The first project of CF "NEW BEGINNING" – Machine-Building Lyceum No. 5

"Christian House": how the 22-year history of helping boarding school graduates began
In June 2003, renovation began in a dormitory block of the Machine-Building Lyceum No. 5 (Uzhhorod) as part of a pilot project for the socialization and adaptation of graduates of auxiliary boarding schools. The initiative was supported by international organizations: Airo Ministries (USA), ChildAid EE (UK), DORCAS AID INTERNATIONAL (Netherlands), the local Christian Methodist Church, and activist Zita Istvanivna Batori-Tartsi (public figure and lecturer at UzhNU).
Training and first resultsOn September 1, 2003, 12 boarding school graduates began studying a special one-year program to become interior painters. Those who did not pass the selection for the lyceum were placed with master craftsmen for individual training. The boys lived in the dormitory with educators and called their block "Christian House". A year later, all graduates received certificates and guarantees of employment at their places of residence.
Second stage: "Transition" programIn September 2004, the "Transition" support program started: 9 out of 12 graduates returned to their hometowns, where, by law, they were to receive housing and their first job. The project team involved local Christian communities in support.
In total, 24 young men underwent training at the lyceum over 2 years. The project was closed due to the re-profiling of the educational institution, but its idea was transferred to Mukachevo (Vocational School No. 15), where it is still being implemented in the "LYCEUM" program.
Faith that unitesFor 22 years, key partners have remained ChildAid EE (UK) and DORCAS AID INTERNATIONAL (Netherlands). Their support helps change the destinies of young people who need support the most.

Project "LYCEUM" – Professional Lyceum of Service Sector No. 15, later No. 8, now – State Educational Institution "Mukachevo Lyceum of Service Sector" (SEI "MLSS")

In June 2005, renovation began in a dormitory block of Lyceum No. 15 (Uzhhorod) as part of a project for the socialization and adaptation of boarding school graduates. The initiative was supported by international organizations: Airo Ministries (USA), ChildAid EE (UK), DORCAS AID INTERNATIONAL (Netherlands), and the local Christian Evangelical Church.
InvitationIn May 2005, thanks to the successful results in Uzhhorod, our team was invited to scale this experience at a professional lyceum. Our methodology received high praise from educators in the region, which allowed us to conclude an official cooperation agreement. On the basis of the allocated dormitory block, we launched a comprehensive support program that helped dozens of boarding school graduates not only adapt to their studies but also successfully begin independent professional lives, avoiding social isolation.
From wasteland to home: how we build the future togetherThis premises stood empty for years while boarding school graduates desperately needed comfort and safety. We decided to change that — not just through renovation, but through a common cause.
Transformation of space and personalityTogether with the teenagers, step by step, we cleaned, painted, and arranged every corner. The joint work brought an incredible result: a sense of belonging changed the children. The level of tension disappeared, giving way to responsibility and mutual respect. The space they created could finally be confidently called home.
Mentoring and supportToday, in this block, teenagers learn the most important thing — to live independently and believe in their own strength. Their reliable guides into adult life are:
- teachers and psychologists;- social workers;- our foundation's team and Lyceum specialists.
These are people full of strength of spirit and love who help every child successfully adapt to the adult world.Faith that unitesFor 22 years, ChildAid EE (UK) has remained a key partner. This support helps change the destinies of young people who need support the most.

BATYEVO – PAVLOVO

"First Home: the story of saving girls from Batyevo"
In the summer of 2003, the couple Ihor and Oleksandra Matviyuk, at the direction of the Uzhhorod Narcological Dispensary, began visiting the Center for Medical and Social Rehabilitation of Minors in the village of Batyevo. There they met a group of anxious and confused graduates of auxiliary boarding schools. The center's director explained: the boys and girls had already reached adulthood, but had nowhere to go.
An idea that changed destiniesThe couple shared the situation with friends — Dale and Janice Marcum (missionaries of Airo Ministries, USA). Among the volunteer doctors in the group, there was a response: surgeon Enrique de la Pedro offered to buy a house for the girls. By the end of October 2003, a house in the village of Pavlovo had already been purchased. Thanks to the support of DORCAS AID INTERNATIONAL (Netherlands), it was furnished with furniture, appliances and necessary equipment.
"House in Pavlovo": the beginningParallel to the project at Machine-Building Lyceum No. 5, a second initiative started — "House in Pavlovo". A key moment was meeting the family of Vasyl and Maria Lutsyo and Lyudmyla Shubina — Christians who agreed to care for the girls. The local Evangelical Church also joined in support.
In December 2003, the first girls from Batyevo moved into their new home. Maria and Vasya created a team of like-minded people, and Enrique's family took on financial support. God blessed this project with a sponsor and a vision of its own.
A living legacyIn August 2004, the house with land and all commitments was officially transferred to the Lutsyo family. The project became independent. We maintain good friendly relations.
The family of Vasyl and Maria Lutsyo still takes care of children — over 20 years they have welcomed dozens of those in need. Enrique's family continues its financial support.

Project "TRANSITION": how boarding school graduates found their way

In September 2004, we launched the "Transition" program to help 9 out of 12 boarding school graduates adapt in different parts of Zakarpattia. The idea was simple but effective: small groups (2-4 people) lived in rented apartments with the support of social workers and psychologists; support from local communities: churches and families became a backbone for the boys; help with employment and daily life.
We implemented 5 such projects. Here are their stories:
Chaslivtsi villageIhor and Stepan found a new family with Sister Rita (New Testament Church, Uzhhorod). Both worked as laborers at a food supply base. Today they are independent, socialized, and have stable lives.
Vynohradiv townOtylo became a painter on a construction crew, while Beylo took care of goats. They were supported by the evangelical community of Berehove. Both are fully adapted.
Vynohradiv townBorys works on a road crew. Thanks to sponsors from the Netherlands, he received his own one-room apartment. He is supported by the local church.
Uzhhorod townVasya returned to his biological family. Despite difficult conditions, he found harmony in the Roma community and lives independently.
Mukachevo townVitaliy, Ivan and Ištvan lived in a rented apartment, working at a construction warehouse. Today:
- Vitaliy – independent.- Ivan (loader at a store) and Ištvan (cleaner at a motor depot, has a disability) are learning to manage finances with the support of a social worker from the "New Beginning" foundation. They are cared for by Christians from local Evangelical Churches. The boys are adapted, socialized, and despite their conditions, they are not a burden to anyone; they live full lives. Their friends and relatives have become practically family to Ivan and Ištvan.
PresentIn 2024, the program continues only in Mukachevo, where two graduates with disabilities live under the foundation's care. Their story is proof that socialization is possible even in difficult circumstances.
These stories share one thing: each of these people found support, work, and meaning in life thanks to the joint efforts of the community, churches, and benefactors.

Project "SOCIAL APARTMENT – GIRLS"

Social adaptation projects and support from German friends
In September 2004, the "Social Apartment – Girls" project started in Mukachevo. It involved four female residents of the Center for Medical and Social Rehabilitation of Minors in the village of Batyevo — graduates of the Domboky boarding school. The project was supported by the Christian community CHHD from Deggendorf, Germany. The girls were cared for by educators from the Evangelical Church of Mukachevo. Ahitsa, Lisa, Olenka, and Vasylyna trained at a knitwear factory under the Employment Center program, and after completing their training, they tried their hand at this profession.
In June 2005, the apartment had to be vacated due to the expiration of the lease. But we received an unexpected solution: the CHHD team offered to move to the village of Rakoshyno, where a house had been renovated for future projects. Thus began a new stage — the "Transition" project.
For a year, the girls lived in the village: they worked in the garden, raised rabbits, and worked at local agricultural firms. They were accompanied by social workers and educators. By the end of the project, the girls were already 20 years old, and they were able to start independent lives using the experience they had gained. The house in Rakoshyno was transferred to a family-type children's home for a family from eastern Ukraine raising children with disabilities.
Second step: socialization through living in small groupsThe idea of the project was for groups of boarding school graduates (2–4 people) to live in rented apartments under the supervision of social workers and psychologists. Since 2004, we have implemented 6 such projects in the region. Only one is still active today — in Mukachevo, where two men with disabilities, graduates of our adaptation program, live. They are supported by the "New Beginning" Charitable Foundation.
Long-standing friendship with the German communityIn 2005, a group of German young people with older Christians came to Mukachevo to serve at the local Evangelical Church. It was then that I met an incredible woman — Michaela Wutz, who first arrived in Ukraine with her little son Johannes in her arms. Her heart was full of love for our country, and later Johannes continued his mother's work.
To this day, Michaela organizes annual trips of the German team to Zakarpattia. They hold holiday programs (Christmas, Easter), provide humanitarian and financial aid, bring food, hygiene products, and gifts for children.
The Christian community CHHD (Germany), where Pastor Kostas Vlichinis serves, are our faithful friends who have been supporting the projects of the "New Beginning" Charitable Foundation for over 20 years. In partnership with Royal Rangers Deutschland, they annually organize Christmas charity events for Ukrainian families.

Program "BOARDING SCHOOLS"

Projects supporting children in Mukachevo: from boarding school to families
In September 2005, we launched a program to prevent risky behavior among teenagers in three boarding schools of Zakarpattia: the state boarding school in Perchyn, the auxiliary boarding school in Chaslivtsi, and the municipal boarding school in Mukachevo. Later it became clear that the needs were greatest at the Mukachevo boarding school, so from 2006 we focused on this institution, although we periodically visited Perchyn as well.
Cooperation that bears fruitThe school director, Yuriy Illich Holish, is a person with a big heart who wanted better for his students. Our joint work produced good results. Thanks to the support of the international foundation DORCAS AID INTERNATIONAL ZAKARPATTYA, we were able to:
- make new furniture for the younger students' bedrooms (beds and wardrobes);- equip a shower cabin and hygiene room;- renovate the workroom and playroom;- provide children with stationery, clothes, shoes, and New Year's gifts.
In addition to material aid, we organized for children:- creative, sports, and English language activities;- lessons in independence;- programs for preventing risky behavior.
The brightest reward – summer vacation in Hungary
Every year, 25 best students of the boarding school received vouchers to a summer camp in Hungary, held on the campus of "DORCAS AID INTERNATIONAL Hungary". For three weeks, children:- relaxed in a nature reserve;- went on excursions, visited a water park and mineral pool;- took part in the European "Flower Festival".
This was not just a vacation — the children received respect, developed skills, broadened their horizons, and felt unconditional love.
Prevention of social orphanhoodSince many of the students' parents had not yet been deprived of parental rights, we launched a program to work with families, most of which lived in the social dormitory of Mukachevo. In 2012, the boarding school was closed by a decision of the city council, and the children returned to their families. We continued to support them within the framework of another project.
P.S. This story is an example of how systematic help and cooperation can change children's lives for the better. This program was continued in another program – "Golden Grain" (3170).

ASIDS "GOLDEN GRAIN"
"FUTURE FOR CHILDREN" program (3170)

"Golden Grain" program: supporting families in difficult life circumstances
In 2008, we launched the ASIDS "Golden Grain" program in the social dormitory of Mukachevo for children and their parents. This initiative, implemented together with the international foundation DORCAS AID INTERNATIONAL ZAKARPATTYA, became part of the large-scale "Future for Children" project (ID 3170), aimed at:- preventing social orphanhood;- supporting families in difficult life circumstances (DLC).
Two-pronged assistanceThe program has two main directions:- After-school intellectual development sections (ASIDS) for children- Parent support: care, relationships, meetings, visits, seminars, home groups.
From dormitory to own spaceAfter the closure of the Mukachevo boarding school in 2014, many children returned to their families, who needed further support. The city authorities met us halfway by providing free of charge premises on the first floor of the dormitory.
Thanks to the efforts of the team, volunteers, and partner DORCAS AID INTERNATIONAL ZAKARPATTYA:- repairs were carried out (dividing the premises, insulating the floor);- school furniture was received from the foundation (desks, chairs, blackboard, and other classroom furniture).
In 2020, with the support of public figure Svitlana Samoylyuk and the Lviv Educational Foundation (project "Building Ukraine Together" – "BUT"), a cosmetic renovation of the premises was carried out.
A space for learning and developmentFor the residents of the dormitory, where families live in cramped rooms, this center became:- a place to do homework;- a venue for developmental activities and games;- a center for celebrations (birthdays, holidays);- a base for social and household initiatives (territory cleanup, cultural outings – to the theater, park, arboretum).
Expanding the geography of helpLater, children from other DLC families in the city joined the program. For them, in 2022, an additional venue was opened at the "Center of Community and National Cultures" with the support of the Mukachevo City Council.
Long-term supportFor years, the program has been supported by the German organization CHHD in partnership with Royal Rangers Deutschland, which annually organize Christmas charity events with gifts for children and material support for families.
The "Golden Grain" program continues its work, providing support for more than 15 years.

Project "GOLDEN AGE"

The "GOLDEN AGE" project is a volunteer program of support and assistance for elderly people living in the Territorial Center of Social Services (Provision of Social Services) of Berehove City Council.
The main goal of the program is material, physical, and spiritual support for elderly people in this facility.
Throughout the program's existence, we had the honor of serving these dear people. Ihor Matviyuk especially distinguished himself, opening his heart to every resident. Their simple yet profound life stories inspired us to always keep our hands open to help.
Over the years of the program:
- Renovations were carried out in the residents' rooms.- Adult diapers, changing pads, medicines, vegetables, fruits and other necessary items were regularly purchased.- Visits with children who joined in helping were organized: cleaning the territory, painting the fence, talking with residents.- Concerts and holiday events were held. During the Christmas period, the facility was visited by a team from CHHD in partnership with Royal Rangers Deutschland (Germany) with a program and gifts (food packages, detergents, household chemicals).
We saw the residents' eyes fill with joy whenever our team appeared at the door. Throughout the entire time, we worked closely with the head of the facility, Tetyana Veresh, who informed us of the needs, and we found sponsors to cover them.
"Elderly people, like children, need special attention and care" – this principle became the basis of our work.
Activities in 2023-2024 included using the accumulated experience for further support.
Program sponsors:
- Humanitarian aid (diapers, mattresses, pillows, bed linen, clothes and shoes), food packages, detergents – CHHD, CCO (Germany).
- Renovation of premises, food products, diapers – Our Father's House Church (USA).
- Volunteers from Mukachevo and Berehove, the family of Ihor and Oleksandra Matviyuk.
Long-term partners:German organization CHHD, CCO, and Royal Rangers Deutschland, who annually organize Christmas charity events with gifts for the residents.
The "GOLDEN AGE" program operated for more than 15 years, bringing warmth and support to those who need it most. However, using the experience of this program, we continued it in another project.

Project "2022 – DISPLACED PERSONS"

Pilot MHPSS project "Psychological Assistance for IDP Families" (1385)
Goal: Providing comprehensive psychosocial support and humanitarian aid to families of forcibly displaced persons (IDPs) who moved to Zakarpattia region from the eastern and other affected regions of Ukraine due to the war.
Implementation period: 3 months (pilot mode).Location: Mukachevo, Berehove, Zakarpattia region.
At the beginning of the full-scale invasion, thousands of people in shock passed through Zakarpattia, fleeing the war. Many of them needed not only physical protection but also urgent psychological support. This pilot project was one of the first responses to these critical needs.
We worked with families who had lost peaceful lives, jobs, homes, and often loved ones. Our main goal was to provide warmth, acceptance, and a safe space where everyone would be heard and supported.
For three months, we not only provided primary psychological aid but also addressed basic humanitarian needs, which is an important part of psychological stabilization in crisis conditions.
Main areas of work:- Psychological and emotional support: individual and group consultations, creating a safe environment to express experiences, overcoming acute stress and trauma.- Humanitarian aid: providing essentials for life — food packages, hygiene products, clothes, shoes, bed linen, blankets, pillows, dishes.
The project allowed us to clearly identify needs and effective models of help for people in crisis, which became the foundation for subsequent programs.
Significance of the project: This pilot became a training ground and a solid foundation. The refined mechanisms, gained vision, and community trust allowed us to develop and scale up assistance not only for IDPs but also for families with children in difficult life circumstances (DLC) in Zakarpattia region.
We sincerely thank our donor partners, without whom this work would have been impossible:
DORCAS AID INTERNATIONAL ZAKARPATTYA (Netherlands) – financial support of the project.Sbor Církve bratrské v Husinci – humanitarian aid and food products.Charitable Foundation "New Ukraine" – food packages.ChildAid (UK) – food packages.CHHD, CCO (Germany) – humanitarian aid, food packages, detergents and household chemicals.CF "Living Water Zakarpattia" – detergents and hygiene products.
The project has been completed. The experience gained has been successfully integrated into our current assistance programs.
ATTENTION! THIS PAGE IS STILL BEING UPDATED! THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE!

Project "EMERGENCY RESPONSE"

Project "EMERGENCY RESPONSE" (1394) Humanitarian support and integration of IDP families in Zakarpattia – provided comprehensive humanitarian and psychosocial support to families of forcibly displaced persons from affected regions of Ukraine who found shelter in Zakarpattia region. The program also helped local families who found themselves in difficult life circumstances.
The experience of our pilot psychosocial support (MHPSS) program showed that many people were frightened by direct "psychological aid". Therefore, we chose a path of indirect integration.
Children's clubs became our main tool. We created groups for children aged 3 to 15. This was a safe environment for communication, games, and creativity.
Mutual support groups for adults: In parallel, during children's activities, we invited parents (mostly mothers and grandmothers) to "peer-to-peer" support groups. There they could talk, share experiences, and build new social connections.
Individual assistance: For more complex cases, we provided individual psychological consultations for both children and adults.
Key activities and results:
Success through children: Children's clubs allowed us to achieve about 90% success in stabilizing, adapting, and socializing children, and through their improved condition – also adults.
Social integration: We organized quality day camps and excursions around Zakarpattia for children and teenagers. This helped displaced people from the East get to know the culture, traditions, and beauty of their new region, promoting community cohesion.
Humanitarian and practical aid: Humanitarian aid (food, hygiene products, clothing) and case management were vital tools for families torn from their usual way of life. This support helped them "recover" and focus on the future.
Project summary: Thanks to an integrated approach, we managed to help about 90% of families stabilize their condition, adapt to new living conditions, and successfully socialize in Zakarpattia.
This success would have been impossible without the support of our partners. We sincerely thank each organization:
DORCAS AID INTERNATIONAL ZAKARPATTYA (Netherlands) – for financial support of the program.Sbor Církve bratrské v Husinci – for humanitarian aid and food products.Charitable Foundation "New Ukraine" – for food packages.ChildAid (UK) – for food packages.CHHD, CCO (Germany) – for humanitarian aid, food packages, detergents and household chemicals.CF "Living Water Zakarpattia" – for detergents and hygiene products."People in Need Slovakia" – for new clothes and shoes.ROMT "Light in the East" – for children's Christian literature.
Together we provide not only help but also hope and support in a new life.

Project "MHPSS – IMPROVING WELL-BEING AND RESILIENCE OF PEOPLE IN ZAKARPATTIA"

Project "MHPSS in Zakarpattia for IDPs and residents of Zakarpattia affected by the war" (UKR 1486)
This is a program of humanitarian and psychosocial assistance, support, socialization, and integration for:
families of forcibly displaced persons (IDPs) who moved to Zakarpattia region from regions affected by the full-scale war;
local families of Zakarpattia who have found themselves in difficult life circumstances (DLC).
Context and challenges:The war dealt blows not only to displaced persons but also to indigenous residents of the region. The massive influx of IDPs exacerbated the employment problem in a region that had limited job openings even before the war. Traditionally, family support here often depended on migrant workers abroad. With the start of the invasion, many men, the main breadwinners, went to the front or were mobilized into the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Target groups of the projectIn addition to IDP families and local DLC families, the project also focused on critically vulnerable categories that needed specialized support:
- families of fallen and missing military personnel;- families of veterans who returned with injuries;- families facing crisis due to divorce after the military's return.
MHPSS as a key toolPsychosocial support (MHPSS) became the main tool of help for many families in difficult life circumstances, providing necessary stability, resources for adaptation, and a path to recovery. Charitable humanitarian aid was an important part of helping families.
The project's implementation was possible thanks to the support of our partners:
DORCAS AID INTERNATIONAL ZAKARPATTYA (Netherlands) – general project support.ChildAid (UK) – food packages.CHHD, CCO (Germany) – humanitarian aid, food packages, detergents and household chemicals.CF "Dreamers of Ukraine" – new clothes and shoes, stationery for children, transport support."Sign of Hope" (Germany) – financial aid for pensioners, stationery for children.ROMT "Light in the East" – children's Christian literature.
Together, we provide not only assistance but also restore community resilience in the hardest of times.

Project "EXPANSION OF MHPSS IN ZAKARPATTIA FOR NEW IDPs, VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES, AS WELL AS RESIDENTS OF ZAKARPATTIA AFFECTED BY THE WAR" (UKR 1792)

Goal: Provision of comprehensive humanitarian, psychological support and social integration for:- families of IDPs (internally displaced persons) from combat zones;- veterans and their families;- residents of Zakarpattia affected by the consequences of the war.
What this project is aboutWar leaves deep scars not only in terms of loss and displacement but also in the psycho-emotional state of people. Many families need not only humanitarian aid but also support, understanding, and systematic accompaniment.
Project 1792 was created as a response to these needs — so that people would not be left alone with their difficulties.
How we workIn our work, we combined social accompaniment and psychological assistance, allowing us to address a person's needs comprehensively.
Work formats:
- individual and group psychological consultations;- primary and follow-up case management;- home and field visits;- monitoring family needs;- provision of humanitarian aid (food, hygiene products, medicines, children's goods);- cooperation with communities, CNAP (administrative service centers), and social services.
Throughout the year, the team worked in communities of Zakarpattia region, including: Mukachevo, Berehove, Vynohradiv, Korolevo, Koson, Velyki Luchky, Ardanovo, Bilky, Irmostychevo, Batyevo, and other settlements.
Our results:During the project's implementation:
- hundreds of people received psychological and social support- dozens of complex cases were accompanied (including families of military personnel);- humanitarian aid was provided to families in need;- partnerships with communities and social structures were established;- people's trust in systematic assistance was strengthened.
Our precious friends – donors:DORCAS AID INTERNATIONAL ZAKARPATTYA (Netherlands)Food packages – ChildAid (UK)Humanitarian aid, food packages, detergents and household chemicals – German organization CHHD, CCO, and Royal Rangers Deutschland.
For us, the result is not only numbers but real changes in people's lives: reduced anxiety, stabilization of condition, restoration of faith in the future.