Blaho’s “Center of Hope” is fulfilling its mission in Ukraine

Amid the darkness of war in Ukraine, Olena and her daughter faced a harrowing ordeal that tested their strength and determination. They survived the brutal shelling of their city by occupying forces, but the scars left behind were more than just physical. 

During one attack, a rocket struck their home, setting off a chain of events that would change their lives forever. Olena, desperate to protect her hearing-impaired daughter, rushed to warn her of the impending danger. In the chaos, she fell, sustaining a serious chest injury that would later develop into a serious condition. 

Their quest for safety led them to different cities, with hopes of finding a secure haven. First, they settled in Zaporizhzhia, only to realize that safety was still elusive, and medical treatment was out of reach. Their journey continued to Chernivtsi, where they faced the heart-wrenching reality of homelessness and the daunting cost of medical care. 

After a long and exhausting search for shelter, their fortunes changed when they arrived in Uzhhorod. Here, the city council referred them to the Transcarpathian Regional Charitable Fund’s (Blaho) shelter in Uzhhorod, Ukraine. There they were provided with a glimmer of hope in their darkest hour. 

Currently, Olena is courageously battling her illness, undergoing medical treatment while also giving back to the shelter community. She works in the kitchen, creating delicious meals that bring comfort to their fellow residents. Meanwhile, her daughter has found employment in Uzhhorod, determined to support her mother despite her own congenital hearing impairment. 

Their journey in Uzhhorod spanned nearly a year, and the most poignant aspect of their story is the sense of belonging and security they have found in this community. Olena's greatest wish is to put the horrors of their past behind them, a testament to her resilience and unwavering spirit. 

Olena and her daughter serves as a reminder of the indomitable human spirit and are clear evidence that Blaho’s “Center of Hope” is fulfilling its mission in Ukraine.  

The work of ISSA and  Blaho  in this area is supported by Minderoo Foundation.