Post by NGO Girls

Zinaida, a 63-year-old internally displaced woman from Borova, spent her whole life in her hometown — where her home, peace, and familiar way of life had always been. But in 2023, a shell struck near her house. Due to constant shelling, she and her 45-year-old daughter, Valentyna, who has a Group III disability, were forced to leave for Kharkiv. To receive support and restore their inner balance, the women began attending psycho-emotional support activities conducted by specialists from NGO Girls. During the meetings, cognitive behavioral therapy methods were used. The women completed exercises, learned to understand their emotions, identify negative thoughts, and reduce anxiety. Together with the psychologist, they gradually mastered self-calming techniques and restored their inner balance. Art therapy became a particularly important source of support. Through drawing and working with colors, the mother and daughter were able to talk about their emotions. For Valentyna, this became a way to express tension through creativity; for Zinaida, it became a way to feel relief and the support of others. A social worker advised the family on the restoration of their damaged home. This helped restore a sense of control and gave them hope that their housing issue could be resolved. Valentyna also received a dignity kit from a partner organization, which included a power bank, a flashlight, and hygiene items. Zinaida and Valentyna shared that they no longer feel alone. They found a new circle of communication, support from like-minded people and specialists, and, most importantly, the belief that their needs matter and that their voices are heard. Today, the women continue to attend the meetings, apply the skills they have gained in their daily lives, and gradually restore their inner balance. Assistance is provided within the framework of the project “Strengthening Access and Service Provision for SRH Support and GBV Prevention among Conflict-Affected Women and Girls in Eastern and Southern Ukraine” in cooperation with the international humanitarian organization CARE, with the support of the German Federal Foreign Office. Read the full story 👇 https://lnkd.in/dxVuuUtq #CAREUkraine #germanHumanitarianAssistance #GFFO