Stories of Change

Maxim at the Anastasis Educational Center with his new friends

Maxim’s Unwavering Determination

Maxim is 15 years old and tall with kind eyes that reflect his gentle spirit. He’s always the first to offer help when someone needs it. Growing up in a family that has faced financial difficulties, life hasn’t always been easy for Maxim. His journey through school has been particularly challenging because of his special educational needs, which at times meant he often struggled to keep up with his peers. This difference sometimes left him feeling excluded and unaccepted.

But Maxim’s story is one of quiet resilience. Since becoming one of the first program participants of the *Anastasis Educational Center, Maxim has rarely missed a day. The Center became his second home, a place where he wasn’t just accepted but embraced. “The Anastasis Center is my family,” Maxim said. “I feel fine here. I’ve made new friends! When they need help, I’m there for them. We like spending time together.”

With the gentle, steady support of the Center’s team, Maxim slowly started to open up. He gained confidence, not just in himself, but in his abilities. As he received help with his homework and guidance through the educational challenges he faced, his academic performance improved. He realized that with hard work and dedication, he could rise to meet those challenges head-on. “Now I go to school with pleasure, and my classmates are friendly with me,” Maxim says, a smile of pride on his face.

The impact of the Anastasis Center didn’t stop at Maxim’s education. His family, included in various support programs developed by the Center’s partnerships, received much-needed assistance, including food, clothes and other essentials that eased their daily struggles. This collective support has not only improved their quality of life, but has given Maxim’s family hope for a better future.

Maxim’s story is a testament to the power of resilience. Despite the difficulties he’s faced, he has shown that with the right support and unwavering determination, any obstacle can be overcome.

*The Anastasis Educational Center is run by our local partner, Diaconia, and aims to help Ukrainian refugees heal and rebuild their lives. At the center, program participants can receive psychological support, attend vocational classes, partake in fun activities and access computers to attend online school.

This story is possible thanks to CWS’ membership in ACT Alliance, a global coalition of churches and agencies engaged in development, humanitarian assistance and advocacy. It is also supported by the generosity of UMCOR. You can learn more about the work we are doing in Moldova to support Ukrainian refugees by clicking here.

Stories of Change

Victor in the Anastasis Educational Center with one of his teachers

Victor’s Big Dream

It was the summer of 2022, and Victor, just five years old, faced a moment no child should ever experience. As war erupted in Ukraine, Victor had to say goodbye to his father who had to stay behind to fight for his country. He hugged him tightly, sensing that it might be a long time before they would see each other again. Though he would have preferred a family vacation, the reality was much harsher. Alongside his mother, Olena, and older brother, Andrei, Victor fled their home in Odesa, leaving behind everything he loved, including his father.

The family found safety in Moldova, but the absence of Victor’s father weighed heavily on him. Victor watched as Andrei started attending the *Anastasis Educational Center, where he made new friends and found stability. It wasn’t just a place for learning; it became a pillar of support for their mother, Olena, offering the assistance she desperately needed.

That following year, the family of three attended a summer camp. For a week, Victor spent a week filled with joy, laughter and companionship with his mother and brother. He also created new friendships with other children from the Anastasis Center. It was there that Victor’s new hope began to take shape: he dreamt of joining his brother at Anastasis, to be with his new friends and find a place where he could feel at home.

By September, Victor’s dream had come true. Now six years old, he started attending Anastasis himself. Within just one week, he integrated into the group of children, eagerly participating in all the activities the Center had to offer. Every day, he arrived with enthusiasm, and by evening, he was reluctant to leave his friends and teachers behind. Anastasis had become a second home for him, a place where he felt safe and cared for.

For Olena, the Center offered more than just a safe space for her sons; it gave her peace of mind. “I am very happy because my sons have a wonderful place where they learn new things and spend their time in meaningful ways,” she shared. “This has allowed me to attend a vocational course and work toward regaining my financial independence. I have peace of mind knowing they are safe.”

Yet, despite all the new experiences and friendships, Victor still holds onto a deeper longing. His greatest dream is to reunite with his father. “When I am here, I feel at home, like I’m in Odesa,” Victor said. “But I really wish that one evening my father would come for me.”

Thanks to the support provided by the Anastasis team, Victor is thriving. He grows and learns each day, surrounded by affection, attention and care. While no amount of fun can fill the dad-sized gap in Victor’s heart, Anastasis is helping to make sure Victor is loved and happy, until he can finally reunite with his him. 

*The Anastasis Educational Center is run by our local partner, Diaconia, and aims to help Ukrainian refugees heal and rebuild their lives. At the center, program participants can receive psychological support, attend vocational classes, partake in fun activities and access computers to attend online school.

This story is possible thanks to CWS’ membership in ACT Alliance, a global coalition of churches and agencies engaged in development, humanitarian assistance and advocacy. It is also supported by the generosity of UMCOR. You can learn more about the work we are doing in Moldova to support Ukrainian refugees by clicking here. 

Stories of Change

Felistus Nguyo and her chickens

Clucking to Success: Mama Nguyo’s Inspirational Journey

Kitui lies in the rolling hills of eastern Kenya, about three hours west of Nairobi. Highways lead to dirt roads, which lead to communities of people living in remote, difficult terrain. In the rainy season, the landscape comes alive with green grasses and flowing streams, but it is often dry with patches of red dirt and sparse vegetation. Growing crops can be difficult, and natural disasters often bring worries of hunger and thirst.  

It was here, just outside her home, that Felistus Nguyo stood waiting to greet us in a bright, beautiful dress and a warm smile. 

Felistus is known in her community as Mama Nguyo. Widowed and the mother of seven children, she has seen hardships and joys throughout her life. When locusts swarmed her community and destroyed much of their crops, Mama Nguyo became increasingly worried about how to feed herself and her family. 

Through the support of CWS, Mama Nguyo received the building blocks she needed: three chickens. Because of the care she provided to her small flock, Mama Nguyo now has 20 chickens and was able to buy a rooster of her own.  

Mama Nguyo proudly showed us her chickens while telling us about the impact they have had on her life. She calls them her “business and her livelihood.” Her garden, which feeds both her family and her flock, is thriving because she can use the chicken waste as fertilizer. She has made enough money from selling eggs and chickens at the market that she was able to not only provide food for her family but also buy new and comfortable chairs for her home.   

The chickens that changed Mama Nguyo’s life clucked in the background as she told us, “I am happy and doing so well” now. It was apparent that the support she received from CWS didn’t just help her survive the locusts’ swarm—it gave her the tools she needed to build a more stable future for herself and her family.  

You can support programs like this one by joining your local CROP Hunger Walk. You can learn more about our work in Africa here.

Stories of Change

CWS Period Pack assembly by the Christian Church in Ohio (Disciples of Christ) in Columbus, OH

Uniting to Combat Period Poverty

This June, the Christian Church in Ohio (Disciples of Christ) assembled 100 CWS Period Packs during the annual Adult Conference in Columbus. With support from the generosity of many congregations, CWS was able to purchase supplies for these Kits, which are filled with essential items like tampons, soap and flushable wipes.

“CWS is so blessed to have generous congregations and donors that care about menstrual justice. Each year, they share their love for our neighbors through the simple act of kindness of sharing hygiene supplies with others. And we’re so grateful for their compassion towards others,” said Matthew Stevens, CWS’ Director of Congregational Campaigns.

The assembled CWS Period Packs were delivered to our affiliate partners at Community Refugee and Immigration Services (CRIS) in Columbus, which supports refugees and immigrants in the Central Ohio community reach safety and stability, sustain self-sufficiency and achieve successful integration in their new homes. Through CRIS, these CWS Period Packs will be shared with newly arriving families to provide them with essential supplies upon their arrival in the United States.

Andrew Gifford, CWS’ Community Engagement Manager, shared about the experience of people of faith coming together to address the needs of our neighbors. “Seeing people unite to meet the needs of our neighbors is truly inspiring. Creating CWS Period Packs is a powerful way for compassionate individuals to make a meaningful impact, both in their local communities and across the nation. Together, we can bring comfort and dignity to those who need it most.”

Hygiene items can be expensive, and these donated Period Packs will help ease the financial burden for our new neighbors. By meeting this crucial need, we extend a warm and supportive welcome to those starting their new lives in our community.

CWS Period Packs are part of a joint menstrual hygiene kit initiative with UMCOR to provide essential health and dignity products to vulnerable communities across the U.S. Kits are easy to assemble and cost an estimated $25 to make. Learn more about CWS Period Packs and how you can help end period poverty on the CWS Kits website.

Stories of Change

First photo: Madison representing Church World Service at an outreach table. Second Photo: A client holding her check from the Solidarity Fund, with her face excluded to protect her privacy.

CWS Durham’s Immigrant Solidarity Fund

Trigger Warning: This story mentions reference to sexual and gender-based violence.

My name is Madison Burke, and I serve as the Migrant Services Coordinator at Church World Service (CWS) Durham. I oversee the Immigrant Solidarity Fund, a grassroots community fund providing essential financial assistance to undocumented individuals facing emergencies such as natural disasters, eviction notices or wage theft. I’ve been in this role for over a year, and every day I witness the significant impact this fund has on our community.

Before joining CWS, I spent four years advocating for survivors of domestic violence at another nonprofit. I worked with many undocumented individuals from various backgrounds, primarily from Mexico and Central America. This experience opened my eyes to the immense barriers faced by undocumented people in the U.S., including lack of access to critical resources and legal protection. When I transitioned to my current role, I was motivated by a desire to continue supporting the immigrant community and found this opportunity to be uniquely impactful.

 The Immigrant Solidarity Fund is also a lifeline for many. It involves both client-facing and development work, including accepting and reviewing applications, managing a waitlist, and connecting clients to other resources. On the development side, we focus on increasing support for the fund and spreading awareness about its importance. The fund was established in 2019 in response to a surge in immigrant detentions and deportations in the Triangle area of North Carolina, affecting many families, some with U.S. citizen children, who had few resources available.

One poignant story involves a couple from Venezuela who endured a harrowing journey through the Darien Gap and the Sonoran Desert, leaving their children behind due to the dangers of the trip. The wife was tragically assaulted near the U.S.-Mexico border. When they reached our area, they were in inadequate housing and needed medical care. With a microgrant from the Immigrant Solidarity Fund, they were able to secure better housing. Later, the wife reached out to me, sharing that she had recently found out she was pregnant and was concerned about getting medical attention. I connected the wife with prenatal care and other wrap around services. She eventually sent me a picture of her healthy newborn, a testament to the support they received.

Another case involved a long-term community member with two U.S. citizen children with significant medical needs. After her partner left, she struggled to balance work and care for her children, falling behind on rent and facing eviction. A microgrant from the fund helped her pay off the back rent and avoid eviction, providing some stability during a challenging time.

Undocumented individuals, estimated to number over 12 million in the U.S. and over 360,000 in North Carolina, face numerous challenges. Despite contributing to state and federal taxes, they are ineligible for many government programs, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation, unsafe working conditions, and harassment. The fund relies entirely on community donations, and its grassroots nature means every contribution directly supports local families in need. CWS covers the overhead costs of administering the fund so that all donations can go directly to families. There are five separate regional funds throughout the state, and donations stay local within the community. Since its inception in 2019, the fund has distributed almost $1,100,000 in direct cash assistance to hundreds of families. 

The strength of the fund lies in the community’s willingness to come together and support one another. Even small monthly contributions can collectively make a significant difference. It’s inspiring to see people rally around their neighbors, ensuring that those in need receive the help they deserve. We are also proud to partner with immigrant led and focused non-profits in each region, who provide local knowledge, resources, refer clients to the fund, and assist with fundraising efforts. Please view our website for more information on our partners. 

We hope to find more support for the Immigrant Solidarity Fund. Your donations directly impact local families, helping them through emergencies and providing stability. If you’re not in North Carolina, consider supporting similar initiatives in your area. Together, we can make a substantial difference.

For those interested in contributing, you can visit our website to select the regional fund you wish to support and set up your donation, whether monthly or one-time. For any questions, feel free to reach out to Madison at mburke@cwsglobal.org. 

The Immigrant Solidarity Fund is more than just a donation; it’s an act of solidarity with those who face immense challenges. Your contribution helps provide a safety net for undocumented individuals, ensuring they have the resources needed to thrive. Thank you for considering a gift to this vital fund.

To learn more about this program visit the Immigrant Solidarity Fund Website

Stories of Change

Mateo with his new backpack

“I left it all in the hands of God”

For as long as he can remember, 12-year-old Mateo’s family has been the grounding force in his life, always guiding him and providing unconditional love. In his home in Mexico, he was used to a full house, surrounded by his seven cousins, four younger siblings, mom, aunt, and uncle, which was especially important to him because his father has been in prison since Mateo was a baby. Never did Mateo expect that this family he loved with all his heart would be taken from him in a matter of minutes. 

The family’s life as they knew it began to change when Mateo’s uncle left for the United States to seek better opportunities to provide for his family. “I lasted almost two years without seeing my husband,” explains Elena, Mateo’s aunt. Elena and Mateo’s mom managed for these two years, but eventually, the distance was too difficult for Elena and her seven children, and she made the decision to reunite with her husband.

When Elena began to plan her journey to the United States, she and Mateo’s mother agreed it was an opportunity for Mateo to have a better life, away from their impoverished community that was sometimes stricken by violence. 

Despite his apparent maturity, Mateo was just a little boy, and leaving his mom behind was heartbreaking for both him and her. Thankfully, the plan was that his mom and siblings would join the rest of the family just a few months later, which meant that Mateo would only be separated from her for a short time. Elena began her journey with all eight children, including Mateo, who she considered one of her own children. “He is also my son,” she told us. “I treat them exactly the same.” 

The family’s travel consisted of long bus rides and stays at safe houses until they finally reached the border. As simple as it might sound, these days were no easy feat for Elena, who was solely responsible for the eight children ranging from ages 3 to 14. She recalls that many of those traveling with her were also women with children. When they arrived at the border, they were taken in by immigration officials, who took them to a detention center.

The detention center felt unbearable for Elena’s children, who were exhausted from many days of travel and cried out that they were tired and hungry and had to wait for many hours sharing only two aluminum blankets. After a few days, the family was released to another center in Arizona, where immigration officials processed their documents. It was here that Elena learned that without the proper documentation to confirm that Mateo was indeed related to her, he would have to go through the process of entering the United States as an unaccompanied child, a process that exists to ensure children who enter without legal guardians are protected from situations like trafficking or kidnappings. Elena was shocked but trusted that all would end up well and said, “I left it all in the hands of God.” 

At that moment, the foundation that had supported Mateo his entire life was pulled from under him, leaving him alone in a foreign country where he would have to rely on the kindness of strangers. The process of having Mateo reunited with his family took ‌two months. During this time, Elena and her children also struggled, experiencing homelessness for a week until they were able to reach the Texas city where her husband awaited them. She remembers phone calls with Mateo, in which he would ask, “When will you come to get me out of here?” and dreamed of the meals he would enjoy as soon as he left specifically some delicious Kentucky Fried Chicken.

Finally, Mateo was released to the family and his official sponsor, his uncle, who welcomed him into their new home with overwhelming joy. “I can be loud here!” Mateo exclaimed in his new home, where he excitedly played with his cousins and looked forward to watching his favorite shows on the TV. “He also got his favorite food!” said Elena with laughter. 

Although he remains separated from his mother and siblings, Mateo is still hopeful he will one day reunite with them and, for now, is happy to be with his family again and is focusing on learning English and going to school. Through the support of CWS’ Children’s Services program, the family has an assigned case manager who is helping them create the safest and friendliest home possible for Mateo. Their case manager has worked diligently to provide them with various donations, including clothing, food, furniture, backpacks, school supplies, educational books, car seats and other necessities. Beyond this tangible support, Elena and her husband have become a team with their case manager, who checks on the family frequently, ensuring that they have access to the right resources and are on a path to success. 

So far, Mateo is enjoying school and when we asked Elena if he’d made any new friends, she replied, “Oh boy, has he!” noting that he has all types of friends and is learning English quickly. She added gleefully, “He’s still a kid, but he feels like a man.” In his new home, Mateo can trust that he can go to school, feel safe, pursue his dreams, and be who he has always been: a kid. 

*Note: pseudonyms have been used to protect the identity of the individuals in this story

To learn more about our Children Services program, click here. 

Stories of Change

Top: Mariza Galeano, Middle: Workshop and human rights, Bottom: Mariana Ayala

“Women in this community seem to have awakened from a long sleep”

Mariana Ayala is a mother, grandmother, organizer and leader of the women in her community, Sawhoyamaxa, home to Enxet people in the Gran Chaco region of Paraguay. She has attended all training and workshops organized by CWS’ local partner, Pastoral Social Diocesana Benjamin Aceval (PSDBA), in her community and today plays a key role in both, motivating women to attend workshops, meetings and assemblies and use the new knowledge at home, farms and communities.

Recently, Mariana and other experienced women leaders were asked to share their stories and lessons with individuals from neighboring communities where the women’s empowerment training was about to begin. The goal of the training is to strengthen the bonds between women within the same village, enhance women’s leadership and promote an exchange of knowledge and mutual empowerment.

In her remarks, Mariana said, “I am happy to share my testimony with the women living in these communities. I want to encourage you to fight for our rights because we have Law 904/81, which establishes the statute of Paraguayan indigenous communities on our side, and we must use it as our tool.”

Mariana, who witnessed the historic struggle of women for land, proudly recalled, “We managed to recover our ancestral lands thanks to the bravery of women. Surely, you know or have heard of my community, Sawhoyamaxa.” 

With heartfelt sincerity, she shared the reason for her sacrifice to be present that day: “I am an older woman now. I was very happy when I received last week the invitation to come here today. I immediately accepted. Last night, I barely slept until 2:00 AM, taking care of a sick person. Few people have the patience to care for the sick, but we must be patient with others. I almost didn’t come today, but here I am, happy to see you all. This is my first visit to Buena Vista, and I come with the spirit to encourage you all so that together we can advance in defending our rights and developing our communities.”

Mariana is one of many inspiring stories. Mariza Galeano, a mother, grandmother and a leader among the women of the Yakye Axa village also participated in the training process carried out by PSDBA over the years and in her remarks to the women of Villa Nueva she said, “I want to share how happy I am with the Pastoral Social. Thanks to the training and workshops, the women in my community seem to have awakened from a long sleep. Now, we know our rights, we want them to be respected, and we strive to ensure our rights are upheld. We attend community meetings, participate, raise our voices and request things for the community because women have a different perspective from men. We better understand the needs of the community.”

Mariana Ayala and Mariza Galeano represent the voices of women in their villages and have become beacons of hope and determination for all rural women fighting for a more just and equitable future.

This program is supported by our local partner, Pastoral Social Diocesana Benjamin Aceval (PSDBA), with the financial support of Growing Hope Globally. To learn more about our work in Latin America, click here. 

Stories of Change

Top: Julius Gwagede, farmer; Middle: Village greeting CWS Staff in song and dance ; Bottom: Samuel Kanubo, lead farmer

Embracing Differences Changes Lives

Being greeted by free-flowing song, contagious dance and exuberant joy upon arriving at the remote Mwanga Village in Tanzania set the tone for what this incredibly hard-working group of farmers have built together.   

In partnership with the Church of the Latter-Day Saints, CWS’ Giving Machines Program has empowered several chicken farming groups in the Kasulu region of Tanzania for about two years. 

Zawadi Mammba, CWS Project Officer for Food Security and Livelihoods in Tanzania shared, “Upon implementation of this project, we see how it changes their lives; they are able to send their kids to school, have stabilization at the household level and increase incomes. They learn not to leave anyone behind.” 

Attentiveness to inclusivity and loving your neighbor despite differences resounds among this group of 30 farmers —eight of the 30 members of this chicken farming community group are individuals with various disabilities.  

The group, led by farmer Samuel Kanubo, welcomed us into their stories and were so proud of what they’ve accomplished with the proper tools and education, which have helped themselves, their families and their community. These farming groups work together to advise each other by sharing new skills and technologies, through the support of CWS staff and trainers. 

“I am very thankful for all the chickens that we got from CWS,” Samuel said. “Before the project, we had a lot of challenges…The farming program got us out of famine. It was very difficult to feed our family before we started the chicken farming. After the program, the household income has increased, and we are able to sell chickens and pay school fees so that our kids can go to school.”  

Samuel continued, “We just ask you to increase more projects, because this project has helped us so much.”  

One of the farmers, Julius Gwagede, shared with us that, “They don’t treat me different—they embrace me.” Julius and his wife are blind, but their disability hasn’t hindered their ability to farm. The farming group and his children help him and his wife with their chicken farming, building community while creating stability for their household together.  

It truly is a ripple effect with this CWS program, reaching even beyond food security and economic stability. It gives everyone a chance to create a better and more secure future, regardless of who they are.  

Just $21 provides 5 chickens to a family in Africa. $21 changes the entire trajectory of a family’s life for the better. Join us in supporting these resilient individuals by giving now.

Stories of Change

Program participants in phone repair trainings

“I encourage all youth to learn a profession”

For many, cell phones have become an almost essential part of our day-to-day lives allowing us to be more efficient, knowledgeable and connected. This is something that a group of young men and women in Baie-de-Henne, Haiti realized and decided to seize the opportunity to enhance their income and quality of life by repairing cell phones in their community.

Through a CWS partner program called *Building Resilience, 23 young people participated in a phone repair training focused on decoding techniques, mobile networks, firmware upgrades, SIM card unlocking and software and hardware repairs. 

Salem Oreus, a dad with two daughters, was one of the participants and shared, “I have been repairing phones since 2008. My skills were based on experience, trial and error, but without extensive knowledge. I also repair inverters, radios and televisions. The income from phone repairs helps me support my family and contribute to savings groups.” Thanks to the training, Salem knows how to handle more complex phone repairs. He learned to unlock SIM cards, upgrade firmware, remove IDs and create email accounts. He noted, “I now have a better understanding of networking and technology, and I can make better use of new materials in repairs and decoding.”

Another participant was 21-year-old Obender Palmy, who currently lives with his parents. Although he has always been passionate about technology, he could not afford higher education or specialized courses. He said, “I was interested in decoding phones but couldn’t find affordable learning opportunities. Thanks to the AEB club and OPFSLDIBH, I was selected to gain knowledge in this area. Now, I am proud to repair phones.” 

With his new skills, Obender opened a savings account and started a small business selling phone batteries, cables and other supplies and providing money transfer services by phone. “My work and the services I offer in the community increase my revenue, helping me achieve financial autonomy,” Obender explained. He also mentioned, “Due to limited investment in materials, I cannot provide more services, which risks losing clients because of the tools I lack.” Recognizing Obender’s potential, OPFSLDIBH staff visited him and two other selected participants to offer loans for purchasing additional tools and materials needed to expand their businesses.

Obender is dedicated to sharing his training experiences to inspire more youth to pursue education and vocational skills. “I am grateful to the OPFSLDIBH and CWS teams for this training, which will help me offer more services in the community and increase my income,” he expressed. Salem is also committed to helping other young people in the community to develop their skills and financial autonomy. “I encourage all youth to learn a profession,” he said.

Looking ahead, Obender and Salem aspire to advance their education in computer repair. They strongly advocate for youth education and vocational training, emphasizing that acquiring new skills and pursuing entrepreneurship can provide security and independence. Not only are they helping improve their own lives but also those of their peers and community members.

*The “Building Resilience” project is implemented by CWS’ local partner, Organisation des Planteurs de Fond Saint-Luc pour le Développement Intégré de Baie-de-Henne (OPFSLDIBH), with financial support from Growing Hope Globally.

 

Stories of Change

David and his little sister at Anastasis

Together Again in a New Home

Before the war in Ukraine, 13-year-old David was like many pre-teens his age. He attended a good school, had friends and dreamed of becoming a professional footballer. His family was proud and encouraged him to pursue his dreams. Little did they know that life would change drastically, creating new challenges for the close-knit family. 

When the war broke out, David insisted on staying in his hometown of Khmilnytskyi to finish the school year, even as his family decided to seek refuge in Moldova. With heavy hearts, his parents decided that they would respect David’s wishes, especially because he had the safe option of staying behind under the guardianship of his grandmother, who also wanted to stay. His mother, Maria, recalls the agonizing decision, “He promised to join us in summer. I felt so helpless, constantly watching the news and worried sick about my child in danger.”

In April 2024, after much discussion, Maria finally convinced David to come to Moldova. The family found shelter in Bălți and Maria, knowing her son needed friends and a place to feel at home, brought him to the *Anastasis Educational Center.

Initially, David was withdrawn and sad, and he visited the center only to connect with his friends in Ukraine through social media. He was distant and spoke very little with the other children. However, with time and support from the center’s psychologist, David began to open up and feel safe. He started participating in the center’s activities and soon made his first friend, Andrei, a local boy from Bălți. David enthusiastically shared, “We make a great team. We especially enjoy the culinary clubs and volunteer activities.”

In a relatively short time, David made new friends and began to feel like himself again. His mother tearfully expressed her gratitude, sharing that “at Anastasis, David discovered a new world that partially replaced the friends and home he left in Ukraine. The educators here have worked wonders. We’re so grateful for all the help we’ve received.”

David has decided to stay in Bălți with his family until the war ends. This past June, his younger sister also started attending the Anastasis Center and David has played a crucial role in helping her to adapt and make new friends like he did.

Now David, his sister and their mother regularly visit Anastasis and actively participate in all the center’s activities. Maria shared that without the support and care of the Anastasis team, she believes they would have struggled immensely. “Thank you for everything. I know it’s thanks to you that my son has managed to adapt and get through this difficult situation much more easily. I wish for all children to grow up safely alongside their parents.”

*The Anastasis Educational Center is run by our local partner, Diaconia, and aims to help Ukrainian refugees heal and rebuild their lives. At the center, program participants can receive psychological support, attend vocational classes, partake in fun activities and access computers to attend online school. 

This story is possible thanks to CWS’ membership in ACT Alliance, a global coalition of churches and agencies engaged in development, humanitarian assistance and advocacy.  It is also supported by the generosity of UMCOR. You can learn more about the work we are doing in Moldova to support Ukrainian refugees by clicking here.