Creative art in Kraków.
Dana and I are at the DFW airport waiting for our next flight to Brazil, and while waiting, I wanted to send an update on our progress in Poland. This week at the community center is focusing on the mind and spirits of Ukrainian women and children. Helping them heal from the trauma of the war is essential for them to move forward successfully. The first workshop, called “speaking club,” will be offered every Wednesday for moms and grandmas. It’s a class for personal growth and a place for women to connect with others. The topic of the first class was motivation and the importance of setting goals and being motivated to achieve them.
This week was the first English language class for children and teens and art therapy classes for children. The first therapy class was yesterday, with thirty-eight children attending. Overall, 385 people have registered for art therapy, including 168 children. Through the art of creativity, children deal with the trauma of war, leaving their dads, uncles, brothers, and homes. Art therapy helps with healing and teaches them resiliency in a safe environment while having fun.
English language class for children and teens.
Charming birds from the children in art therapy! Look at the smiles and joy in the eyes of the children!
Psychotherapy services began at the Psychotherapeutic Integration Center. There are group therapy and one-on-one and group therapy sessions offered. The sessions are filling up, and online therapy is being discussed. Psychological support is a top priority for URI and our partners. We will continue to find ways to help our Ukrainians heal and move forward to a safe and healthy future.
During the summer, women and children attend workshops/art classes. It keeps them busy, gives them connections, and it’s fun! Win, win, win! Their latest art project is making little dolls and sending them to the front line. It amazes me how Ukrainian women and children want to do their part to help others. They look past their own suffering and give to others. I believe it’s all part of their healing process…to bring joy to someone else and to be grateful for what they have. Their resilience during their own trauma is truly astounding. We can learn from the strength of the Ukrainian people.
Making dolls for the front line.
Meanwhile, donations come in from many organizations to help with the daycare needs and the food and clothing pantry. We are grateful to everyone that contributes because it takes a village to support this crucial humanitarian effort.
Donations continue to arrive for the community center in Kraków.
Thank you all for your donations to help these innocent people relocate to their new country. Where they feel like they belong in a safe society that has welcomed them with open arms. If their plight speaks to you, will you please consider another donation for psychotherapy to help them heal? It takes us all to give from our hearts so others can heal. Thank you so much. Be positive and stay safe.
Freedom is possible!
Much love,
Cindy and Dana
HOW TO MAKE FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE UKRAINIAN RELIEF INITIATIVE
All contributions are fully tax-deductible through HCC, our registered 501(c)(3) passthrough charity.
TO CONTRIBUTE BY CHECK:
Make your check payable to **Hispanic Community Council** – (VERY IMPORTANT: not to Ukraine Relief Initiative) and send it to the following address:
HCC – URI
c/o John Kersey
208 Liberty Street
Warren, PA 16365
Please indicate “Ukrainian Relief Initiative” in the check memo and include a note with your contact info (address, phone, email).
TO CONTRIBUTE ELECTRONICALLY BY PAYPAL:
Use this link: https://www.paypal.com/
In the memo, please include your name, address, phone #, and email so we can process your tax receipt.