. It means a lot to us!”
Kharkiv, Kamyana Yaruga, Mala Danylivka
The security situation in the region remained tense. Kharkiv experienced eight drone strikes — thankfully, there were no casualties. Despite the danger, our team remained active:
- We held eight children’s and youth events, covering topics like environmental awareness and personal finance. Children watched animated films, and teens enjoyed a board games evening.
- A charitable lunch was organized for people in need.
- Bread was distributed, thanks to our sponsors.
We participated in the “Family Pearls” celebration, bringing together families in an atmosphere of warmth and care. Despite rain in the forecast, the sun came out — and the event was partially held outdoors.
Dnipropetrovsk Region
Nikopol
The week began with a scheduled trip to the village of Novoivanivka, where we assisted 50 people — displaced families, elderly, and low-mobility individuals. As always, we combined food distribution with ophthalmologist consultations.
A local teacher from Gymnasium No. 7 of Nikopol shared:
“My family and I had to move to Novoivanivka. We are very grateful that you haven’t forgotten us. I received a professional consultation that will help me teach my students online. Thank you for your kindness and care.”
At the beginning of the week, we received a new batch of food supplies. Our team quickly packaged and began distributing them at our local aid center. Along with food, we provided drinking water — over 3,000 liters were distributed throughout the week.
Yurii Mykhailovych, a displaced resident from war-torn Zelenodolsk, now lives in Nikopol with his wife. After a difficult and unfortunately unsuccessful hip replacement surgery, he remains in pain. We have been supporting this family for the past three years.
We also care for the Kovalchuk family, raising a son with cerebral palsy. His tiny hands are twisted by the illness, and his speech is difficult to understand, isolating him from his peers. Despite everything, the parents gently and patiently walk with him in the evenings, step by step, still hoping to one day see him running on the playground.
Marhanets
This week we held another ophthalmology appointment at Shevchenko Gymnasium. With the continuous support of local authorities — who assist with logistics and space — we have already reached about 90% of Marhanets residents. For the past nine months, we have kept this project running — even through the winter, despite challenging conditions.
“My name is Antonina, a resident of Marhanets. As a neighborhood assistant, I kindly ask you to visit our area. Most residents here are over 60, 70, even 90 years old. They really need your help.” We have also managed to reach several villages that were previously inaccessible. We organize appointments through local Telegram and Viber groups — residents actively respond and attend.
Samarskyi District & Mahdalynivka
On May 25 and June 1, we delivered and distributed humanitarian aid:
- 80 food kits (600 kg)
- clothing, glasses, seeds
- canned goods, grains (300 kg)
These were distributed to collective shelters for displaced persons in Cherkaska and Mahdalynivka communities and surrounding areas.
Kryvyi Rih
Between May 28 and June 2, we provided humanitarian aid along several routes:
- Sofiivska Community – distribution of bread and food, psychosocial consultations
- Novopilska Community – chaplain support for families of fallen, missing, and captured soldiers during official events
- Lozuvatska Community – participation in a Children’s Day project with “Titans UA” and Kryvyi Rih police
In Kryvyi Rih city, support was provided through the volunteer center and the Shelter for Homeless and Displaced Persons:
- daily bread deliveries
- hot meals for 75 people
- psychosocial support groups
Total weight of distributed aid: 3,500 kg.
Kamianske
From May 26 to June 1, our volunteer center in Kamianske carried out:
- bread distribution
- delivery of food and essentials
- free laundry services for displaced and socially vulnerable groups
- social wardrobe (including glasses)
- free massage and hot meals
Pavlina Serhiivna, 72, displaced from Pokrovsk, Donetsk region:
“My son and I came here last October after a shell hit our house. It was heartbreaking to leave home, but life is more precious. Today I received fresh bread from the foundation for the first time. Thank you for your support.”
Tetiana, 64, also from Pokrovsk, arrived in March with her daughter and grandson:
“Our apartment was completely destroyed. My son is defending our country, but recently we were told he is missing in action. I am grateful to your foundation, the volunteers, and the psychologist for their support, clothes, glasses, and psychosocial programs.”
Total for the period:
People served: 8,250 people + 6,600 people received bread
Issued: 22,350 kg of products
The work was carried out in the following regions and cities:
Kherson region: Kherson, Berislavska OTG, Bashtanska OTG
Donetsk region: Kramatorsk, Slavyansk, Druzhkovka, Konstantinovka, Nikolaevka, Rodynske
Kharkiv region: Kharkiv, Kamennaya Yaruga, Znamenka, Balakleya, Krasnograd, Chuguev, Merefa, Pervomaysky, Izyum, Dergachi, Novaya Vodolaga
Dnipropetrovsk region: Samar, Kamenskoe, Sinelnikovo, Krivoy Rog, Nikopol, Dnipro, Pavlograd, Magdalinovka, Arkhangelskoye, Andreevka, Radushne village, Ingulets, Shiroke, Oleksandriya, Zelene, Yuzhnoye village, Sholokhovo village, Sofievskaya OTG, Marganets, Novopillya