Empowering Civil Society: Highlights from Razom and UCU’s Summer School on Organizational Development
In mid-August, Razom for Ukraine and the Ukrainian Catholic University (UCU) launched a transformative Summer School on organizational development, drawing civil society leaders from across Ukraine to Lviv for a week-long program aimed at bolstering their organizations during these critical times. Held from August 11 to 17, 2024, this initiative brought together a diverse array of dedicated leaders from all corners of Ukraine, each focused on creating positive, lasting impacts within their communities amid the challenges of war.
The participants came from organizations committed to:
- Delivering humanitarian aid to frontline and recently de-occupied areas
- Coordinating evacuations for civilians in conflict zones near the front line
- Supporting families with children, organizing extracurricular and recreational activities
- Assisting families of fallen soldiers
- Advancing educational development efforts
- Preserving cultural heritage and celebrating regional cultures
- Assisting frontline healthcare institutions under wartime conditions
- Offering psychological support for frontline communities, families in crisis, and internally displaced persons (IDPs)
- Promoting women’s empowerment, entrepreneurship, and supporting women during the war
- Shaping youth policy at the local level
- Developing entrepreneurial opportunities for veterans and IDPs
A Unique Selection Process for a Diverse Group
Razom selected participants through an open call, carefully choosing five grantees with a focus on diversity. The selection criteria included gender balance, a range of activities and experiences, and varying team sizes. This diversity fostered a dynamic environment where participants could learn from one another, establish new networks, and explore partnerships that will extend well beyond the Summer School.
Learning, Networking, and Strategic Development
During the week, participants attended sessions on organizational policies, strategies, partnership building, communications, and fundraising. Special guest speakers—including historians, political scientists, and contemporary thought leaders—were also invited to offer broader perspectives, enriching the learning experience and reinforcing participants’ motivations to serve their communities and contribute to Ukraine’s future.
Feedback from participants reflects the program’s lasting impact:
- “I’ve already started applying what I learned and sharing it with my team.”
- “This training changed my approach—I now work more strategically and with greater clarity.”
- “Since the Summer School, we’ve launched three new projects and drafted an operational plan.”
- “It was inspiring to be among such experienced and passionate community leaders.”
- “The atmosphere was welcoming, and we’ve stayed connected, sharing insights and ideas.”
One participant’s message captured the essence of the program’s transformative effect:
“I want to thank Razom for Ukraine for organizing this program. Since the Summer School, our team has undergone transformations in communications, fundraising, and strategy. You achieved your goal!”
Looking Forward: New Opportunities for Summer School Graduates
Since August, Razom has been working to create follow-up opportunities for Summer School graduates. Plans include mentorship programs and grants for institutional support, providing these leaders with additional resources to strengthen their organizations. By nurturing the growth of Ukraine’s civil society, Razom and UCU are helping build a future where local organizations are equipped to meet the needs of their communities, paving the way for a resilient Ukraine.
With these new programs in place, the legacy of the Summer School will continue to inspire and empower civil society leaders to forge ahead with confidence, resilience, and unity.
Together, we are building a brighter future for Ukrainians through education and support.
Stay tuned for more updates and stories from Razom Relief.
Advancing Neurosurgical Expertise: Razom’s Co-Pilot Project and Pioneering Ukrainian American Collaboration
In the spirit of Razom’s mission, which exhorts us to work on initiatives that motivate us to meet, partner and do, we are pleased to highlight how Razom’s Co-Pilot Project has facilitated a very meaningful collaboration between American and Ukrainian neurosurgeons. Specifically, Dr. Rocco Armonda, Dr. Alex Valadka, Dr. Maksim Shapiro, Dr. Kim Nelson, Dr. Luke Tomycz and Dr. Conner Berlin, and Mechnikov neurosurgeons from Dnipro, Dr. Andrii Sirko and Dr. Yuriy Cherednychenko. This ongoing partnership has led to presentations at several international conferences and the co-authoring of 6 medical articles in prestigious journals. Together, these colleagues are advancing trauma care and elevating Ukrainian medical expertise on the global stage.
Last year, Razom organized a trip for Conner Berlin, who was a senior neurosurgery resident at the time. During his 16-day visit, he performed 20+ emergency surgeries and participated in reciprocal learning, helping to train the neurosurgical staff while gaining invaluable insights himself. After returning, Conner asked to write an article with Dr. Sirko. Along with Dr. Armonda, they co-authored ‘Wartime Penetrating Traumatic Brain Injury of the Anterior Skull Base Involving the Paranasal Sinuses: A Single-Center, First-Year Experience from Dnipro, Ukraine,’ which was published on November 31 in the Journal of Neurosurgery.
Below are a few of the notable articles and publications that exemplify the groundbreaking research and clinical advancements emerging from this collaboration:
- Wartime penetrating traumatic brain injury of the anterior skull base involving the paranasal sinuses: a single-center, first-year experience from Dnipro, Ukraine – Published in Journal of Neurosurgery.
- Operation Rescue: Ukrainian Wartime Neurosurgery—Past Results and Future Prospects – A feature article in the July newsletter of the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies.
- Intracranial aneurysms treatment using new generation FRED X flow diverters with antithrombotic coating and preoperative PreSize Neurovascular software simulation: literature review and clinical observations analysis – Published in the Ukrainian Neurosurgical Journal.
Each paper is proof of the dedication, expertise, and shared commitment of Ukrainian and American neurosurgeons. Their ongoing collaboration is setting new benchmarks in neurosurgical trauma care and creating a lasting impact on Ukraine’s medical landscape under extreme circumstances. Razom’s Co-Pilot Project is honored to support this partnership, which is as inspiring as it is transformative.
Your support is crucial in enabling Razom’s Co-Pilot Project to continue its life-saving efforts and drive global advancements in neurosurgery.
Learn more about and support the Co-Pilot Project and Razom Health.
How Razom’s Armored Vehicles Protect Ukraine’s Heroes
In the ongoing fight for Ukraine’s freedom, humanitarian civilian efforts are safeguarding lives every day. Razom helps to make a real difference through the delivery of essential equipment to protect Ukraine’s heroes. One of their most notable contributions is the provision of armored Toyota vehicles, specially equipped to offer protection and hope in times of violence and trauma.
Protection During Evacuation
Near Avdiivka, one of the hardest-hit areas in the war, an armored Toyota provided by Razom played a critical role in saving a life. During intense shelling, a Ukrainian defender was injured when a 152 millimeter shell struck their position. Amid the chaos, medics from a nearby unit acted quickly, using the armored Toyota to evacuate the wounded soldier. The vehicle’s design, built for comfort and safety, allowed rescuers to perform emergency care while en route to the hospital.
The soldier later recalled the experience:
“I remember everything vaguely, but those events will forever be etched in my memory. The explosion was so strong that I lost consciousness for a moment. When I came to, pain engulfed my entire body, and chaos reigned around me,” he said. “As soon as I was inside the Toyota, I felt relieved. The vehicle was surprisingly comfortable, allowing medics to give me first aid even while we were moving. The armor and reliability of the Toyota gave me a sense of safety—something I hadn’t felt on the battlefield. It became more than just transport, it was my hope that I could return home.”
Fortitude Under Attack
In another case, an armored Toyota provided to a Ukrainian unit showcased its strength and reliability during an attack. While on a mission, an FPV (first-person view) drone targeted the vehicle, delivering a powerful strike. However, the Toyota’s armored body and windows withstood the impact, shielding the crew inside from harm. Thanks to its strength and density, the vehicle averted a potential tragedy. The Toyota is now undergoing repairs and will return to the frontline areas to continue its vital mission.
“This vehicle became a hero in battle, withstanding a direct hit from an FPV drone,” the soldier noted. “The strike was powerful, but the armored capsule and windows remained intact. This allowed the crew to avoid serious injuries and successfully leave the scene.”
Your Support Makes a Difference
These stories illustrate the life-saving role played by Razom’s teams on the ground.. By delivering armored vehicles like these Toyotas, we are able to offer physical protection and a meaningful sense of hope for those risking their lives daily. These vehicles are not just machines; they are crucial resources that safeguard lives in the most challenging situations.
Your continued support and donations make it possible for Razom for Ukraine to do this work. With each contribution, you help ensure that Ukraine’s first responders have the tools they need to help defenders continue their fight. Together, we are making a difference, one life at a time.
Join Us in Saving Lives
Razom remains committed to providing life-saving resources for Ukrainians, ensuring they have the protection they need in the most challenging conditions. Every armored vehicle, every piece of essential equipment, gives these brave men and women the best chance to survive and continue their mission. Your support makes this possible.
Donate Your Vehicle
We are excited to offer yet another way for you to contribute to our mission—by donating your vehicle. Through our partnership with NCS, you can easily and securely donate your car, RV, boat, motorcycle, or another vehicle. It’s a tax-deductible way to make a real difference in supporting Ukraine today and into the future. Vehicle donations are not only generous, but they also promote sustainability, ensuring that your contribution helps in more ways than one.
*Please note: your donated vehicle does not go to the front lines in Ukraine, but its value goes to support Razom’s mission delivery.
Your support, whether through a donation or a vehicle, directly saves lives. Together, we are stronger. Together, we can save lives.
Donate today and make a lasting impact.
Empowering Ukrainian Surgeons: U.S. Training in Reconstructive and Neurosurgery
We are excited to share that Razom Health’s Co-Pilot Project and OU Health have hosted the 15th participant of our 4-week observership program, focused on facial plastic reconstructive surgery and neurosurgery at the University of Oklahoma. A huge thanks to Dr. Mark Mims, Dr. Andrew Bauer, and the McGrail Family for leading this project.
One participant shared their experience:
“The acquired knowledge is extremely important, and I’ve already used it in practice. Every day, we face patients who need these life-saving reconstructive surgeries.”
This cohort included Dr. Andrii Kopchak, Dr. Tetiana Pavlychuk, and Dr. Ievgen Shumynskyi from Kyiv Regional Hospital and Bogomolets Medical University, who frequently collaborate on symposiums focused on the reconstruction of head and neck war injuries with the Co-Pilot Face the Future Foundation and Co-Pilot Face to Face Medical Trips.
Your support is crucial in enabling the Co-Pilot Project to continue its work of providing life-changing and modern medical care to Ukrainians. Please consider donating to Razom and help us bring hope to those who need it most. Together, we can make a difference.
Learn more about and support the Co-Pilot Project and Razom Health.
Razom Announces Fall 2024 Book Tours with Ukrainian Writers
Razom for Ukraine is proud to announce that this year we are supporting the book tours of prominent Ukrainian writers in collaboration with over 15 American universities and institutions, with events scheduled in cities across the United States. This literary tour offers audiences a unique opportunity to engage with Ukrainian voices through readings, discussions, and book signings.
Below, you’ll find the scheduled appearances and biographies of the featured writers and poets.
Featured Writers and Poets:
- Marianna Kyianovska
- Ostap Slyvynsky
- Olena Stiazhkina
- Halyna Kruk
Ostap Slyvynsky
Ostap Slyvynsky is a celebrated Ukrainian poet, translator, essayist, and scholar. He has authored five books of poetry, including The Winter King (2018), and The Dictionary of War (2023), a documentary book based on testimonies of witnesses of the Russian aggression against Ukraine. His poetry has been published internationally, and The Winter King was recently shortlisted for the American Translation Prize and the Derek Walcott Prize. Slyvynsky is also a professor at the Ukrainian Catholic University (Lviv) and Vice President of PEN Ukraine since 2022.
Ostap Slyvynsky’s U.S. Tour Dates:
October 17, 2024
Columbia University, New York
Event LinkOctober 18, 2024
Ukrainian Cultural Festival, New York
Event LinkOctober 21, 2024
Princeton University, New JerseyOctober 23, 2024
Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
Event LinkOctober 24, 2024
Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Event LinkOctober 26, 2024
Ukrainian Cultural Center, PhiladelphiaOctober 28, 2024
University of Michigan, Michigan
Event LinkOctober 30, 2024
University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
Event LinkOctober 31, 2024
Northwestern University, Evanston, IllinoisNovember 1, 2024
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Event LinkNovember 3, 2024
House of Ukraine, San Diego, California
Event LinkNovember 4, 2024
University of California, San Diego, California
Event LinkNovember 5, 2024
University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
Event Link
Olena Stiazhkina
Olena Stiazhkina is a historian and fiction writer from Donetsk, Ukraine, who combines her historical expertise with sharp, tender, and furious storytelling. She is the author of 11 books of fiction, including the award-winning Cecil the Lion Had to Die and Ukraine, War, Love: A Donetsk Diary, which are now available in English. She is the recipient of the 2023 Lviv UNESCO City of Literature Award.
Olena Stiazhkina’s U.S. Tour Dates:
October 23, 2024
Miami University, Oxford, Ohio
Event LinkOctober 24, 2024
Tomorrow Bookstore, Indianapolis, Indiana
Event LinkOctober 25, 2024
Second Flight Books, West Lafayette, Indiana
Event LinkOctober 27, 2024
After-Words New and Used Books, Chicago, Illinois
Event LinkOctober 28, 2024
The American Literary Translators Association, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Topic: “I Chose to Stop Writing in ___”: How War Changes Language ChoicesOctober 31, 2024
Ukrainian Cultural Festival, New York
Event Link
Halyna Kruk
Halyna Kruk (1974) is an award-winning Ukrainian poet, writer, translator, and scholar. She is the author of five books of poetry/ Two collections have come out in English in the past two years: Griffin Poetry Prize shortlisted A Crash Course in Molotov Cocktails (Arrowsmith Press, 2022) and Lost in Living (Lost Horse Press, 2024) Her numerous literary awards include the Sundara Ramaswamy Prize, the 2023 Women in Arts Award, the 2021 BookForum Best Book Award, the Smoloskyp Poetry Award, the Bohdan Ihor Antonych Prize, and the Hranoslov Award. She holds a PhD in Ukrainian baroque literature (2001). Kruk is a member of Ukrainian PEN; she lives and teaches in Lviv.
Halyna Kruk’s U.S. Tour Dates:
October 28, 2024
Ukrainian Cultural Festival
Event LinkOctober 30, 2024
UCSD, San Diego, California
Event LinkNovember 1, 2024
Stanford, Palo Alto, California
Event LinkNovember 2, 2024
Portland, Oregon
Event LinkNovember 3, 2024
University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
Event LinkNovember 5, 2024
Harvard University, HURI, Massachusetts
Event LinkNovember 7, 2024
NYU, New York, NY
Event LinkNovember 12, 2024
Penn State University, State College, PANovember 14, 2024
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Illinois
Event LinkNovember 15, 2024
University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
Event LinkNovember 19, 2024
University of Kansas, Kansas
Past Tours
Marianna Kiyanovska
Award-winning Ukrainian writer, translator, literary scholar, and public figure, Marianna Kiyanovska has had her works translated into eighteen languages. She is the author of more than a dozen books, including poetry, prose, and literary translations. A winner of the Vilenica International Literary Festival and the CEI Fellowship (2007), she was also honored with the Gloria Artis Medal for Merit to Culture in Poland (2013). In 2020, she received the prestigious Taras Shevchenko National Prize in Literature for The Voices of Babyn Yar. Kiyanovska is the Laureate of the Zbigniew Herbert International Literary Prize and was named European Poet of Freedom, both in 2022. The English-language translation of The Voices of Babyn Yar won the 2022 Aldo and Jeanne Scaglione Prize for a Translation of a Literary Work from the Modern Language Association (MLA) and the 2021–22 Translation Prize from the American Association for Ukrainian Studies (AAUS). The book was also shortlisted for the 2023 Best Literary Translation into English Prize from the American Association of Teachers of Slavic and Eastern European Languages (AATSEEL).
Marianna Kyianovska’s U.S. Tour Dates:
September 18, 2024
Harvard, Cambridge, MA
Event LinkSeptember 20, 2024
Grolier Cambridge
Event LinkSeptember 24, 2024
Yale University
Event LinkSeptember 26, 2024
Naval AcademySeptember 27, 2024
Ukraine House, Washington, DCOctober 3, 2024
UT Austin
Event LinkOctober 7, 2024
UC BerkeleyOctober 9, 2024
UCSD, San Diego, California
Event LinkOctober 14, 2024
University of Chicago
Event LinkOctober 18, 2024
University of Indiana, Bloomington, Indiana
Event LinkOctober 21, 2024
Ukrainian Cultural Festival, Razom, New YorkOctober 22, 2024
New York University, Jordan Center, New York
Event LinkOctober 23, 2024
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Event LinkOctober 23, 2024
Ann Arbor District Library, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Event Link
Join us as we celebrate the resilience and creativity of Ukrainian writers. Their voices reflect the spirit of a nation overcoming adversity, and your participation in these events amplifies that message. For a complete list of appearances and to learn more about our writers, please explore the links provided.
Building Ukraine Together: Empowering Communities and Creating Safe Spaces
As the war in Ukraine continues, grassroots initiatives are proving to be indispensable for community resilience and support. One such initiative is the NGO “Building Ukraine Together” (BUR), a longtime Razom partner, which is dedicated to empowering local communities through volunteer camps. Before launching these camps, BUR organizes a training school for teams who will lead local activities in collaboration with the organization. Recently, teams from three communities—Lypova Dolyna, Ladany, and Velyka Severynivka—gathered for several days of intensive lectures and workshops designed to prepare them for their roles.
Supported by Razom, BUR’s volunteer camps play a crucial role in restoring communities and empowering local volunteers. The training sessions emphasize essential skills such as volunteer management, effective communication, community engagement, team coordination, and resource identification.
A Community’s Vision: Yulia’s Story
Among the participants was Yulia, a representative from the Ladany community in the Chernihiv region. She successfully organized a team and applied to host a BUR camp with the aim of establishing a youth center in their community, which has become a haven for many displaced people fleeing Russian aggression.
Yulia expressed her motivation:
“I wanted to show our youth and our community that, with collective effort, we can achieve things we never dreamed of before.”
As the BUR camp unfolded, local residents actively engaged in the process, transforming their environment while also fostering a sense of ownership and pride in their community.
For Yulia’s team, this volunteer camp marked their first experience in organizing such an event. While they had previously participated in other projects, this challenge brought new learning opportunities.
Yulia reflected, “Everything was new to us—how to set up the camps, what their purpose is, and what the daily schedule looks like. The school helped us understand all of this. We also learned some team building games, like ‘Ladder,’ which helps teach us how to listen and ask the right questions. I work in the local government, so I’ve already started using these techniques at work.”
So far, two BUR camp sessions have successfully taken place in the Ladany community. The training school has significantly strengthened the team, streamlined the organizational process, and, most importantly, taught them how to engage people of all ages in community life.
Overcoming Fear: Bohdana’s Journey in Sumy
Another inspiring story comes from the recent BUR volunteer camp held in Lypova Dolyna, Sumy region, located just about 50 miles from the Russian border and is currently under regular attack. Here, volunteers worked together to create a bomb shelter, demonstrating their commitment to safety and community support. One volunteer, Bohdana, traveled over 500 miles from Zakarpattia to be part of this effort.
Bohdana shared her initial apprehensions:
“I was really stressed—it was a new city and my first camp—but I decided to join because I wanted to finally experience the BUR community vibe. The BUR team took the security aspects very seriously—checking air raid alerts, organizing shelter drills—and it almost felt like I wasn’t in Sumy, but somewhere much farther from the front line. I was scared I wouldn’t be helpful in construction. You know, when you first go to a camp, you feel like you don’t know anything about building and maybe you should just stay home. But with BUR, learning is fun and easy. Before you know it, you’re plastering walls like you’ve done it a hundred times.”
The first session of the BUR camp in Lypova Dolyna has already concluded, resulting in the creation of a shelter that will serve both as a refuge during air raids and a safe event space for the community. Bohdana not only contributed to a significant project but also formed lasting connections with fellow volunteers, making this experience a cherished memory.
This volunteer camp in Lypova Dolyna was made possible with the support of Razom for Ukraine.
Through initiatives like BUR, communities in Ukraine are finding strength and hope in each other, creating safe spaces and fostering resilience amid adversity. By empowering local leaders and volunteers, organizations like Razom and BUR are helping to build a brighter future for Ukraine. Thank you for your support!
Stay tuned for more updates and stories from Razom Relief.
Razom and Stabnet Continue to Deliver Vital Mobile Stabilization Units
In today’s modern warfare, the need for rapid, life-saving medical care is more urgent than ever. Stabnet’s mobile stabilization units provide an innovative solution, delivering emergency medical care even in the most difficult and dangerous conditions. Razom was among the first to support this project, and 14 of these mobile medical units have now been deployed to Ukraine’s front lines, safeguarding lives where they are needed most.
Recently, another Stabnet unit was successfully handed over to the medical team of Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) in Kyiv. This significant milestone was made possible through the generous contributions of donors from around the globe. The handover ceremony brought together representatives from Razom, Stabnet, and the distinguished French military expert and blogger, Xavier Tytelman. Thanks to the support of Agir Ensemble Pour l’Ukraine, AFUCA, and Unis pour l’Ukraine, this delivery marks yet another vital step in enhancing emergency medical capacity on the front lines.
Stabnet is a fully equipped mobile operating room, designed to provide immediate life-saving interventions without the delay of transporting patients. At just two tons, the lightweight unit can be transported by a pickup truck or SUV, allowing it to reach the most remote and hard-to-access areas.
Ihor Dobrovolsky, head of Stabnet, expressed his gratitude: “We are incredibly thankful to Razom for Ukraine for their continued belief in and support of this project. Without their help, Stabnet might not have become a reality.”
The results are impressive as one stabilization point can save up to 100 lives each month. As Razom Heroes project manager, Hennadiy Zabolotnyishared, “This project is critical in times of war because it saves lives. There was one instance where 17 people were treated in a single day, giving them a chance at survival.”
Stabnet mobile stabilization points showcase how innovative solutions can be used to safeguard lives, even in the most extreme conditions. Thanks to the unwavering support of compassionate individuals and organizations, life-saving medical care reaches those in need on the front lines.
Razom for Ukraine is dedicated to working with Stabnet to further develop and enhance this critical system. Each deployed stabilization unit plays a vital role in saving lives on the front lines.
Together, we are making a real difference!
Supporting Ukraine’s Mental Health: The Impact of Razom z Toboyu
Today, October 10, marks World Mental Health Day, a timely reminder of the importance of mental well-being, especially for those affected by war. In Ukraine, where the trauma of war has deeply impacted millions, the Razom z Toboyu (Razom with You) program is offering critical psychological support to children, adolescents, and adults.
For this Mental Health Day, we had the opportunity to interview Iryna Gudyma, Razom z Toboyu (RzT) Project Manager, who reflected on the project’s mission:
1. Can you describe the mission and goals of the Razom z Toboyu project and how it addresses the mental health needs of Ukrainians affected by war?
Razom z Toboyu was born out of the urgent need to support Ukrainians grappling with the psychological toll of war. Since the launch in July 2022, we have conducted over 18,000 individual sessions and over 2,500 hours of group work.
Recent statistics suggest a deepening mental health crisis in Ukraine, exacerbated by ongoing war. Reports indicate that the number of Ukrainians seeking mental health support has surged, with 77% experiencing stress or severe nervousness and 40% feeling the need for psychological help in the past six months, according to Gradus. Furthermore, a study published in The Lancet found that 54% of Ukrainians, including refugees, are suffering from PTSD. The war has led to a staggering increase in antidepressant sales, which have jumped nearly 50% since 2021 (Ukrainian Ministry of Health).
We aim to provide accessible, high-quality psychological support to those affected by the war, whether they’re internally displaced, veterans, or families who’ve lost loved ones.
Our key goals are multifaceted. We work to prevent the development of long-term mental health disorders, particularly PTSD, among those experiencing war trauma. We look to stabilize people’s emotional states and help them tap into their inner resources for resilience.
Importantly, we’re also focused on building capacity within Ukraine’s mental health system by training professionals in trauma-informed care and developing innovative support programs.
What drives us is the belief that mental health care is crucial not just for individual well-being, but for Ukraine’s collective recovery and future. We’re committed to breaking down the stigma around seeking help and making mental health support a normalized, integral part of the country’s post-war healing process.
2. What specific services or resources does RZT provide to support mental health, and how have these been received by the community?
We offer a range of services tailored to the diverse needs we’re seeing. This includes individual counseling, group therapy sessions aimed at posttraumatic growth, specialized training for special groups including social workers, medical professionals, teachers, etc. We’ve also developed psychoeducation workshops to help people understand trauma responses and learn coping strategies.
The response from communities has been overwhelmingly positive as evidenced by an anonymous survey of over 450 participants who received support. For instance, 95% reported establishing a trusting relationship with their psychologist, while 74% noticed improvements in their emotional well-being. Impressively, 85% felt that their psychologist helped them cope with their specific issues, and all participants indicated they would recommend the “Razom z Toboyu” project to others.
Many people tell us they’ve never had access to mental health support before, or that they were hesitant to seek help until they learned about our services.
One service that’s been especially well-received is our growth groups that provide a safe space for people to share experiences and coping strategies with others who truly understand their situation. We’ve seen remarkable bonds form within these groups, creating support networks that extend beyond our formal sessions.
3. Could you share a memorable success story or experience from the RZT project that highlights its impact on individuals or families?
One of the many stories that struck me is that of an eight-year-old Mykyta from Mariupol. After escaping the besieged city, we discovered he had stopped eating meat because the smell reminded him of burnt bodies he’d witnessed during the war. This heartbreaking detail shows how deeply conflict affects children, creating fears that persist long after the immediate danger has passed.
Our psychologists worked closely with Mykyta and his family, helping them process their trauma and rediscover a sense of normalcy. His journey emphasizes the critical need for specialized mental health support for war-affected children. Mykyta’s progress reminds us that with the right care, even the deepest wounds can heal, allowing children to reclaim their childhoods and look towards a brighter future.
4. What challenges has RZT faced in delivering mental health support, and how have you worked to overcome them?
One of our most pressing challenges has been addressing the mental health needs of a country still at war, with an estimated 1.3 million veterans and projections of 4-6 million in the future. To tackle this, we’ve developed specialized programs for veterans and their families, focusing on preventing secondary traumatization and preparing society for their reintegration.
Another significant challenge is the sheer scale of need versus our resources. To tackle this, we’ve focused on a train-the-trainer model, where we work with social workers, teachers, medical professionals and community leaders, equipping them to provide ongoing support in their areas. This approach not only increases our capacity but also ensures culturally sensitive care tailored to the Ukrainian context.
The ongoing nature of the conflict poses unique challenges for treatment approaches. We’ve also had to be innovative by adapting evidence-based practices to the unique context of wartime Ukraine. This has involved developing shorter-term intervention models and integrating traditional Ukrainian cultural practices into our therapeutic approaches to make them more resonant and effective for our clients.
Additionally, we are actively working to combat the stigma surrounding mental health care by promoting awareness and offering free services that encourage individuals to seek help.
5. October 10th is Mental Health Day, what message do you want to convey to the community regarding the importance of mental health support for those affected by war in Ukraine?
On this Mental Health Day, I want to remind everyone that it’s absolutely okay not to be okay, especially during these challenging times. Prioritizing mental health isn’t a luxury—it’s essential for both individual and national resilience. If you or someone you know is struggling, please remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
The war has left deep scars on many hearts, but healing from trauma is possible. Reaching out for support is a vital step in the recovery process. For those not directly affected by the conflict, I urge you to show empathy, patience, and support for those who are struggling.
To the international community, I want to emphasize that the mental health impacts of this war will extend far beyond the physical conflict. Supporting mental health initiatives must be a key component of any long-term recovery and development plans for Ukraine.
Despite the immense challenges, we’ve witnessed incredible resilience and growth among the individuals and communities we work with. This gives me hope. By supporting one another and prioritizing mental health, I believe Ukrainians can not only recover from this trauma but emerge stronger and more united than ever before.
To learn more about Razom z Toboyu and support its mission, visit https://razomztoboyu.org/
The project is implemented by Razom for Ukraine, Americares, Direct Relief and GlobalGiving.
Don’t Miss – Intercepted at Film Forum Until October 10, 2024
“At once subtle and blunt… [Intercepted shows] the awful intimacy of the war in Ukraine” – The New York Times
Razom Cinema’s grantee, a critically acclaimed documentary Intercepted launched their American theatrical release with a Film Forum series of screenings this past Saturday, October 5th.
Our Cinema Impact Producer, Polina Buchak, had the pleasure of moderating a Q&A with the award-winning director Oksana Karpovych in the iconic Film Forum theater. The evening featured a screening of Intercepted, a powerfully crafted documentary providing a visceral account of the full-scale Russian invasion by exposing the intercepted phone calls made by Russian soldiers to their families from Ukraine.
Film Forum is renowned for its legacy of excellent film programming, which has lasted for more than half a century. The Razom Cinema team was elated to be part of the program, made even more meaningful in light of our prior support of its premiere at the prestigious “New Directors/New Films” in New York.
Thank you to everyone who attended and presented your questions to the director. If you have yet to see this new Ukrainian documentary, head over to https://filmforum.org/film/intercepted to plan your visit. Don’t forget to use our promo code RAZOMXFF
Intercepted by Oksana Kaprovych is playing at Film Forum in NYC now through October 10th.
Photos: Dinara Khairova