As we traditionally summarize our work for the year 2024, let’s begin with a report on the memorandums signed with organizations dedicated to supporting the families of Defenders.
To implement educational programs that meet the educational and scientific needs of the veteran community in the Kharkiv region, the NGO “Veterans’ Wives ATO” signed a memorandum with the G.S. Skovoroda Kharkiv Pedagogical University.
In the summer, a memorandum was signed with the Kharkiv District Military Administration, aimed at developing legislative initiatives, protecting the rights and interests of veterans and their families.
Additionally, a memorandum was signed with the Kharkiv Regional Employment Center, with the primary goal of implementing socio-economic programs aimed at employment, entrepreneurship development, job creation (both permanent and temporary), unemployment prevention, and the implementation of state tax policy.
To foster mutual support in civil-military cooperation and the development of civil society in Ukraine, a memorandum was signed with the National Academy of the National Guard of Ukraine.
Furthermore, thanks to our partners from the Rememberus.org fund, we acquired products and medications worth over 700,000 UAH. This aid was directed towards supporting the families of military personnel, veterans, internally displaced persons, elderly people, and those with disabilities—everyone in need of our support.
With the assistance of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), we renovated the first premises of the “Family Veteran Center” with a value exceeding 3 million UAH. All activities conducted in our center, aimed at reintegrating veterans, are based on scientifically grounded and proven methodologies.
We visited 71 settlements, distributing aid, covering a total distance of 45,891 km, overcoming challenges to help as many people as possible.
In 9 months, our team provided psychological support to 947 family members of veterans. Our website published 20 relevant psychological recommendations that address the current challenges faced by the families of Defenders.
Our organization became one of the first invited to participate in the experimental project of the Ministry of Social Policy and the Armed Forces of Ukraine, approved by the Cabinet of Ministers Resolution №1050. This project aims to involve civil society organizations in the process of social support for military personnel and their families. We now have the official status of a social services provider.
For the third consecutive year, we have been co-organizers of the international scientific-practical conference, together with higher military education institutions, sharing our experience in providing social support to military personnel and veterans.
The head of the NGO “Veterans’ Wives” was invited as a speaker at the 7th International Veterans Forum “Ukraine. Veterans. Unity,” which was attended by the President of Ukraine, the Minister of Internal Affairs, the Vice Prime Minister – Minister for Reintegration of Occupied Territories, the Minister of Strategic Communications, the Minister of Social Policy, the Acting Minister for Veterans Affairs, and the Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine.
We made a working visit to our partners, the Initiative RASOM Hürth organization in Germany, with whom we consistently assist medical institutions with equipment (operating tables, maternity ward beds), medicines, and other necessary items. With their support, we also provided humanitarian aid to nine large families in the Kehychi Territorial Community, including clothes, bedding, blankets, pillows, and more.
We participated in the “Free All!” and “Save from Captivity! Don’t Stay Silent!” actions in support of prisoners of war, aimed at returning all detained military personnel and Ukrainian civilians.
Our members participated in the Lions United for Ukraine international conference, which strengthened international cooperation. The conference was attended by representatives of the Lions International Club from Sweden, Romania, Belgium, France, Norway, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United States.
The team of the NGO “Veterans’ Wives” joined the patriotic car rally dedicated to the fallen Defenders of Ukraine. We also participated in a car rally in memory of Ukrainian Defender Serhiy Alfimov in Bezlyudivka.
The organization’s activists continually improve their qualifications and undergo training in providing social services to veterans and their families, as well as psychological support. Our psychologists mastered the EMDR therapy method during training at the Institute of Psychology and Trauma in Germany, which allows for effective processing of traumatic experiences and PTSD. This method significantly accelerates the recovery process.
Throughout the year, we conducted various master classes for the children of Defenders of Ukraine, including soap-making, pizza-making, and art therapy, aimed at developing creativity and supporting the emotional well-being of children.
We organized psychological training and activities aimed at supporting the families of Fallen Defenders of Ukraine.
This year, we successfully delivered generators, heaters, charging stations, sleeping bags, military fleece jackets, boots, camouflage nets, “kikimora” camouflage suits, medicines, mats, first aid kits, cookware, and other supplies to the military.
In conclusion, we would like to express our gratitude to everyone who joined our efforts to support the families of military personnel, veterans, and those affected by the war. Together, we managed to implement important projects, provide assistance to those in need, and create a space for development, support, and mutual understanding. Ahead, there are new challenges and opportunities, and we will continue working to strengthen our community.
Together, we will achieve Victory and Peace!
Glory to the Armed Forces of Ukraine! Glory to Ukraine!
With support GO “Wives of Veterans”