Last week, Save Ukraine welcomed representatives of the U.S. State Department to our Hope and Healing Center in Irpin.

A U.S. State Department visit to Save Ukraine’s center in Irpin — where children are protected, families are restored, and communities grow stronger. The visit focused on how community-based, faith-driven initiatives can deliver effective, scalable solutions for children affected by war.

Our team presented a pilot model that brings together rescue operations, family reunification, trauma-informed care, and long-term rehabilitation — implemented in close coordination with local authorities and aligned with international child protection standards. In this model, local churches serve as trusted partners, strengthening communities and supporting post-war recovery.

We are grateful to Riley Barnes, Vincent Young, and Chris Anderson for their time, attention, and meaningful engagement with our work on the ground. Thank you for the opportunity for direct dialogue and their interest in practical approaches to protecting children and restoring Ukrainian families.