This project will help at least 20 veterans in Zhytomyr recover from the psychological impacts of war and adjust to civilian life. Over four months, they will attend individual and group sessions at the Resilience Center — a safe and inclusive space. The program will support veterans in building healthy coping strategies, improving emotional well-being, and restoring their ability to live fully within their community.

Problem: Since the beginning of 2022, due to Russia's unprovoked military aggression against Ukraine, more than one million Ukrainians have acquired veteran status. This has made the issue of restoring their psychological health and reintegration into society more urgent than ever. Participation in combat is almost always accompanied by intense stress, which can lead to PTSD and depression.

Without timely professional support, these consequences can complicate veterans’ adaptation to civilian life, affect their family relationships, employment, and overall well-being. The lack of a systemic approach to psychological support may result in serious social consequences, including increased isolation, conflict, and suicide risk among veterans.

Solution: Within the framework of the project, we will develop a 4-month course aimed at restoring the psychological well-being of veterans and supporting their reintegration into civilian life. The program will focus on improving communication with family members, addressing everyday challenges, returning to employment, and other aspects of social adaptation.

Your support will help us organize the course for 2 groups of veterans, which will include at least:

• 100 individual psychological consultations

• 32 group therapy sessions that combine different types of activities such as psychological group therapy, hippotherapy, therapeutic fishing, and other outdoor psychosocial practices

• 20 veterans who will receive essential psychological support and assistance

How the Funds Will Be Used: Funds will be used to provide psychological care for at least 20 veterans in Zhytomyr through a structured program at the Resilience Center. The program includes individual consultations and group therapy sessions in various formats, as well as ongoing support for reintegration into society. It will also partially cover administrative and coordination costs.

All financial transactions will be handled in partnership with the BGV Charity Fund, a registered Ukrainian nonprofit. BGV Charity Fund operates the Resilience Center and will serve as the official project implementer. Funds will be transferred directly to the organization, outside the GoFundMe platform, with transparent reporting in line with platform guidelines.

Geographical Focus and Partner Organization: All activities take place in Zhytomyr, a peaceful region of Ukraine that has become a refuge for internally displaced people and vulnerable groups. This initiative is not affiliated with hospitals or medical institutions — all support is delivered via the Resilience Center, part of the national mental health program "How Are You?" led by First Lady Olena Zelenska and implemented by the Ministry of Social Policy.

Expected Results: Our groups will support veterans in adapting to and reintegrating into civilian life. After completing the course, participants will be able to share the knowledge and support they have received with fellow veterans, helping them on their journey toward psychological recovery and social reintegration. This process will not only benefit each individual participant but will also create a multiplying effect, as veterans become a vital source of support for their fellow service members.

Be part of the change — support Ukrainian veterans today!