Brother and sister Maksym and Alona were haunted by the devastation of war in Ukraine. Maksym, especially, was deeply scarred after sadly witnessing his neighbor’s home destroyed by shelling. The trauma left him emotionally withdrawn, unable to express his pain, and struggling to trust the world around him. Even after their family fled to safety, the memories of war continued to torment him. His childhood had been stolen, and Alona, while more reserved, carried her own unspoken grief.
Their foster parents desperately wanted to help, but the children’s emotional wounds were too deep for them to heal on their own. Maksym and Alona struggled to connect with their parents or engage socially within their new community and school. The children were “slipping away” and their parents felt exhausted and lost, unequipped and doubtful of their ability to provide the support the children so desperately needed.
Your generosity helped this family begin to heal and reconnect! Both children were able to attend an AFFEO partner’s specialized therapeutic camp, where Maksym learned calming and stabilization techniques that have been critical in easing his fears, anxiety, and panic attacks. Alona also showed incredible emotional growth. And while the journey to recovery continues, both children are making significant progress. This intervention was life-changing, turning their path from one of hurt to one of hope.
While the children enjoyed camp, their foster parents participated in trainings designed to equip them with the tools needed to support children processing trauma. They also met a community of adoptive and foster parents navigating similar challenges — a vital source of encouragement and understanding. They left the program feeling hopeful and prepared with skills and strategies to create a more nurturing environment at home for their children. These tools have been instrumental in fostering resilience and healing, strengthening the family bond, and providing the stability and security their children need to thrive.
Your compassion empowers foster and adoptive families to support children like Maksym and Alona, guiding them through trauma and back to the joy of being kids. Thank you for being a beacon of hope to this family in the face of unimaginable challenges, allowing them to remain together, stronger than before!