In a Circle of Friends: Teaching Teens in Ukraine How to Manage Stress
Despite the challenges of war, Kidsave’s Corporate Mentoring program continues to help teens and older children living in orphanages lead healthy, productive lives and successfully transition into independent living by connecting them to a caring mentor in their community.
By Terra Hernandez
Along with providing emotional support and mentorship, Pathway to Success also provides these teens with financial planning assistance, job training, internships, and educational opportunities to help them accomplish their goals in life. Through Pathway to Success, teens who have been left behind by the system are nourished and supported to become thriving, confident members of society.
Last week, the Pathway to Success program hosted a “Circle of Friends” event that brought together 20 young adults, their mentors, and volunteers to share how they maintain a healthy balance in life between various commitments. The group gathered at the Art Department of the City Specialized Youth Library, a familiar and cozy space for the teens in the program. One teen shared that they appreciated the event’s setting because the library is a “safe space” for them.
Volunteers and mentors led the conversation surrounding healthy ways to manage stress and promote a balanced life. Participants made resource maps of things to do, places to go, and people to talk to in stressful situations. To relieve stress, the group also played fun games and relaxed over tea and cake. The teens learned many ways to practice self-care during this session.
Nika, one of the program participants, said, “The atmosphere was incredibly energizing. When we get together like this, we forget about our internal problems, pain, and mental exhaustion. We love such warm and interesting events.”
In light of the situation in Ukraine, Kidsave’s team also passed out care packages to the teens. Volunteers Stasya, Serhiy, and Olya gifted the kids with flashlights, reflective strips for clothing, winter socks, along with a personal, thoughtful message for each teen.
Yuriy Dmitriev, business coach, motivational speaker, and one of Kidsave’s Corporate Mentors, joined the Circle of Friends event. Dmitriev has done a lot for the Pathway to Success program as he previously helped to organize the Days of Kindness event in which the teens and local businessmen completed charitable work together. Recently, they also all volunteered together at a local animal shelter, and Dmitriev also organized motivational training for youth in Ukraine. The teens showed their gratitude for Dmitriev’s work by writing letters of thanks.
Lena, a volunteer, shared how much the work we do for the teens matters.
“It doesn't matter what you do, the only thing that matters is that you do it with love,” said Lena. “The more we interact with children, the stronger our contact becomes, the more sincerely and sooner they open up, share their joys, achievements, dreams, worries and struggles.”
We are very grateful for the dedicated mentors and volunteers who teach the teens and youth in the Pathway to Success program about resilience and healthy habits to destress. Their presence and guidance help these teens grow into stellar young adults. Despite the challenges our team and these young people in Ukraine face daily, we are committed to continuing this important work, and we look forward to many more Corporate Mentoring events in the new year.
