Read how we’re helping families displaced by the war to find a new normal

[ [link removed] ]Mercy Corps

Dear friend,

This update is part of our ongoing series to help keep
you informed about Mercy Corps’ latest work in Ukraine. Since the start of
the conflict on February 24, the war has taken lives, torn families apart,
displaced more than 12 million people, and escalated the global hunger
crisis.

Mercy Corps is acting quickly to help meet the urgent needs of the
millions seeking refuge. We are supporting 40 local organizations that are
distributing food, water, medical supplies, and other essential items, and
providing critical services and shelter. Our local partners are deeply
aware of their communities’ needs. Together, we are building our capacity
to serve people displaced by the war.

Two-thirds of children in Ukraine are now displaced, either within Ukraine
or fleeing to nearby countries. Many children have woken to the sound of
an airstrike alert or witnessed the war’s destruction firsthand. Some have
been separated from one or both parents, grandparents, other family
members, and friends.

With our local partners, we’re offering supplies and services for children
such as clothing, diapers, temporary education, and counseling. One of our
local partners in Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine, set up a day care center for
children displaced by the war.

The center provides free care for children, ages 6-10, Monday through
Friday. It is an opportunity for children to play, learn, and have fun. It
also allows their parents to have time to access needed services and plan
for what comes next. It’s a bit of normal life for children and their
families during a time of intense unrest.


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The day starts with "gathering," a time when children settle in for the
day, sit in a circle, and participate in exercises. Marta, the director of
the day care, welcomes a child from her classroom with a hug.


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At the center, children participate in basic classes, arts and crafts,
learning games, trips to nearby parks and theaters, and more. Denys, a
teacher at the center, says "they are just children who love to play, to
run, to scream."


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The center provides lunch and snack times, which are also moments for
children to socialize and make new friends.


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Center teacher Denys helps a girl get ready to go outside to play. He says
his favorite part of the job is giving children support and attention
"...because that’s what they need. And, for the children who don’t have
their parents near them right now, it is important."



A gift
to Mercy Corps helps us to provide the urgent humanitarian aid needed
today — and the long-term support needed in the weeks and months ahead —
for families in crisis all over the world. As we stay the course to help
people heal and reestablish their lives, one of the best ways you can
continue to help is by starting a monthly donation to Mercy Corps. We call
our monthly givers our Partners In Possibility because your gifts help
families build toward brighter futures with new possibilities.

[ [link removed] ]Will you join us as a Partner In Possibility today?



[ [link removed] ]Give monthly [ [link removed] ]▸



Thank you for being part of our global community. Together, we are making
a difference for families in Ukraine and beyond.

Sincerely,

The Mercy Corps team

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