“We come here and feel at home”

In a small village in Ukraine’s Dnepropetrovsk region, Anna and her husband Andrei were building a life for their three sons. The dedication they gave to their family was extra special because they had an extra special son who has Down syndrome and requires additional care. Despite any challenges they faced, they were happy and united—until the war came.

Financial struggles and their son’s health initially kept them rooted in place. But in spring 2023, Russian rockets struck their village. Amidst chaos and fear, Anna and Andrei made the heart-wrenching decision to leave everything behind to save their children.

“We had to walk to the border crossing; there was no other way,” Anna recalls. “Because we had three children, including one with a disability, my husband was allowed to leave the country with us. When we reached Moldova, I breathed deeply. We didn’t know what would happen next, but I was grateful to God that we were all together.”

In Bălți, Moldova, the family found support at the *Anastasis Educational Center. Here, they received essential items like clothes, shoes and food, as well as psychological counseling. The center also provided information about refugee services and internet access to communicate with loved ones back in Ukraine. “As soon as we arrived in Bălți, we were blessed to find the Anastasis Center,” Anna says. “We were received with great care and warmth and encouraged to be strong and move forward.”

Through the support of the Anastasis Center, Anna’s family adapted to their new reality and more easily overcame the psycho-emotional and social crisis they were experiencing. The children began eagerly attending the center, benefiting from all the necessary support and care.
“Now I’m at peace, knowing my boys are safe,” Anna shares. “They feel very good here. They love all the center’s activities, and when they’re happy, I’m content. Anastasis is our door to Ukraine. We come here and feel at home.”

Today, Anna’s family cherishes each day lived in peace. Every smile from their boys is a small victory. Despite painful memories of the past, they’ve found the strength to move forward, to dream, and to build a future in Moldova. “We thank the Anastasis team for all the support they’ve given us,” Anna says gratefully. “The generosity and kindness we’ve received here have given us security and confidence. Thank you for being here for us.”

*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.

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.

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. 

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.