The following blog was written by a program participant of CWS’ local Moldovan partner, Healthy City. Healthy City, also known as Zdorovii Gorod, supports Ukrainian refugees by providing comprehensive services including food and non-food items, social inclusion and psychosocial support. We are a family of five—mom, dad and three children—from the beautiful Ukrainian city of Vinnytsia. Before the war, we …
Ekaterina’s Journey of Hope and Renewal
The following blog was written by a program participant of CWS’ local Moldovan partner, Healthy City. Healthy City, also known as Zdorovii Gorod, supports Ukrainian refugees by providing comprehensive services including food and non-food items, social inclusion and psychosocial support. My name is Ekaterina. I am 34 years old, and I am a mother of two children—a 13-year-old boy and …
Stories of Change
Irina (left) with a Speranta Terrei staff member
Irina’s Journey of Resilience and Recovery
Irina, a native of Odesa, had always been an energetic and cheerful woman. Working in the marketplace, she knew how to find a common language with people and make them smile. But when the war began, her life turned upside down. One troubling day, she decided that she could no longer stay in her hometown and packed her things, leaving behind everything she loved.
Irina arrived in Balti, Moldova, in the early days of the conflict, filled with anxiety and uncertainty. She found herself alone, without family or friends, which added to her sense of loneliness. During her first weeks in the new city, she tried to settle in, but the stress and fear took a toll on her health. Soon, Irina began to experience constant fatigue, headaches and joint pain. Not knowing where to turn for help, she learned about one of the Refugee Assistance Centers in the city, CWS’ local partner, Speranta Terrei. With hope and excitement, Irina visited the Center and was greeted with warmth and understanding. The doctor conducted a consultation and suggested that she undergo a comprehensive examination.
After consulting with a therapist, Irina was referred to an external medical center for a more detailed examination and consultations with specialists. She completed the necessary tests and examinations there, which helped identify problems caused by stress and lack of self-care.
The employees of Speranta Terrei provided Irina with medical care and psychological support. Irina felt that she had not been forgotten and that there were people ready to help in difficult times. The Center’s employees told her about the possibility of meeting people like her in partner organization, Zdorovii Gorod. She began attending support groups where she met other women who had gone through similar experiences.
“The program not only helped me get my medication, but also provided counseling that helped me understand how to take better care of myself. Now I am actively working on my mental health and feel like I can handle anything that comes my way,” said Irina.
Irina’s story is one of fortitude and the importance of seeking help in difficult times. With this newfound support, she is now on the path to a full recovery.
CWS’ local partners Speranta Terrei (Hope of the Earth) provides Ukrainian refugees with food, medical and psychological assistance and Healthy City, also known as Zdorovii Gorod, supports Ukrainian refugees by providing comprehensive services including food and non-food items, social inclusion and psychosocial support.
This story is possible thanks to the generosity of UMCOR. To learn more and support CWS’ work with Ukrainian refugees in Moldova, click here.
Stories of Change
Disclaimer: for the safety and protection of the family in this story, a stock image has been used
Overcoming Obstacles on the Path to Safety
Trigger Warning: This story mentions instances of substance abuse.
When war broke out in his home country of Ukraine, 26-year-old Mihail* was faced with an impossible choice. Though the decision was not easy, with the ongoing conflict and so much uncertainty ahead, Mihail was forced to leave his home behind in search of safety.
With no other way of traveling besides his own two feet, Mihail walked towards the border, where he would seek safety in the neighboring country of Moldova. “I walked for a long time and even swam across the river to be safe,” he shared. “In fact, there was no choice. I went where it was possible to cross the border. Moldova is on the way. It was close enough for me to get there. It was all about getting out and saving my life.”
On the first day after arrival, he found a job, where he met a man who knew an employee of CWS’ local partner in Moldova, the Union for Justice and Health.
“It was probably a big coincidence, which I perceive as real luck. The Union immediately responded and helped.” The Union provided Mihail with temporary housing for three weeks, food vouchers and also moral support, advice and documents, which were especially valuable at that moment. With this support, Mihail was able to overcome the first difficulties and begin to build a new life.
At the time of his stay in Moldova, Mihail was struggling with addiction and continued treatment. He shared, “I had been battling addiction even before the war and continued to treat with methadone therapy whenever possible. In Ukraine, such drugs could be obtained relatively easily, although more often for money. In Moldova, the situation turned out to be different. Everything passed through official channels and was controlled by special structures, the partner of which was the Union for Justice and Health. With their help, I was able to continue the treatment, and this greatly facilitated adaptation.”
But there were many other challenges. Applying for temporary asylum turned out to be a long and difficult process. Finding a job was complicated by lack of knowledge about local laws and of the language. Mihail praised the contribution of the Union and its staff, which helped him slowly settle down and feel more confident, providing him with the stability he needed to continue his journey and build a safe, new life in Germany.
*The name has been changed to protect his identity.
The Union for Equity and Health (Uniunea pentru Echitate si Sanatate) provides psychological, social, and medical assistance to people in Moldova. They offer support groups, educational resources, and health services to promote safety and well-being among these program participants.
This story is possible thanks to the generosity of UMCOR. To learn more and support CWS’ work with Ukrainian refugees in Moldova, click here.
Stories of Change
Disclaimer: for the safety and protection of the family in this story, a stock image has been used
“Every Day We Cling to Hope”
Valentina and her daughter Alina experienced the horrors of war that changed their lives forever. When shelling began in their hometown in eastern Ukraine, the house where they lived was destroyed. They had no choice but to flee. The memories of destroyed streets, the roar of explosions and farewells to their homeland are forever imprinted in their minds. They ended up in Moldova, hoping to find refuge and peace there, but their ordeal was only just beginning.
When they arrived, everything seemed temporary. “We just have to wait it out,” Valentina reassured herself. But as the days and weeks passed, the situation only worsened. It was difficult to find housing and work, and when Valentina fell ill, things got even worse. She experienced depression and nearly stopped eating, causing her weight to drop rapidly. Alina, her 19-year-old daughter, felt the full weight of responsibility for their future. She got a job in a small flower shop, where, despite the modest earnings, she hoped to somehow support her mother.
Alina did not earn enough money to cover a medical examination for her mother, and Valentina was getting weaker every day. Without a clear way to help, Alina felt like time was slipping through her fingers until one of the employees of the flower shop told her about Speranța Terrei (Hope of the Earth), CWS’ local partner in Moldova. The team at Speranța Terrei organized a full medical examination for Valentina and found that she was positive for lung cancer. The diagnosis was a terrible blow, but they finally had the answers they needed and support from Speranța Terrei in the recovery ahead and throughout her chemotherapy treatments.
For Alina, this time was a test of strength, but she did not feel alone in the fight. Alina was offered a job at the Refugee Assistance Center, so she was able to be with her mother and get paid to assist the people who work at the center.
“The program helped me understand that my daughter and I are not alone. We met people at the Center who had experienced similar diagnoses, and this gave me strength. Every day we cling to hope—hope that the treatment will work, hope that the disease will recede and hope that my daughter and I can start a new chapter in our lives. We are surrounded by people who believe in the best, and this belief gives us strength,” said Valentina.
The story of Valentina is a story of fortitude and of the importance of seeking help and support in difficult times. Thanks to the Speranța Terrei, she is in the process of recovering her health, with the hope of a complete recovery.
In Balti, CWS’ local partner Speranta Terrei (Hope of the Earth) provides Ukrainian refugees with food, medical and psychological assistance. The organization raises awareness around infectious disease, provides treatment support to tuberculosis patients and promotes their rights within local systems, advocating for greater patient support.
This story is possible thanks to the generosity of UMCOR. To learn more and support CWS’ work with Ukrainian refugees in Moldova, click here.
Stories of Change
Nicolae at the Anastasis Center
An Empowered Student
When war intensified in Ukraine’s Kramatorsk region in 2022, 16-year-old Nicolae and his family were forced to flee to Bălți, Moldova, leaving behind their home and familiar life. Like many displaced students, Nicolae faced the daunting challenge of continuing his education in a foreign country while dealing with the trauma of conflict.
Determined to pursue his studies, Nicolae found hope at the Anastasis Educational Center. “At first, everything seemed impossible. I felt lost in a new country, but the support from the Center helped me adjust and move forward,” he shared. The Center provided not just educational opportunities, but a comprehensive support system that proved crucial for his adaptation and growth.
Despite the language barriers and cultural adjustments, Nicolae’s dedication to learning never wavered. Through the Center’s innovative online learning program, he successfully completed his 9th-grade studies. The Center’s holistic approach—combining academic support with psychological counseling and material support—created an environment where Nicolae could thrive both academically and personally.
Education became Nicolae’s gateway to community integration and personal development. Through the Center’s programs, he discovered the empowering world of volunteerism. “I felt strong and confident that I could contribute to change,” Nicolae reflected. “Through volunteering, I learned how important it is to support one another.” This experience empowered him to transfer the help and compassion he received to the other members of his community.
Nicolae’s educational journey took an exciting turn in 2023 when he enrolled in vocational courses in auto mechanics. His commitment to learning caught the attention of a local auto service center during his internship, leading to a part-time job offer. “Work motivates me to exceed my limits and take care of myself and my family,” he said proudly.
Today, Nicolae exemplifies the resilient spirit of student activism and determination. He balances his morning studies with afternoon work at the auto service, supporting his family while building his future. His story showcases how access to education, combined with proper support systems, can help displaced students not just survive but thrive in challenging circumstances.
*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.
“I Have a Dream of Returning”
October 11, 2024
The following blog was written by a program participant of CWS’ local Moldovan partner, Healthy City. Healthy City, also known as Zdorovii Gorod, supports Ukrainian refugees by providing comprehensive services including food and non-food items, social inclusion and psychosocial support. My name is Zinaida, I am 71 years old. I am a refugee from Ukraine, from the village of Donetsk, …
Natalia Continues to Heal
The following blog was written by a program participant of CWS’ local Moldovan partner, Healthy City. Healthy City, also known as Zdrovii Gorod, supports Ukrainian refugees by providing comprehensive services including food and non-food items, social inclusion and psychosocial support. My name is Natalia, and I am from Odesa, a city that breathes sea and sun. Until February 24, 2022, …
Stories of Change
Uliana at work
“I Rediscovered the Peace I Had Lost”
When the war broke out in Ukraine in February 2024, Uliana’s sense of security was replaced with shock and panic. “I feared for my children and my husband,” Uliana recalls, reflecting on the overwhelming fear that consumed her. Though many around her did not initially grasp the severity of the situation, Uliana felt paralyzed by anxiety. Her son, Maxim, was just 16, and the thought of him being recruited into the war was unbearable. Her daughter, Amelia, was too young to endure the constant threat of violence. The decision to flee Ukraine was agonizing, but Uliana, driven by love for her children, made the difficult choice to seek refuge in Moldova.
Leaving her home in Zhytomyr, as well as her husband, mother and sister, was heart-wrenching: “It felt like my heart was being torn apart.” The journey to Moldova was marked by tears and anguish as if the distance from her loved ones was tearing her apart emotionally. “The strong Uliana I once knew was gone. My anxiety deepened and became unbearable,” she shared.
In Moldova, though physically safe, Uliana struggled to regain her emotional stability. Sleepless nights, persistent headaches and relentless anxiety became her daily reality. Each morning, she made frantic calls to family and friends back in Ukraine, desperate for assurance that they were safe.
It was during this time that Uliana discovered the *Anastasis Educational Center in Bălți. Initially, she hesitated to engage with the center’s activities, feeling guilty about finding solace while her loved ones continued to suffer. But under the gentle guidance of the center’s psychologist, Uliana began her journey toward healing. Without pressure, she found unconditional support at the center. She told us, “I came here to talk, to connect with other women who were going through the same pain. Slowly, I felt the heavy burden begin to lift. The Anastasis Center healed the wounds of my soul; here, I rediscovered the peace I had lost.”
After a year of inner turmoil, Uliana began to rebuild her life. Encouraged by the Anastasis team, she enrolled in a professional course and embarked on a new career in the beauty industry. This step not only provided her with financial independence but also gave her a renewed sense of purpose. At the same time, she remained a dedicated mother, helping her children adjust to their new life in Moldova.
With the unwavering support of the Anastasis Center, Uliana was able to rebuild her life from within. Moldova became her place of refuge, and now, she looks forward to reuniting with the rest of her family: “In Bălți, I feel at home. Here, I overcame my struggles with dignity and confidence that everything will be okay.”
Uliana’s journey is a testament to the power of mental health recovery and the profound impact that support can have in times of crisis. Her story reminds us that healing is possible, even in the most difficult circumstances, and that with the right resources, we can rebuild from within.
*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
Sofia participating in activities at Anastasis
“I’m Not Scared Anymore”
The day Sofia saw her mother cry for the first time is etched in her memory; March 3, 2022 was the day their lives changed forever. At just 13 years old, Sofia was forced to leave behind the comfort of her home in Ukraine’s Nikolaev region, along with her mother and brother, as the war closed in around them. While their journey was filled with uncertainty, Sofia’s story isn’t one of fear and loss; it’s a story of resilience and hope.
When the war began, Sofia and her family could not believe what was happening. “Everything seemed unreal as if I was in a horror movie,” Sofia shared. They found refuge in Bălți, Moldova, a place that would become their new home for much longer than they initially anticipated. For many, such a drastic change might have been overwhelming, but Sofia chose to see it as an opportunity to adapt and grow.
One of Sofia’s primary concerns was her education. A diligent student in Ukraine, she feared falling behind. “I was afraid that I wouldn’t be able to continue my studies,” she admits. However, her worries were soon alleviated when she discovered the *Anastasis Educational Center. This center became a cornerstone in Sofia’s journey of adaptation.
At Anastasis, Sofia found more than just educational support. “The Anastasis Center became my second family,” she says with a warm smile. “They welcomed me and helped me integrate. I was no longer afraid of the unknown because here I found support and encouragement.” The center provided her with a tablet, enabling her to attend online classes from her school in Nikolaev while also participating in local activities.
Sofia’s ability to adapt went beyond academics. Together with her family, she immersed herself in the center’s diverse offerings. They took Romanian and English courses, bridging the language gap and integrating better into the local community. Recognizing the importance of physical and mental well-being, they also started attending a gym, finding a healthy outlet for stress and a way to stay active.
Perhaps most remarkably, Sofia embraced volunteering, demonstrating her capacity not just to adapt, but to thrive and give back to her new community. “Volunteering helps me feel part of the community and give something back,” she explains, her eyes lighting up. “This experience has strengthened me both physically and emotionally and has given me a sense of belonging.”
Sofia’s journey of adaptation is a testament to the resilience of young girls faced with adversity. When offered the chance to enroll in a Moldovan school, she made the bold decision to continue her studies online, effectively straddling two worlds. “This way I can be present in two places at once—online, in Ukraine, with my classmates and teachers from Nikolaev, and physically, at Anastasis,” she says, showcasing her innovative approach to education in challenging circumstances.
Reflecting on her experiences, Sofia’s growth is evident. “Now I’m not scared anymore,” she stated with quiet confidence. “I’ve learned to have patience, to offer help and to receive it. I’ve learned what true friendship means and how important it is to have the right people beside you.” These lessons, born from necessity and nurtured by her environment, have shaped Sofia into a role model for girls facing similar challenges.
As we celebrate International Day of Girls, Sofia’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the potential within every girl to adapt, overcome and thrive. Her message to other girls facing difficulties is clear and inspiring: “You should never give up. There’s always a solution to any problem, it’s enough to want it and accept help from those who offer it.”
*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.