Since the onset of the full-scale invasion, millions of Ukrainians have been compelled to flee their homes. Many sought refuge in Poltava region to escape the war. According to the Poltava Regional State Administration, as of the end of May 2024, approximately 165,000 new residents have registered in the region. Among them, the third part resides in Kremenchuk community. These displaced individuals require assistance — psychological, financial, and humanitarian. Consequently, support centers for internally displaced persons (IDPs) are being established in the region, particularly in Kremenchuk Region, where local NGOs collaborate with national and international organizations to provide essential aid to those impacted.
Integration of IDPs in Kremenchuk
Despite more than two years having passed since the onset of the full-scale invasion, local philanthropists, civil society organizations (CSOs), and foundations remain committed to integrating internally displaced persons (IDPs) and displaced individuals into the Kremenchuk community. These IDPs receive essential support, including housing, food, humanitarian kits, and financial assistance. Additionally, creative workshops and educational courses are organized to teach them new skills or enlist them in the “Army of Restoration.”
One notable organization providing ongoing assistance to IDPs is CSO Liderka. With support from East Europe Foundation through the Capable and Strong program, and with assistance from Switzerland, they have launched the Safe Space Kremenchuk project. At a specially equipped center, IDPs can access psycho-emotional support and receive training.
Navigating Uncertainty: Journey to a New Hobby and Dream
Yulia is originally from Donetsk region. Upon relocating to Kremenchuk, she found herself confined to her home for nearly a year, lacking friends or acquaintances in the unfamiliar city. Last autumn, she discovered the CSO Liderka. Initially, she felt lost and uncertain about her next steps.
“My personal life was shattered there. Our house was destroyed, and suddenly, my daughter and I were left alone,” Yulia shares.
Gradually, she began to heal, attributing her transformation to the support she received within the space. Through sessions with a psychologist and interactions with other women, she overcame aggression and resentment stemming from the war’s impact on her life.
Yulia now frequents the space, participating in diverse classes — from art therapy to first aid. Her favorites include modeling and drawing, as well as the “motivational circle” — meetings where a coach helps women set future goals and create actionable plans. She values this place because she feels understood, and fellow visitors have become friends.
Inspired by her creative pursuits, Yulia began to craft motanka dolls. She gifted one to the space — a symbol representing all the women who joined the organization. While she currently shares her motanka with friends, her dream is to open her own handmade shop.
“I credit this change to the girls and this organization. I’ll cherish these memories forever. It is such a support provided for displaced girls. It’s incredible when women support each other,” Yulia says.
Creating a Safe Haven: How Liderka Established Support Spaces in Kremenchuk
In the winter of 2022, CSO Liderka was found. Initially, small group activities were held in a modest room, where Oksana Kozlovska gathered girls in need of support. Fast-forward eight months to August 2023, and with the assistance of local and international donor organizations, the support space underwent renovation, equipping, and opening. Now, it accommodates simultaneous events for women and children — a boon for young mothers who previously struggled to find time for themselves.
Oksana Kozlovska, the director of Liderka, responded to an announcement concerning the call for participants in the Capable and Resistant program from East Europe Foundation last summer. The foundation sought organizations supporting vulnerable populations, war victims, women’s rights, or those countering violence. Grants of UAH 1,000,000 or more were awarded to such organizations for ongoing work and institutional development.
Before submitting their application, Oksana conducted a survey among internally displaced persons in the district to identify their specific needs. She worked on the application for about a month, incorporating training sessions on employment, business start-up, motivational meetings, and therapy. In November, the founders of Liderka were interviewed with East Europe Foundation, and by February, the organization actively participated in the program.
At Liderka, everyone is welcome — women, men, children, and even pets. However, the primary audience comprises displaced women. The Liderka’s team includes IDPs, ensuring they understand the concerns faced by visitors. The space hosts neurography, drawing, and first aid training, discussions on business grants and entrepreneurship, toy libraries, and psychological support groups. These activities are integral to the Capable and Resistant program. Remarkably, within three months of the project’s launch, the organization’s audience grew by over 200 visitors. Even teenagers now join to connect with peers and engage in board games.
Oksana Kozlovska tells that Liderka initiated a campaign against gender-based violence, during the project implementation. They printed paper cups featuring phrases commonly heard by women from their abusers. Each cup bears a QR code linking to the Leaders’ Instagram page, providing information on combating domestic violence.
“The trigger phrases were carefully selected based on a survey within the organization’s Telegram group, which currently has 530 women. The campaign was launched in two city coffee shop chains. Men read the phrases with interest but refrain from using these cups, while women recognize their significance and intentionally choose them,” Oksana adds.
Strengthening Communities: Ukrainian CSOs and Their Impact
In the autumn of 2023, over 200 organizations from across Ukraine participated in East Europe Foundation’s competition. Among them, 22 emerged as winners, as reported by Svitlana Ostrianina, the grant coordinator. These winning CSOs are now actively implementing their plans in various regions.
“For instance, the Unity and Strength organization has established safe spaces for children in four communities within the Kharkiv region. These communities have faced occupation and shellings, resulting in disrupted education for many children. As schools lie in ruins, these young learners now rely on online study. The CSO steps in, conducting weekly classes to bridge the educational gap. Meanwhile, in Vinnytsia, Unity and Strength collaborates with internally displaced women, equipping them with the skills needed to launch their own businesses. Beyond mere training sessions, the CSO leads by example, organizing study tours to showcase successful women-led enterprises in the region,” Svitlana explains.
Svitlana emphasizes that the winners not only secured grants for their initiatives but also benefited from training and mentoring. These programs cover essential areas such as financial management, team dynamics, and effective communication. These CSOs also contribute significantly in development of both their projects and team potential.
This material was developed in partnership with East Europe Foundation, with support from Switzerland for NV Ukraine.