Agro Project: Supporting Self-Sufficiency and Recovery

Last week, as part of our agro project, we distributed vegetable seedlings to residents of two frontline-affected villages — Maksymivka and Podhora. A total of 250 people received this much-needed support.

For many, this was more than just material aid — it was a sign of hope and a step toward restoring daily life. The seedlings offer families a chance to grow their own food and regain some independence in these difficult times.

Residents of Izium also expressed their heartfelt thanks for the seedlings they had received earlier. They have already planted them and are now seeing the first sprouts appear. Thanks to your support, we are not just helping — we are empowering people to rebuild their lives.

VEHICLE REPAIRS

Replacement of the radiator, air conditioner, and cabin filter in the car.

Report from Kherson Region (Kherson city) for the Past Week

Our team completed the following important tasks:

Conducted deratization in 6 premises, including 3 large basements and one humanitarian headquarters.
Refueled 7 generators to ensure uninterrupted power supply.
Carried out disinsection in 4 premises, including a large basement and an attic.
Organized a program with gifts for children of the Kherson region.
Delivered a canister of gasoline to the “red zone” to provide electricity for four houses.
Performed disinfection of one premise.
Purchased and delivered cable to restore electricity in a house damaged by shelling.
Bought and provided medicine to a large family whose father and two children were injured in a drone attack.
Supplied insecticide to one person for pest control.
Fed two animals throughout the week.

On Universytetska Street, we continue to address a serious cockroach infestation in a multi-family building. In one apartment where a person recently passed away, the cockroach problem was severe and is now spreading to neighboring apartments, disturbing the residents. Although the apartment is currently unoccupied, we are treating it to eliminate the source of infestation and help the neighbors live more comfortably. We are also treating the upper floors and the roof, where the infestation has been worst.

Special attention is given to a large family from the village of Kamyshany. Mr. Mykhailo, father of ten children, and his family experienced a shell hitting and partially destroying their home. Our team helped with their evacuation and provided safe housing in Kherson city. We stayed in close contact and promptly responded to their needs.

This week, Mr. Mykhailo’s car was attacked by an enemy drone while two children were inside. Fortunately, everyone survived. The eldest son suffered a concussion and shrapnel wounds, and the father had a concussion. The family urgently needed medicine for recovery, and our team provided the necessary support. Step with Hope Foundation is always there for those facing difficult life circumstances. We maintain close ties with the people we help, as they have become part of our large and caring family.

Donetsk Region

Kramatorsk, Dobropillia, Sloviansk, Mykolaivka, Kostiantynivka, Druzhkivka

This past week, our team visited several towns and cities in the Donetsk region to provide much-needed support to residents living under constant threat.

Kramatorsk and Dobropillia
We entered Kramatorsk via Petropavlivka and Oleksandrivka. The road was relatively safe, though damaged in places. On the way back, we drove through Dobropillia, where the roads were nearly empty.
Although the overall situation has worsened, there were no strikes during our stay.
Local people are emotionally and physically exhausted. They long for support, stability, and reassurance. Many expressed a desire to evacuate but, as often happens, didn’t know where to go.

Sloviansk and Mykolaivka
We distributed food parcels to residents in Sloviansk and Mykolaivka—those who remain in high-risk areas and urgently need basic support.

Druzhkivka
Druzhkivka became a hub of community activity and care this week:

A hairdresser offered free haircuts.
One local resident, Halyna, greeted the hairdresser with the words: “I’ve been waiting for you!” There are very few hairdressers left in frontline towns, and the cost is often too high for pensioners.
We distributed bread and reading glasses to those in need.
Children’s creative workshops and an exhibition of their drawings were held, giving young ones a chance to express hope and joy.
A warm, communal meal was served to local families.
On Sunday, we organized an excursion to Sviatohirsk and Sloviansk for families of fallen soldiers, military personnel, and civilians affected by the war. The hike through the scenic hills of Sviatohirsk and the tour of Sloviansk offered a breath of peace. Despite the heat and exhaustion, the smiles on children’s and parents’ faces made everything worthwhile.

Kostiantynivka
The social clothing bank reopened its doors. In addition, 100 families received “Samaritan’s Bags” filled with essential items.

Kharkiv Region

Znamenka, Chuhuiv, Kochetok, Kharkiv, Kamyana Yaruga, Mala Danylivka

Despite ongoing shelling and a difficult humanitarian situation, the “Step with Hope” team continues to support the people of Kharkiv region.

Znamenka
Sofia Denysivna, 86 years old, lives with her son. She shares a few heartfelt words:

“We receive free loaves of bread every week — it’s a great help for us. I sincerely thank the ‘Step with Hope’ Foundation! I wish you good health and peace!”

Chuhuiv and Kochetok
Varvara Serhiivna, a retiree born in 1950, also expressed her gratitude:

“Thank you for helping and caring for us in such difficult times. You make us feel we are not forgotten.”

Kharkiv, Kamyana Yaruga, Mala Danylivka
The night of June 6th became one of the scariest for Kharkiv residents since the beginning of the full-scale war. More than 60 attacks hit the city over several hours:

In the Kyivskyi district, 40 Shahed drones, 4 aerial bombs, and a missile struck civilian infrastructure and private homes. People were trapped under the rubble.
In the Osnovianskyi district, a 9-story residential building was hit. A fire broke out across 12 apartments between the 7th and 9th floors. A woman was rescued from under the debris.

Despite the danger, our team managed to organize around 8 meetings for children and teenagers and:

provided a charity meal for vulnerable residents;
held masterclasses and themed sessions for children;
distributed bread to those most in need;
continued online support meetings for youth during the week;
and on Saturday, hosted a warm and cheerful “Campfire Evening” with sausages, marshmallows, and open conversation.

One elderly woman, Vira Semenivna (82 years old), shared: “Thank you for the bread — it’s not just food, it’s support. I even share it with my neighbor, who’s disabled. We get through it together.”

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Dnipropetrovsk Region

Nikopol and Surrounding Areas

The past week in Nikopol was challenging. Daily obstacles, unexpected difficulties, and constantly changing conditions required patience, flexibility, and the belief that even the smallest act of help matters. We continue our work — despite it all.

Local Support in Nikopol

Our center in Nikopol remains a vital hub for local residents. Each week, we:

provide vision consultations and eyeglasses to those in need;
distribute drinking water to families under our care.

Support for Rural Communities

We pay special attention to villages that suffer from a critical lack of clean water. Last week, we visited Mendeliivka village with our guest Yurii. The trip aimed to deliver water and assess the living conditions. It was a difficult journey, but much needed by the residents.

Vision Restoration Project

As part of our ongoing Vision Restoration Project, we carried out several visits to Novoivanivka:

A total of 250 people were reached, the majority being elderly residents, internally displaced families, and households with small children.
During our fourth visit, we also distributed food packages alongside the eye exams.
Despite car trouble, our two-person team completed all planned activities.

Dnipropetrovsk Region

Pavlohrad, Kryvyi Rih, Sofiivska Community, Kamianske

Pavlohrad

Serhii Anatoliiovych, 62, a person with a disability, expressed sincere gratitude for the assistance received. For him, this support is vital.

Kryvyi Rih and Surrounding Areas

Several humanitarian missions were carried out during the week:

Kryvyi Rih – Dnipro
100 Samaritan’s Purse food packages were received and distributed.

Sofiivska Community
Residents received fresh bread and humanitarian aid. Psychosocial consultations were also provided to internally displaced persons (IDPs) and people in vulnerable situations.
City of Kryvyi Rih
At the volunteer center and the night shelter for homeless people, IDPs, and socially vulnerable individuals:
- fresh bread was distributed daily,
- hot meals were served (to over 65 people),
- group psychosocial support meetings were conducted.

Total aid delivered: approximately 4,200 kg.
Shelter residents especially appreciated the weekly opportunity to receive fresh bread.

Kryvyi Rih Children’s Boarding School
We deliver 30 loaves of bread here every week. Before the war, this institution mainly cared for young children with special needs. Now, it houses teenagers and adults with various disabilities. They are always grateful for support and assistance.

Sofiivska Hromada

Life remains difficult. Financial hardship continues. New waves of IDPs arrive regularly — from the temporarily occupied territories of Donetsk region, as well as frontline areas in Kherson and Dnipropetrovsk regions.

Kamianske

The volunteer center in Kamianske district was actively operating from June 2 to June 8:

delivered humanitarian aid to both banks of the city,
distributed bread daily,
organized charity lunches,
offered massage and laundry services for IDPs and those in need,
operated the children’s center “Smile”,
received, sorted, and packed food parcels,
conducted psychosocial support programs.

Additionally, volunteer vehicles underwent necessary maintenance in Dnipro — the air conditioning radiator and cabin filter were replaced.

Story of Kateryna Volodymyrivna
Kateryna, 70, fled from Novopavlivka (Synelnykove district) after a rocket strike on April 25, 2025, completely destroyed her home and property. Now living with her daughter in Kamianske, she received fresh bread and expressed heartfelt thanks to the donors who continue to support people in their darkest hours.

Thank you to each and every donor!
Your contributions are more than just material aid — they bring care, comfort, and hope to those striving to survive with dignity.

Psychosocial Support Program

Sofiivka: Supporting Families of Fallen and Missing Soldiers

As part of the “Support Nearby” project, a meeting was held in Sofiivka for families of fallen, missing, and captured defenders.

Chaplains from our foundation are actively cooperating with local authorities and community leaders, creating more opportunities to provide emotional and psychological support. Together with psychologist Mariia and psychosocial facilitator Zoia, we conducted a training focused on self-awareness in times of crisis, stages of grief, and self-help techniques.

Participants were also invited to join the extended recovery course “Healing the Wounded Heart”.
The event was warmly received, and both participants and local administration expressed their gratitude.

Psychosocial Support Program

Sofiivka: Supporting Families of Fallen and Missing Soldiers

As part of the “Support Nearby” project, a meeting was held in Sofiivka for families of fallen, missing, and captured defenders.

Weekly Schedule of Psychosocial Activities

Monday

15:00 — Launch of “Healing the Wounded Heart” sessions

Tuesday

12:00 — Anti-Stress Course & Burnout Prevention
Techniques include:
- flexible thinking
- grounding exercises
15:00 — Discussion with Chaplain Ruslan Sedletskyi
16:00 — Anti-Stress English class with native speaker Keith Hamilton from Ireland

Wednesday

15:00 — Art Therapy: “The Path to Self through Creativity”
17:00 — Music Therapy: choir and singing session “Harmony of the Soul through Music”

Thursday

12:30 — “Positive Ukrainian” Club 🇺🇦
14:00 — “Heart-to-Heart Talks”
Special theme:
“How Our Ego Works and How to Live with It Without Hurting Ourselves or Others”

Topics included:

What is the ego and how does it show up in daily life
- How to notice when the ego is controlling us
- How to live in harmony with ourselves and others

We also hosted our “Birthday Candlelight Celebration”, a cherished tradition where we honor participants with spring birthdays.
There were warm conversations, kind words, candles, and joy — a reminder that even simple gestures can warm hearts.

Work with IDPs in Shelters

Our team also visited shelters in Pavlohrad and Dnipro, where we provided:

Group psychological support sessions
Art therapy workshops
Distribution of food packages and eyeglasses
Wellness massages for both adults and children

Thanks to your support, we are able to bring care and encouragement where it’s most needed.

If your heart still carries pain, anxiety, or restlessness — we invite you to join our “Healing the Wounded Heart” group.
Together, healing becomes possible.

Total for the period:

People served: 8200 people + 6600 people received bread

Issued: 22350 kg of products

Work was carried out in the following regions and cities:

Kherson region: Kherson

Donetsk region: Kramatorsk, Sloviansk, Druzhkivka, Mykolaivka, Dobropillya

Kharkiv region: Kharkiv, Kamyana Yaruga, Znamenka, Balakliya, Berestyn, Chuhuyiv, Merefa, Pervomayskyi, Izyum, Derhachi, Novaya Vodolaga Dnipropetrovsk region: Samar, Kamyanske, Synelnykovo, Kryvyi Rih, Nikopol, Dnipro, Pavlohrad, Magdalinivka, Arkhangelsk, Andriivka, Inhulets, Sofiivska AH, Marhanets, Novoivanivka.