How the outstretched arms of mercy changed the lives of three people

Project: Provision of multi-sectoral humanitarian assistance to the population affected by the conflict in Ukraine (2023-2024).

The “Arms of Mercy” charity foundation has been helping those in need for 10 years: victims of war and disasters, people with disabilities, families with 3 and more children. Joint efforts with the international organization World Vision with the financial assistance of USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) and Acted helped thousands of people!

The story of Angelina Telmanivna

Angelina Kochoeva and her husband moved to Sloviansk from Armenia back in the 80s. They built the house with their own hands. But the war in Donbas in 2014 and the full-scale war in 2022 destroyed everything. The children have moved around the world, the son now lives in Bila Tserkva, one daughter is in Kyiv, the other is in Germany. Illnesses “swallowed up” the entire modest pension, they had to borrow money. “We needed help,” says Angelina. – Our son is very sick, and my husband needed an operation. These funds became a real salvation for us.”

The story of Olga Feliksivna

61-year-old Olga Feliksivna Chernyavina from Sloviansk, along with her husband and younger 11-year-old daughter, temporarily moved to Cherkasy in 2022 because of the war. But soon they returned home.

“My family and I have been thinking for a long time, is it safe to stay in Sloviansk? Isn’t it better to live in Cherkasy? I learned about the assistance from the “Arms of Mercy” fund in January or February 2023. There was no particular hope of receiving it, because now a lot of people experience difficulties. I was very happy when they agreed to help us! When we moved, we had debts for utilities, we had to pay for rented housing, and for our own. The advertising agency in which they worked was affected by the crisis. Thanks to the fund, we were able to pay debts for gas, heating and electricity. The Lord gave such a good “gift” in a difficult time! We thank the foundation,” says Ms. Olga.

The story of 50-year-old Olena Serhiivna from Bakhmut, who now lives in Sloviansk

Olena Ochkii’s mother and daughter stayed in Irpen, and her father recently died… When the war started, not only the house, but also the whole world was taken from under the woman’s feet. Iryna was pleasantly surprised when she found out that she was selected to receive financial assistance from our benefactors. These funds became a salvation – she was able to buy the necessary things, medicine, help her relatives, and also bury her father with dignity…

The woman is grateful to God and all those who contributed and for this support when “there is nowhere to go.”

These are only three fates out of hundreds of people! We will continue to be ready to lend a helping hand to anyone who is in trouble due to war or disease.

Because the strength of the fund lies in caring hearts. Thank you for being with us!