When life is divided into before and after

Project: Building Resilience of War-Affected Ukrainians

Nadiia lived an ordinary Kyiv family life — a husband, two children, and a beloved job. She ran a nail salon, ten-year-old Mariyka went to school, and six-year-old Yosyp attended kindergarten. “We lived as a happy family,” the woman recalls of a time that now feels so distant.

Everything changed on February 24. Like many Kyiv residents, Nadiia understood the danger: “I looked at the map and saw that they wanted to advance from the Belarusian side, which is very close to us. In any war, the enemy always wants to capture the capital.” She insisted on taking the children to a safer place.

The family moved to a village where it was somewhat calmer, although even there they heard explosions and saw rockets. Her husband, who was fond of airsoft, stayed with them only a few days. On February 26 he returned to Kyiv, where together with his comrades he joined the Ukrainian Legion. “They told him it wasn’t necessary, but he and the guys went anyway,” Nadiia says quietly.

“June 11, in the Donetsk region… In the morning we were still messaging; he wrote that he was going out on a mission,” Nadiia pauses, remembering that day. Her husband and his comrades were protecting drone operators, gathering intelligence about enemy positions. After completing their task, on the way back, their vehicle hit an anti-tank mine. Of the four men inside, two were killed.

Nadiia is doing everything she can to support her children. “When I see they are sad, I always try to distract them—sometimes with a joke, sometimes with an interesting story. Even though I know the pain will not disappear, it’s important to teach the children how to live with it,” the mother shares.

That is why, when Nadiia saw information on social media about the children’s centers of the Arms of Mercy Charitable Foundation, she immediately filled out the application form. “I read reviews from other mothers that it’s a wonderful space, where children are treated with respect and care. I understood that my kids needed both communication and conversations with a psychologist. It’s better to work through these problems now, while they are still little,” Nadiia explains her decision.

The first visit exceeded all expectations. “Yosyp and I came just to submit the documents, to see how everything works. But as soon as we entered… my son took off his coat in two seconds and happily ran off,” the woman smiles. At the center, the children found new friends and took part in creative activities: drawing, sculpting, workshops, and quizzes. “Everything felt so warm and comfortable. The kids watched cartoons, drank tea, and socialized,” Nadiia recalls.

There was also support for parents. “It helped me a lot, especially in terms of everyday communication with my children,” the woman says. Here, parents can share their worries, receive professional advice, and simply feel that they are not alone.

Despite all the hardships, Nadiia has not lost her ability to dream. “You know, I want to go skydiving,” she admits unexpectedly. “Somewhere in Turkey, where you can see both the sea and the mountains.” Perhaps this dream is symbolic—rising above the pain, feeling free, and seeing new horizons.

The Arms of Mercy Charitable Foundation continues creating spaces where children and their families can feel accepted and understood. We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributes to this important cause. Special thanks to our partners — World Vision and to Action Deutschland Hilft for their financial support.

Learn more about our children’s centers and the project “Building Resilience of War-Affected Ukrainians” on our website. Here, everyone will find understanding, support, and new friends.