"Everything turned upside down": the story of the Torokhov family
This is Valentyna and her husband, Volodymyr. They lived together in Ukraine for 46 years, built a home, raised their children, and worked hard—Valentyna in a factory and her husband in a coal mine. They loved gathering with friends, singing along to the music Volodymyr played on various instruments.
But war changed everything. Their hometown came under heavy shelling. Their house was left without windows or doors, and the roof was damaged. Life became a constant struggle—no water, no electricity, and explosions all around. “You stand in the middle of the night and don’t know what to do. Run? Or just wait?” Valentyna recalls with pain.
Fortunately, the couple found our Hope and Healing Center in Irpin for elderly and people with limited mobility. Here, they not only found shelter but also much-needed support. Today, they are learning to rebuild their lives, adapt to a new reality, and make plans for the future. You can learn more about their story in our video.
A heartfelt thank you to our partners, Aktion Deutschland Hilft and LandsAid, for supporting the project Support for the Elderly and People with Limited Mobility in Temporary Emergency Shelters “Hope and Healing.” Your support allows us to continue creating safe and comfortable conditions for those who need them most.
