Ukraine Response
On February 24, 2022, the world watched in horror as Russia launched an unprovoked attack on Ukraine. The ongoing war has caused the world’s largest displacement crisis in Europe since World War II, with over six million Ukrainian refugees recorded globally.
CWS works alongside host communities and local organizations in Moldova to provide access to education, livelihoods and psychosocial support, and basic needs like food and shelter for Ukrainian refugees and the host communities that have welcomed them. Since the conflict began, CWS has worked to address the short and longer-term needs of roughly 44,000 individuals.
Our programs focus on bringing people together, providing stability during a time of uncertainty and giving communities the tools they need to build a safer life.
Mark's Story
When Russia invaded Ukraine, Mark, his mother and his little brother were all forced to flee to neighboring Moldova. During his school classes at Anastasis, the CWS-supported educational center in Balti, Mark started thinking about how to take care of his mom and brother. He decided he would become an artist and sell his paintings.
Mark got to work and took both his school commitments and art lessons at Anastasis very seriously. To support Mark in his artistic endeavors, we gifted him a brand-new art kit. Mark is saving the money to buy a gift for his mom and brighten up her birthday.
Today, Mark is still on his journey to become a successful artist. Through our program, we are making sure Mark can pursue his dreams while also feeling the freedom to have fun and just be a kid. Mark’s beautiful painting is a bright and colorful reminder of what our youngest program participants can do when they are determined, encouraged and full of hope.
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Latest Updates
“I Miss My Home Very Much”
Since March, 2022 Lilia Vitalievna Miasnikova has lived in Balti, Moldova where she receives support from CWS’ partner, *Zdorovii Gorod (Healthy City). Before life in Moldova, Lilia was a successful doctor in Ukraine. Her interest in medicine began when Lilia was just 11 years old as she accompanied her mom, a pediatrician, to her job. Following in the footsteps of …
Rediscovering Peace
The life that Olga and her family had in Ukraine was the type of life that many dream of. She had a loving husband and two healthy and happy children. Her daughter, Carina, was a talented ballerina and on her way to becoming trilingual at just nine years old. Her three-year-old son, Gleb, loved his family and was especially close …
Embracing The New Beginning Despite Odds
In the heart of Brooklyn, New York, 28-year-old Honchukov’s story unfolds—a tale of resilience and determination in the face of daunting challenges. His journey began amidst the grand parks of Kharkiv, Ukraine, where he thrived in the bustling tech scene. However, fate took an unexpected turn, leading him to seek refuge in the United States, which is where he connected …
Michail Creates his Own Path
Like many Ukrainian children, 16-year-old Michail was forced to grow up too soon when Russia invaded his home in Kherson, Ukraine. Michail, his younger sister and his mom fled to the neighboring country of Moldova, but Michail’s father was forced to remain in Russian-occupied Kherson. In his new home, Michail stepped up and took the role of his mother’s “right …
The Warmth and Love of a Foster Mom
Aliona, a Ukrainian foster mom, has a huge heart. A heart she has opened to spread love and warmth to three foster children and two biological children. When we met Aliona she was gathering winter clothing for all her children at the CWS-supported donation distribution center. This caring act is just one of many that Aliona does for all of …