In the heart of Ukraine, HelpAge USA is making a profound impact through its support of four Community Safe Spaces in Lviv, Novoyavorivsk, Sambir, and Drohobych. These safe havens offer older adults a place to connect with others, take classes, access healthcare services, and more.
The following stories from some of our HelpAge Community Safe Space participants are a testament to the resilience of older people and the crucial role of community support in fostering their well-being and independence.
"Digital literacy makes me more self-sufficient"
Over the past month, the four Community Safe Spaces in Lviv, Novoyavorivsk, Sambir, and Drohobych, which are supported by HelpAge USA, have been hosting various activities for older people, keeping them active, socially engaged, and psychologically resilient.
88-year-old Olena had to flee from her native town in March 2022, finding shelter in Novoyavorivsk in western Ukraine. She is an active participant of a digital literacy training at the Community Safe Space there.
Through the training, older people learn how to use smartphones and computers to look up information on internet, stay in touch with loves ones, and use online banking. This not only helps them integrate socially but also gives them a sense of independence and confidence.
“I really like these classes. They make me more self-sufficient,” Olena says.
Revival through support
Halyna, 70, has lived through the horror of war twice: in 2014, when her village in the Luhansk region was on the frontline, and in 2022, when she had to leave home for good. During one of her several displacements, Halyna injured her leg and now lives with a prosthetic hip joint.
Having lost everything, including her home and business, she has been living in Lviv for almost three years. “To keep my peace of mind, I try not to think about the past,” she says.
Thanks to psychosocial support she receives at one of the Community Safe Spaces supported by HelpAge USA, Halyna was able to overcome her emotional distress and find new friends. She is actively engaged in fitness, painting, and socializing with other older people.
“It has brought back joy to my life!” Halyna says.
