Joining Forces for Community Recovery: Charitable Foundations, Civil Society Organizations, and Businesses Unite

The civil society organizations “Hope for Ukraine” and “Sprouts of Hope Ukraine”, in partnership with the U.S.-based Sprouts of Hope Foundation, the Italian Hope Ukraine Foundation, and companies Ukrainian Reconstruction Consortium and Americrane, are implementing a series of projects aimed at the recovery and support of communities in the Kharkiv, Sumy, and Mykolaiv regions.

Currently, a joint initiative titled “Emergency Humanitarian Assistance and Social Support for Displaced and Non-Displaced Individuals in Sumy, Kharkiv, Mykolaiv Regions and Kyiv City” is underway, funded by the Italian organizations Fondazione Progetto Arca and Hope Ukraine Foundation. The goal is to provide comprehensive assistance and foster sustainable development in these areas.

Key areas of cooperation include:

• Humanitarian Assistance: Meeting the urgent needs of the most vulnerable groups by providing food, medicine, hygiene supplies, and temporary housing for individuals and families in crisis.

• Culture, Education, and Child Welfare: Implementing educational programs, organizing cultural festivals for children, creating a safe and supportive environment, and providing emotional support to ensure a brighter future for the younger generation.

• Youth and Sports Initiatives: Empowering young people by engaging them in sports activities to restore a sense of normalcy, build team spirit, and enhance resilience.

• Water Safety: Restoring access to clean drinking water through the implementation of effective purification systems.

Goal:

The primary objective of uniting the efforts of foundations and companies is to significantly expand the reach of humanitarian aid across Ukraine and to effectively address urgent needs in regions severely affected by war, displacement, and other crises. Partners aim to help vulnerable communities rebuild their future, staying apolitical and focusing solely on real human needs.

Mission:

By joining forces, the organizations “Sprouts of Hope Ukraine”, “Hope for Ukraine”, the Sprouts of Hope Foundation (USA), the Hope Ukraine Foundation (Italy), and the Ukrainian Reconstruction Consortium are committed to providing immediate assistance to those affected by war and supporting their long-term recovery. Starting with emergency aid (food, medicine), the initiative has expanded to include health, education, and community infrastructure restoration.

Geography and Partners:

Projects funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation and Italian partners Hope Ukraine and PROGETTO ARCA are being implemented in Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, Kyiv, Sumy, and surrounding areas. The core implementers are the civil society organizations “Sprouts of Hope Ukraine” and “Hope for Ukraine”, with support from the Sprouts of Hope Foundation (USA) and companies Ukrainian Reconstruction Consortium and Americrane.

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Tangible Results of the Partnership:

1. A modern modular water purification unit was inaugurated in the Voznesensk community of Mykolaiv region on April 30, 2025, at the Voznesensk Multidisciplinary Hospital.
   The event was attended by Lorenzo Leonardi (Project Manager, FONDAZIONE PROGETTO ARCA), Sofia Torlontano (Project Assistant), Maksym Hryb (Representative of “Varnava” International Charity Foundation), representatives of “Sprouts of Hope Ukraine”, Sarah Londero (Director of Hope Ukraine Foundation), and Oleksandr Mazurchak (First Vice President of the Mayors’ Club).
   The integrated modular unit purifies and delivers up to 2 cubic meters of drinking water per hour. Water is available free of charge to hospital patients and all city residents.

2. Joint efforts are already yielding real results on the ground.
Thanks to cooperation with the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, 540 elderly residents (80+) of Shevchenkivska community in Kupiansk district received essential food packages. Additionally, several dozen protective gear kits were provided for public utility workers, ensuring their safety on duty.

3. In March, volunteer fire brigades in Shevchenkivska community and the city of Chuhuiv received support in the form of fire extinguishers, hoses, helmets, and dozens of protective gear kits.

4. In early March, a working meeting was held between Halyna Minaieva (Head of Chuhuiv City Military Administration), Taras Ohiichuk (Director, Sprouts of Hope Foundation), Oleksandr Palamarchuk (President of the Charitable Foundation), and leaders of “Sprouts of Hope Ukraine”: Olena Makarova and Maryna Viktorivna Makarova. The discussion focused on constructive issues of future cooperation.

5. Later in March, assistance was provided to vulnerable groups in the Chuhuiv urban community.
More than 450 food packages were distributed to IDPs, low-income families, persons with disabilities, and the elderly.

6. In April, thanks to the support of Halyna Minaieva, toys, school supplies for a new underground school, and children’s footwear were delivered to the Chuhuiv community. Local fire departments also received critical firefighting equipment, including extinguishers, hoses, helmets, and specialized uniforms.

7. At the end of April, more than 500 food packages were distributed in the Rohanska community.
The aid targeted internally displaced persons, low-income residents, people with disabilities, and the elderly. Project assistant Sofia Torlontano from FONDAZIONE PROGETTO ARCA visited the community in person.

8. In 2024, a series of vibrant children’s festivals were held in Kharkiv, bringing joy and unforgettable experiences to local children and their families.
The events provided a platform for creativity, play, and connection — from arts and sports to science and games — making the summer and fall of 2024 especially enriching for Kharkiv’s youngest residents.

The joint efforts of charitable foundations, civil society organizations, and responsible businesses ensure comprehensive community support, addressing urgent needs and modernizing infrastructure to improve residents’ quality of life. A vital element is hosting children’s festivals that foster psychological recovery, socialization, and creative growth amid wartime conditions. By uniting our resources, we are working systemically toward Victory and the sustainable recovery of Ukraine.