Hope in Ukraine: A grandmother’s journey to support her grandson
The following story is shared by Andriy, a social worker at the SOS Children’s Villages mobile mental health clinic in Kharkiv.
Photo: Children proudly show the friendship bracelets they created, small symbols of connection and hope.
In the village of Kolomak, a grandmother is raising her 15-year-old grandson, Maksym*, on her own. She works as a cleaner while providing for his care and wellbeing. With a limited income and no additional support, the family faces ongoing financial strain.
Maksym was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which affects his concentration, emotional regulation, and interaction with others. Due to ongoing disruptions caused by the war, limited contact with other children his age had led to social withdrawal and greater difficulty in managing his emotions, including feeling frustrated, irritable, anxious, and overwhelmed.
To support Maksym’s wellbeing, he was enrolled in group activities organized by SOS Children’s Villages, focusing on psycho-emotional relief and the development of emotional intelligence. In a safe, structured environment, he gradually learned to express his emotions more effectively, follow group rules, and interact with others. Over time, his emotional stability improved, stress levels decreased, and he became more engaged.
The grandmother received individual consultations on child protection legislation, available social benefits, and state support for children with special educational needs. She also received guidance on caring for a child with ADHD and information on community and charitable resources that could help strengthen the family’s situation.
Due to the family’s financial hardship, humanitarian assistance was essential. SOS Children’s Villages provided them with food and essential non-food items such as clothing and bedding, helping to cover basic needs and reduce financial pressure. Beyond material support, this assistance reassured the family that they were not alone during a difficult period.
Through a combination of psychosocial support, practical family guidance, and humanitarian aid, the family was better able to stabilize their living situation. These measures helped improve Maksym’s emotional wellbeing and eased the daily burden on his grandmother.
Our impact
Since April 2024, with support from our partners, the Mobile Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Unit has been helping children and families in some of Ukraine’s hardest-hit areas recover and move forward. Here's how your support is making a difference:
3,080 people have received mental health and psychosocial support, including 2,295 children.
184 professionals, including teachers and social workers, were trained in trauma-informed care and MHPSS techniques, benefiting 4,578 people, 85% of whom are children.
1,434 individuals received emergency food and essential non-food items, helping families meet their basic needs.
- 97% of those receiving individual or group sessions reported improved emotional wellbeing after engaging with our trained support teams.
Learn more about SOS Children’s Villages’ work in Ukraine: Millions of children in Ukraine are still waiting for the promise of safety and stability
Why your support matters
Behind the statistics are real stories – stories of healing, strength, and hope for the recovery of children and families who have experienced the unimaginable.
Children affected by conflict, displacement, or natural disasters are not only living through disruption and danger; they are trying to heal from trauma, rebuild trust, and imagine a future shaped by safety and belonging. Every counselling session, group activity, hygiene kit, or warm meal is a step toward restoring stability and dignity.
You can help children and young people access the care they need to heal and grow. Your gift to the SOS MAYDAY Emergency Relief Fund enables us to respond quickly and effectively, wherever children need us most.
Together, we can help ensure that no child is left to face a crisis alone.
We thank the Canada-Ukraine Foundation, the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, and the Ptarmigan Charitable Foundation for their generous support.
*Name changed to protect privacy