Warmth Endures Despite the Winter
February is a cold month in the United States and the Northern Hemisphere – and it is especially harsh in Ukraine. Large parts of the country continue to operate without reliable power, heat, and water. Earlier today, Ukraine’s Ministry of Energy in Ukrainian reported that several nuclear power units remain offline due to damage, with further attacks on the energy grid expected and freezing temperatures forecasted.
Yet even in these conditions, warmth endures.
It lives in the hearts of our teachers, staff and Lena Mykhailova, Executive Director of Shoulder-to-Shoulder who remains steadfast in our mission - (Re)building Ukraine. One person at a time.
Every day of the week, Shoulder-to-Shoulder provides education, vocational training, professional reorientation and social healing in one safe space. These programs restore confidence, dignity, agency and quality of life for children whose education was disrupted by war and wives of fallen soldiers who are now responsible for supporting their families.
Your Impact
Since opening our doors on October 1, 2025, your generosity ($30,851 to date) has reached nearly 500 people. Here is a snapshot of what you have made possible:
Weekly math classes for 16 teenagers
Weekly English Classes for 21 children and teens
14 adults (women of fallen soldiers and educators)
Weekly Vocational Training for 21 women
Life Skills Program (Educational Board Games + Leadership Program) for 23 teenagers
Chess Classes for 13 kids age 7+
Weekly Support groups for 36 women
Art and Craft activities for 9 women and 40 children
200 people (IDPs, wives, and children of servicemen) hosted at the concert for Freedom and Dignity of Ukrainian people
100 children of fallen heroes hosted at the Puppet Theater
