Hello everyone! I am Sr. Oksana, a Canossian. I come from Ukraine. I would like to share my joy in knowing that in this time of great difficulty and trial for my people, there is a safe place for many refugees and people who are suffering and have to face great difficulties.
In the spring of 2022, a new page in the history of our ministry was opened in our house in Vinnytsya. It began to function as a social centre and a refugee home. In collaboration with the association Caritas-Spes, numerous initiatives have been launched to support refugees and residents, offering humanitarian aid, food and spiritual assistance. Currently, the centre hosts 85 people who have no place to go and 25 students who actively participate in the community. Through educational and social activities, the centre aims to support and recover the dignity of people affected by the war.
For children, the centre organizes workshops, spiritual meetings, trips and weekly activities to make them relax and feel safe. Thanks to the contribution of volunteers and benefactors, all activities are free of charge.
During the summer of 2023-2024, 300 children participated in day camps, which were an important opportunity for socialization. In addition, the centre provides a safe haven for children during air raids, including those who attend the nearby kindergarten.
Adults can participate in psychological support groups, social meetings such as “let’s have a coffee together”, workshops and formative activities, in a friendly and inclusive environment. The centre provides essential items such as food, hygiene products, vouchers for the purchase of medicines and financial support.
There is a social laundry and hairdresser to help people in need maintain cleanliness and a tidy appearance, preserving their dignity.
In the centre’s chapel, in addition to Mass, we host spiritual meetings and retreat days for volunteers, guests and anyone who wants to get closer to God.
A beautiful and fundamental thing that the house wants to offer these people is to create a supportive community, promoting socialization, education and inclusion through activities for children and adults, ensuring that everyone, even in times of war, can feel welcomed and supported, offering hope and support in a time of great distress.
I am grateful to God for this reality and to all the people who are involved in this Mission. Let us continue to pray for the peace, so longed-for and desired.
Sr. Oksana Pyatkovska