“There Are More Kind People”: The Story of a Family Starting Life Anew

Iryna’s family from Mariinka in Donetsk region has been forced to move more than once. This time — from the Mezhivska community in Dnipropetrovsk region, where the front line is steadily approaching. Over the years of the full-scale war, the woman and her two sons have had to set up a new home for the sixth time.

“We were evacuating with the military. We already have experience — we packed quickly and took only the essentials. But we are very grateful to the kind people who did not abandon us and passed us into other caring hands — to the transit center in Pavlohrad. There I met such compassionate people that hope returned to me. There are more kind people! We were welcomed so warmly — everything was so organized, professional, without unnecessary questions, yet at the same time so comforting that we immediately calmed down. We understood that everything would be fine,” says Iryna Serhiivna.

After arrival, the family was provided with everything they needed: food parcels for the first months, bedding, and hygiene items.

“They provided us with everything we needed at the beginning. But the most important thing for us is the kind attitude and support of everyone who works at the center. That is when you find the strength to start everything over again,” Iryna shares.

The woman was promptly assisted in registering for cash assistance, which she has already received. This allows her to have her own funds while she looks for a job in a new place. Iryna is a qualified pastry chef with extensive experience and is confident that she will not be left without work.

She has now found a small but cozy private house. The family is preparing for the cold season: stocking up on firewood and planning to buy warm clothes for the sons. The children are growing quickly, so taking old clothes with them made no sense. That is why the cash assistance from Mercy Corps will be an important support for Iryna to get through the winter without unnecessary risks.

“My younger son is 9 years old, he is in the fourth grade. It is good that our Mariinka school continues to teach children remotely — so even in these conditions he can continue his education. My older son is 17. During the years of war, he completed nine grades and enrolled in the Mezhivka vocational school, specializing as a tractor driver-mechanic. Life goes on, even though sometimes you have to start it all over again. But when there is such support, we do not lose faith that everything will be fine,” Iryna adds.

The NGO “Responsible Citizens,” in partnership with Mercy Corps Ukraine and with the financial support of the Government of the United Kingdom, continues its work in transit centers for internally displaced people.

Our work in such centers is real support for people who are forced to seek a safer place for themselves and their loved ones.