ShelterofHope: Aid for Women & Children in Ukraine

Provision of Shelter Services

During the reporting period, the temporary shelter provided accommodation and support to:

• 20 women who experienced domestic or gender-based violence

• 24 children who stayed together with their mothers

Among the service users:

• 1 internally displaced person (IDP)

• 2 large families who required additional social and adaptation support

All residents were provided with safe and dignified living conditions, meals, hygiene products, essential household items, and access to social, medical, and legal services.

Social Support

During the reporting period, 18 individual cases were opened by the social service. Each woman received personalized support, which included:

• Assessment of the life situation to identify needs, risks, and available resources

• Definition of key problems and development of strategies for their resolution

• Motivation to actively participate in overcoming the crisis situation

• Development and implementation of an individual recovery plan

• Consultations on social protection, state assistance, and housing issues

• Psychological counseling and emotional support

• Assistance with document restoration, obtaining medical certificates, and school registration

• Organization of access to free legal aid and consultations

• Support with household adaptation and daily needs

• Referrals to other specialists (doctors, lawyers, educational institutions, employment services, etc.)

• Representation of beneficiaries’ interests in state and community institutions

• Support in restoring family and socially useful connections (upon request)

• Assistance with employment, including consultations, referrals to employment centers, help with resumes, and interview preparation

• Development of social and life skills such as financial literacy, planning, and self-organization

Psychological Support

A psychologist provided ongoing support to women residing in the shelter. The main areas of work included:

Individual counseling focused on:

• Overcoming traumatic experiences

• Managing anxiety, fear, and depression

• Building self-esteem and personal resilience

• Developing personal safety strategies

Group activities included:

• Art therapy sessions

• Psychoeducational discussions

• Exercises for emotional stabilization and regulation

• Development of constructive behavioral strategies in conflict situations

Work with Children

A social pedagogue conducted regular activities with children, adapted to their age, emotional state, and individual needs.

Individual sessions covered:

• Psycho-emotional support

• Helping children express feelings through play, drawing, and conversation

• Academic support, including help with homework and cognitive development

Group activities aimed to:

• Develop emotional intelligence and communication skills

• Strengthen group cohesion

• Reduce anxiety and aggressive behavior

• Restore a sense of safety through a stable and supportive environment

Work with parents included:

• Monitoring mother–child relationships and interaction dynamics

• Providing parenting recommendations and guidance

• Conducting joint “mother–child” sessions to restore emotional connection

Moving Forward

We continue our work to ensure that every woman and child who has experienced violence can find safety, understanding, and a path toward recovery.

Thank you to everyone who supports us — your contribution makes these changes possible every day.

During the second quarter of 2025, 16 women and 22 children received shelter and support at “Shelter of Hope.” Among them were 7 internally displaced persons and 3 large families. The shelter provided temporary accommodation, psychological support, legal assistance, and help with restoring documents, accessing healthcare, and finding employment.

We opened 16 new social support cases, which included:

• analysis of life situations and development of individual action plans;

• psychological counseling and emotional stabilization;

• development of social skills and competencies;

• support in restoring family and social ties;

• referrals to relevant specialists.

Our psychologist conducted both individual and group sessions aimed at trauma recovery and emotional well-being.
A social educator worked consistently with children through individual and group activities focused on development, adaptation, and emotional support.

We also organized several key activities:

• a creative workshop with gifts for children, hosted by students of the Poltava Law College;

• the "Dreams of Children" event by local police, promoting trust and positive interaction;

• a self-care workshop led by a professional makeup artist, which helped boost self-esteem and confidence among women.

Additionally, three women enrolled in free vocational training — a crucial step toward social integration and economic independence.

Fundraising Progress:

• Raised: $35 of $5,700

• Remaining: $5,665

• Donors: 2

• Months active: 4

Due to limited resources, we have not yet started renovations. However, the need remains urgent. Funds will be used to improve living conditions, including repairs (flooring, plumbing, lighting) and purchasing beds, bedding, towels, and other essentials.

Thank you for standing with us! Your support helps provide a safe and dignified environment for survivors of violence and gives them a chance to rebuild their lives with hope and security.