THE LATEST NEWS FROM KIDSAVE UKRAINE
From Mentees to Mentors in Ukraine
Kidsave alumni Vova and Olena, former mentees, are now mentors in Ukraine's Corporate Mentoring program, using their experiences to inspire and support youth in institutional care.
Mentorship in Action: Ukrainian Youth Dream Big Through Kidsave’s Pathway to Success Program
Kidsave’s Pathway to Success program mentors Ukrainian youth, engaging them in transformative activities like aviation projects and team sports to build confidence, teamwork, and future leadership skills.
An American Volunteer in Ukraine: Jake’s Story
Jake McCamic, an American volunteer, joined Kidsave in Ukraine to help construct the Miracles Center, providing care for children affected by war. His story showcases the impact of humanitarian aid.
The First Summer at the Kidsave Miracles Center
This summer, Kidsave’s Miracles Center in Ukraine welcomed 30 children for four weeks of trauma therapy, fun activities, and healing, changing their lives and giving them hope for the future.
HELPING THE CHILDREN OF UKRAINE SINCE 2016
Since 2016, Kidsave has been deeply involved in reforming Ukraine’s overburdened child welfare system. With over 100,000 children languishing in institutions, orphanages, and boarding schools across Ukraine, Kidsave stepped in to change the outcome for these kids. Our ongoing programs are helping older orphans and children be reunited with family, find adoptive families, or successfully transition into independent living.
Through our Family Mentoring Program we help move children out of crowded institutions and back into families. In instances where reunification is possible, our team connects families with the resources and support they need to welcome their children back into their homes. In cases where the children are true orphans or unable to return to their biological parents, our team uses Kidsave’s successful Family Visit Model to find new adoptive families for these deserving children.
For children about to age out of care, our Corporate Mentoring Program, Pathway to Success is a lifeline. By connecting them to caring adult mentors and providing them with skills-based training to enter the workforce, the program empowers young people to build healthy, productive, independent lives.
SUSTAINING HOPE AND BUILDING A BETTER TOMORROW
It’s been two years since Russia invaded Ukraine. Two years—730 days—of war and destruction. Two years of entire villages being decimated. Of schools and hospitals being burned to the ground. Of families being torn apart. Of innocent lives lost. Two years—730 days—of terrible things happening.
It’s also been two years—730 days—of Ukrainian strength and perseverance. Two years of kindness and helping to take care of each other and support one another. Two years of the resilience of children as they continue to play and laugh whenever they get the chance. Two years of everyday heroes rising up in so many different ways.
When the war in Ukraine began in February 2022, our team was only three Kidsave team leaders and their friends and families. That team has since grown into a network of over one hundred volunteers. Inspired by their efforts and unwavering dedication, local communities named our Kidsave team the “Angels of Hope.” So far, our Angels of Hope have evacuated over 31,000 people to safety and delivered over 2,620.7 tons of humanitarian aid across Ukraine.
As the war continues and road conditions worsen, communities and villages must become self-sustaining in case a time comes when our team cannot reach them with supplies. That’s why in addition to providing essential supplies like barrels of clean drinking water we are working to provide water filtration systems so communities can have reliable access to clean water, seeds and supplies for community gardens and farming, and other contributions to help Ukrainian communities reestablish self-sufficiency.
Our Kidsave Miracles Center in Western Ukraine, which opened in summer 2024, is a place of connection, wellbeing, and opportunity for orphaned children and youth, the families who want to adopt them, and the dedicated professionals who support them. We are proud to say these innovative programs continue to operate, despite the current invasion, with our ongoing commitment to change the lives of children in Ukraine for the better.
We are proud to say these innovative programs continue to operate, despite the current invasion, with our ongoing commitment to change the lives of children in Ukraine for the better.
the kidsave miracles center: planting the seeds for a new ukraine
Kidsave’s commitment to the children of Ukraine began long before the war started, and we will be there long after it ends. We have established the Kidsave Miracles Center on 6.5 acres of land in western Ukraine. This multi-functional campus provides safe refuge, helps train our staff, facilitates our programs, provides a connection space for children and families, and offers a place of healing offering trauma therapy and counseling services.
Construction continues on outbuildings and support facilities, and we need more bedrooms and lodging so we can welcome even more children.
The Kidsave Miracles Center is being funded through the support of generous donors like you. Become a part of rebuilding Ukraine by joining us as a monthly supporter or making a one-time gift. Naming opportunities are also available on buildings and structures throughout the center.
KIDSAVE UKRAINE IS PROUDLY SPONSORED BY