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.
In Moldova, CWS works alongside host communities and local organizations 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.
As of 2024, CWS also launched operations in Ukraine's Odesa Oblast province to provide essential services such as food distribution, medical and psychosocial support and protection for vulnerable groups, in partnership with local organizations.
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
Caring Hearts, Enduring Spirits: Stories of Strength from Ukraine
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, CWS has expanded its support to reach some of the country’s most vulnerable populations. Through the Caring Hearts project, we’re partnering with local organizations to provide essential aid and emotional support to older adults living in remote villages of Odesa Oblast. On February 24, 2022, the world watched in horror as Russia …
Finding Her Way Back to Joy: Violetta’s Journey Through War, Healing and Dance
After war stole her sense of safety and silenced her joy, Violetta found healing and hope through group sessions offered by the “Support for Women and Children During the War in Ukraine” project. With support from CWS and Positive Women Odesa, she’s rediscovered her voice, her confidence and her passion for dance. A Bright Future Interrupted With natural curiosity and …
Breaking the Cycle: Supporting Ukrainian Roma Communities
CWS is committed to breaking the cycle of discrimination and exclusion faced by Roma communities, particularly in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which displaced nearly 100,000 Roma Ukrainians. Through partnerships with organizations like the Roma National Center in Moldova, CWS provides essential aid to help Roma refugees and host communities achieve stability and inclusion. For centuries, the Roma …
Becoming a Trailblazer
Life hasn’t always been easy for 16-year-old Levitchi Cornel, who grew up in a single-parent household with his mom and older brother in Ukraine. Since he was seven years old, however, Levitchi has found a safe space at the Diamant Day Center for Children in Telenești. Through his involvement at the Center, which is supported by Church World Service, Levitchi …
Maria Finds Her Inner Strength
In times of hardship, each of us faces unique trials that can feel overwhelming. Yet within each person lies a strength to grow and adjust. The story of Maria, a ten-year-old Ukrainian girl in Odesa, offers a glimpse of that resilience. Maria arrived at her first children’s group meeting in our safe space at CWS partner, Positive Women, with a …