New Foundation for Hope and Healing
What a great October it has been at MoveOn Social Language School in Poltava, Ukraine! I will catch you up on the happenings….but first THANK YOU for your generosity and kind hearts. We have raised $17,725 toward the $25k goal for 2025 (+ $50k for first half of 2026).
Here is what you have made possible towards Lena Mykhailova's vision. 4-min video sharing her story and vision. https://youtu.be/nDV-gA_sR_M?feature=shared
Recap of September: MoveOn space was renovated and opened on 15 September, 2 English classes for teens; 1 English class for widows of fallen heroes (All those that have lost fathers and husbands attend for free).
October: English classes continue, and we added weekend Math catch-up classes for teenagers behind in school. Lena’s vision was to not just teach language but to create community. Last weekend community began in earnest. In the three rooms, there was a handicrafts area for little children, board games table for teens and a coffee circle for their moms. Lena relayed that the women began talking about their situations with each other and felt seen, heard and cared for. One woman shared that there are organizations that provide some assistance (as widows of fallen soldiers) and gave the example of free tickets to a movie. She shared that it was nice for two hours, but she didn’t meet the person seated on her right or her left. Coming to MoveOn she is engaged, interested and asked if this group could meet again next week. Lena said to me, “this was my vision and I think it is now happening one week at a time”.
Russian Drones and missiles take out the power grid regularly, so MoveOn purchased a generator to keep the doors open for these women and children. A feel-good story, Dana and I went to dinner with a friend, and he asked how the work was going in Ukraine, we shared the latest about conducting classes with flashlights in the dark. Then I shared these photos and said Lena needs to purchase a generator for $1000-$1500; though she was concerned because it was not in her budget. The next day, our friend sent $1500 to my Venmo which I sent to Lena and she bought a generator this weekend to continue classes next week! Classes & community will continue with or without drones & missiles.
Dana and I were given the opportunity to present MoveOn Language School last Sunday at Universal Spirit Center in San Diego https://universalspiritcenter.org/. The congregation was welcoming, engaged and moved by Lena’s Hero’s Journey. We accepted the October Global Heart Tithe and individual donations all totaling $2200. Thank you Rev Kev and Universal Spirit Center!!!
Oh, and very important…Lena, the founder of MoveOn began drawing a salary in October!!!
November Plans - Many women fled eastern Ukraine and Russian occupation and are now living in central Ukraine and Poltava, the home of Lena and MoveOn School. They formerly worked in factories and are now cleaning houses and other unskilled labor jobs to provide for their families. In November, MoveOn (with two skilled teachers) will offer a 10-week (one class per week) course on basic tech and communications to prepare these women to apply for receptionist or customer service jobs.
Thank you for changing lives in Ukraine, half a world away. Please hug and hold tight your children, family and friends this holiday season.
