By Olena Shulha

Sixteen children from regions of Ukraine most impacted by war have arrived at the Miracles Center in the Carpathian Mountains.

Among these 16 children, there are four sibling sets with ages ranging from 3-14. And an additional 10 youth—ages 14-17—will be joining us next week.

These are kids whose childhood was interrupted by war, loss of home, or difficult life circumstances in their families. Some of them have been deprived of stable care and warmth for a long time.

Here they rest, recover from what they have experienced, receive therapeutic services, and simply feel safe. They will meet adults who are genuinely interested in their history and future. For many, this can be the first step to constant support—through mentorship, family, and acceptance of who they are.

We do not promise fairy tales. We create a space where children can rediscover hope and purpose: I am important, someone needs me, my life can change for the better.

We would like to sincerely thank the Kidsave community for your support and trust. Thanks to your contributions, on July 4th we were able to welcome these children to the Miracles Center where they can receive care, support, and connection. These are children who have already had a very difficult life, and for many, this experience is the first opportunity to feel care, safety, and stability.

Our specialists have already begun to get to know each child — observing how they adapt, identifying individual characteristics, and trying to create a warm atmosphere of support and trust for them.

As part of the program, we conduct:

  • Cognitive and health-improving activities;
  • Play and art therapy activities;
  • Trauma therapy;
  • Excursions and time in nature;
  • Individualized diagnostics and work with mentors; and
  • Preparation of children for placement in a family.

Our goal is to give each child a chance to grow up in loving and stable homes.

This is just the beginning. There is still a lot of work ahead, but today we are already seeing the first smiles, the first hugs, and the first moments of trust.

Thanks to you, these children have a chance for a new story — the story of a family.

Support Kidsave’s work in Ukraine.

Olena Shulha is the Director of the Miracles Center in Ukraine. This article has been translated from Ukrainian into English.