Rebuilding from Devastation
The cold weather is breaking in the Northern Hemisphere, and flowers are popping through the earth representing beauty and new life. I am not going to lie; it has been a difficult month on planet earth. . We can carry both; honoring what has been lost while still making room for what wants to emerge. Now as you breathe in the spring and new growth, notice the lives you affect….and now imagine the many people that are making a positive difference in the lives of others in OUR shared world, every single day!
Building Community
Here is a story about community that Lena, Executive Director and Founder of S2S shared with me yesterday. S2S has a chat group on Telegram that keeps everyone up to date. When drones dropped bombs on Poltava three night ago (2 people were killed and 12 wounded – grief and hope sharing the same space) the silver lining was that people got on the S2S group chat and asked for help with plywood for blown out windows and people responded to help requests. Lena shared it is uncommon in Ukraine to ask for help or to help others that are not your family members. She sees this as proof that they are building community!!!!
If you still stand with Ukraine and are looking for a very concrete way to make a positive impact as they rebuild their infrastructure and Build Community, please consider a donation to Shoulder-to-Shoulder.
The NGO is legally registered in Ukraine as "Family Space "Shoulder-to-Shoulder" registration #45401698.
Healing Society
Let me update you on the last month at Shoulder-to-Shoulder in Poltava, Ukraine as Lena and her staff continue building community, one person at a time.
Shoulder-to-Shoulder (S2S) is a social educational and healing hub in Poltava, created for people whose lives have been disrupted by war: children, teenagers, women, internally displace families, veterans, and military families.
Students in education and vocational classes pay a fee to attend. Social program fees are based on ability to pay and all fees are fully waived for wives and children of fallen soldiers.
What are we hearing from our students?
Even in the hardest times, growth matters. I truly love our classes.” ~ Viktoriia T
“In the leadership course, I spoke my mind in front of others for the first time — and I was heard. That changed something inside me. Now I know I can lead, take responsibility, and not be afraid.” Yehor, 16
“In the course ‘Me in Relationships with Others,’ we learn how to communicate, work in a team, and plan. These are the life skills we truly need. Being surrounded by peers who share your values reminds you that you’re not alone.” Zlata, 17
“The Board Game Club is the best part of my week. We laugh, compete, think strategically, and learn teamwork. After years of isolation — first COVID, then war — this space gives us back connection.” Mykola, 15
“The special women’s gathering gave us comfort, care, and beautiful emotions — something we, as women, so desperately need in these difficult times.” Iryna
“My brother, a commander of the 72nd Mechanized Brigade who was killed in the Donetsk region, would have been so proud of his niece’s achievements [learning English]. He could speak English fluently. Your support means more to us than words can express. ” Yuliia
“During wartime, this work feels incredibly important. Our children have lived through so much, and we must help them rebuild confidence in their knowledge, support them, inspire them, and give them stability. It is hope. It is a step toward a brighter future. Together, we are stronger. ”Tetiana
“This is a place where I rediscovered confidence and allowed myself to live again. After losing my husband, I hardly left my home. I came to a class in October… and I stayed. This is a place you want to return to. A place where you are heard, where you can laugh, talk about life, and simply be among people. ”Nataliia
“The Photography Course was more than education — it was inspiration. I discovered new strengths within myself and found community. For a while, I could step away from the heavy reality we are living in.” Iryna
Thank you all that have donated and continue to donate to rebuild Ukrainian families. Each dollar matters!
