City of Goodness during the war
During the war, more and more Ukrainian families need our help every day. Our shelter for mothers with children has grown and become a refuge for those whose homes were destroyed by enemy missiles; a medical centre for children who were left without vital medical care; and a new family for anyone who has found themselves alone.
Almost 300 women and children are currently living in the shelter. Many of them are children and staff from three orphanages who were evacuated to us from dangerous regions almost 2 years ago. We prepared for their arrival as quickly and responsibly as possible.
Our shelter has all the security conditions required during the war. All our buildings are built to meet the necessary standards. The premises are durable and reliable, and during every air raid, our residents go to specially equipped bomb shelters.
In times of war, the City of Goodness has become a place of safety, support and development. We pay special attention to the education of our wards, because now, as never before, Ukrainian students lack quality education. Evacuated children are studying remotely or have lost contact with their school. Many of them now need additional classes and supplementary learning spaces. Educational opportunities are the foundation upon which the future relies. We are developing and reinforcing this foundation.
The City of Goodness is continuously growing. In November 2023, we opened a hospice and rehabilitation center. Now, families with critically ill children affected by the war have a place where they can receive life-saving treatment, round-the-clock medical care and psychological support free of charge. This unique centre in Ukraine runs solely on donations and operates without government funding.
Animals have also suffered tremendously during military operations. Some suffer because of shelling, others because of evacuation and irresponsible owners. Many people leaving the country left their dogs to fend for themselves right at the border. Cold and hungry, we picked them up on highways, in thickets and abandoned barns. This is how Khvostyky (eng: Tails) animal shelter appeared in the City of Goodness. Our four-legged wards receive the necessary veterinary care, they are sterilized, vaccinated and looking for new loving families who will not betray them again.
The City of Goodness has become a space of comprehensive support in times of war. Every day, despite the air raid sirens, we remain on the defence of Ukrainian families. It’s not just about feeding, treating and sheltering, it’s about sharing love and giving children back their childhood.
Safety measures for children in the City of Goodness
The safety of children in the City of Goodness is a priority, especially in times of war. The following measures have been implemented to ensure the protection of all residents:
- Bomb shelters: There are 3 bomb shelters in the City of Goodness that were built during the war. They are located directly in the buildings where the children and their guardians live, which allows for quick evacuation in case of air raids or other threats.
- Round-the-clock security: The shelter has round-the-clock security guards to ensure the safety of all residents. The guards control access to the territory and keep order.
- Alert system: A modern warning system has been installed that promptly informs about any dangers, such as air raids or other military threats. This allows for a timely response and evacuation of children to bomb shelters.
- Psychological support: In addition to physical security, qualified psychologists are on site to help children experiencing stress or anxiety due to the fighting. Psychological support is an integral part of security measures, as it allows children to cope with their experiences and adapt to new conditions.
- Regular training: Regular evacuation drills are conducted to ensure that children and staff are prepared to act in the event of an emergency. These drills include rapid evacuation to bomb shelters, fire drills and other potential threats.
These measures help to ensure that the children and other residents of the City of Goodness are as safe as possible in the face of constant threats.