A Road Through Loss and Hope: Stories of Families Who Received Support

Within the framework of the project “PROVIDING MULTI-SECTORAL HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE TO CONFLICT-AFFECTED POPULATIONS IN UKRAINE. PHASE 3”, implemented by the Arms of Mercy Charitable Foundation in partnership with World Vision International and with the support of the U.S. Government, our team meets people every day whose stories touch the heart.

These are stories of loss, courage, and the strength to hold on to life, even when everything familiar is falling apart.

Today, we are sharing the experiences of two elderly couples for whom humanitarian assistance became more than material support — it was a reminder that they are not alone.

The Skachko Family: A Couple Who Chose Not to Give Up

Viktor Ivanovych and Olha Petryvna are an elderly couple from Stepnohirsk, Zaporizhzhia region.

In September, they were forced to leave their home.

The shelling had become so frequent and so close that staying meant risking their lives.

With no access to transportation, they set out on foot.

Fifteen kilometers across open fields, pushing a small cart with the few belongings they could take.

During their journey, an enemy drone appeared overhead.

It detonated nearby — and only chance saved their lives. The explosive part flew off, while the battery hit Viktor’s leg without causing serious injury.

They eventually reached the village of Veselyanka, where they were evacuated to Zaporizhzhia.

It felt like beginning life from scratch.

Without a home.

Without belongings.

Without the things built and cherished over decades.

Viktor still keeps the drone battery — a reminder that they survived.

The family received a family hygiene kit, which became an essential support during their adaptation:

“As pensioners, it is very difficult for us now to buy even the most necessary things. Everything in the kit was very useful to us,” — says Olha Petryvna.

A Couple From a Frontline Village: Life After Losing a Home

Another elderly couple approached us in Zaporizhzhia.

They, too, were forced to flee their native village due to heavy shelling.

During registration, the woman could not hold back tears.

Their house had been destroyed by a direct strike.

The place where they lived their entire lives — simply no longer exists.

Now, they rent a small apartment in Zaporizhzhia and are trying to accept the reality that the home they built and cherished is gone.

“It is very frightening to lose your home in old age… We lived there our whole lives, and now — there is nothing,” — she said, holding her husband’s hand.

The family hygiene kit they received became a crucial support at a time when even the basics are difficult to afford:

“We lost everything. But when we receive help, we understand that we are not forgotten. This gives us the strength to keep going,” — the husband shared.

For them, the kit was not only material assistance — but also emotional support.

A reminder that they are not alone.

Together, We Create Space for Hope

Both stories carry the pain of loss.

But they also speak of compassion, dignity, and the strength of community.

When we provide assistance, we offer more than items — we restore hope, self-respect, and the belief in a future.

We are deeply grateful to every partner and donor who makes these moments of support possible.

Together — we are stronger. Together — we are those who do not leave others behind.

Thank you for reading and supporting our work.

If you would like to help more people learn about the importance of humanitarian assistance —

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Names have been changed for safety.