About Us

UCARE Inc.

UCARE Inc is a 1997 founded, 501(c)3 charity. Given the ongoing traumatic impact of the War in Ukraine, UCARE strives to create a hopeful future for orphaned children, IDP (internally displaced people), soldier’s children and those who have lost a parent/s due to the war. Our mission is to nurture the emotional and mental well-being of these vulnerable groups with a specific emphasis on girls and young women during these challenging times, recognizing that the wounds of war run deep. Mental health is crucial, especially in times of crisis, which is why we focus on equipping these young individuals with coping tools and self-care practices to help them heal and build mental resilience.

By empowering young women to discover their inner strength and transform pain into hope, we inspire a generation of future leaders ready to drive change and rebuild their communities. Together, we create a ripple effect of healing, strength, and empowerment—one resilient heart at a time.

MISSION

UCARE is dedicated to enrich the lives of vulnerable children and youth in Ukraine with hope, love and inspiration through impactful programs.

Our Story

UCARE (Ukrainian Children's Aid and Relief Effort) was founded in 1997, 501(c)3 charity. One of the founders - Vera Petrusha’s, journey of compassion began in 1995 with a transformative experience in the Carpathian Mountains. After being invited to participate in a camp for Ukrainian orphaned children organized by a Canadian charity, Vera was deeply moved by the vulnerability and needs of the children she met. These children, who often hid bread in their pockets and craved emotional support, left a lasting impression on her heart. Upon returning to the United States, Vera felt a compelling need to take action. She reached out to her family and friends, sharing her vision of creating an organization dedicated to providing aid and relief to Ukrainian children in need. With their support, UCARE was established, marking the beginning of a mission-driven by empathy and a commitment to making a difference.

In its early days, UCARE focused on collecting and sending containers filled with essential items such as clothing, shoes, hygiene products, and toys to orphanages across Ukraine. A dedicated team of volunteers ensured that these items reached their intended destinations, maintaining strict inventories and documentation to uphold transparency and accountability. As UCARE evolved, the organization adapted its strategies to better meet the changing needs and circumstances in Ukraine. By purchasing items locally, UCARE not only saved on transportation costs and avoided customs challenges but also supported the local Ukrainian economy and ensured that the specific needs of children were met.

Over the years, UCARE has expanded its initiatives to include educational programs, workshops, and therapeutic activities, all designed to empower and support Ukrainian children and youth.

Educational Programs: Recognizing the importance of education, UCARE offers scholarships and stipends to children aging out of the orphanage system, encouraging them to pursue further education in trade schools, colleges, or universities. The Student to Child program, although currently on hold due to the war, allowed scholarship recipients to visit orphanages and inspire older students to continue their studies.
Workshops and Camps: UCARE organizes workshops during visits to Ukraine, providing valuable information on crucial topics such as human trafficking, substance abuse, and STDs, budgeting, job searching etc. Additionally, summer and winter camps in the Carpathian Mountains offer children a chance to escape their daily challenges and enjoy a nurturing environment.
Art and mental Healing: Programs like "Hearts for Art," where children create artworks and heart pillows, and "Healing through Art," which provides structured art therapy led by psychologists, help children express their emotions and heal from trauma.

Our Response to the Crisis: Following the outbreak of war on February 24, 2022, UCARE initiated a Humanitarian Aid drive and expanded its programs to address the evolving needs and challenges faced within Ukraine.

VALUES

At UCARE, our core values serve as the foundation of our mission and guide our actions as we work to uplift vulnerable children in Ukraine:

Honesty: We believe in open communication and sincerity in all our interactions, ensuring that our stakeholders can trust our words and actions.
Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards, we are committed to doing what is right, even in challenging circumstances. We act with authenticity and steadfastness in our dedication to our mission.
Transparency: We prioritize clarity and openness, providing our donors and partners with clear information about our programs, financial practices, and decision-making processes.
Accountability: We take responsibility for our actions and decisions, holding ourselves accountable to those we serve and to our supporters. We continuously evaluate our efforts to improve and achieve meaningful impact.
Compassion: Driven by empathy and kindness, we strive to understand and support the unique needs of each child. Our compassion fuels our commitment to create a nurturing environment where every child feels valued and cared for.
Respect: We honor the dignity and individuality of each child and community we serve. We embrace diversity and foster an inclusive environment that recognizes and respects the unique backgrounds and experiences of all individuals.
Together, these values embody the spirit of UCARE, guiding us as we work to bring hope, love, and inspiration to the lives of vulnerable children in Ukraine.