Project details
Europe
Ukraine
Insertion > The Emmaüs Center in Lviv
Activities
Foundation ImpactHope is subsidizing and assisting with:
A program in which individual pastoral direction is provided by a priest.
Two training programs for volunteers and professionals, and one program training pastors.
Retreats for volunteers, the disabled and their families.
Programs for the Disabled at the Catholic University of the Ukraine by involving two people in certain presentations and courses.
Production of seven presentations aimed at raising awareness of mental disability amongst Orthodox and Roman Catholics.
Publishing of a bi-monthly magazine with a circulation of 1500.
Improvement of the websites of several Ukrainian charitable organizations.
Direct Beneficiaries
More than 250 people with disabilities and their families. Over 300 people providing services to people with mental disabilities.
More than 250 people with disabilities and their families. Over 300 people providing services to people with mental disabilities.
Indirect Beneficiaries
Service personnel and visitors at the Ukrainian Catholic University. Everyone at the University is involved, as services have begun to be implemented there that benefit the disabled.
CONTEXT
Since the breakup of the Soviet Union led to the independence of the Ukraine, much progress has been made. The handicapped, who previously had often been rejected, abandoned in state orphanages, or confined in the homes of their parents, have now emerged from the shadows. In the Western Ukraine, the situation of the handicapped has begun to change, thanks to the initiative of various local Christian communities. Still, awareness needs to be continually cultivated.
There still remains much that can be done to improve the lives of the handicapped. Negative stereotypes are enduring. The handicapped often receive at best pity, at worst indifference and discrimination. Awareness of their plight must be cultivated.
Parents and teachers of the handicapped are too often alone without the support of the state, while frequently dealing with extreme difficulties. They need to be supported, encouraged, and befriended, since negative attitudes and violence towards the handicapped are still all too common in families. Professionals in many instances feel overwhelmed. They face many difficult issues, and need sustained assistance and ongoing education.
The co-workers of ImapctHope have met with the heads of many organizations based in the Ukraine that work in support of the handicapped and their families. We have have determined that in a good deal of cases organizations need their resources supplemented. Volunteers and pastoral support are oftentimes scarce, and the staff they have need training and encouragement.
ImpactHope's Objectives
We seek to enhance and advance the work of indigenous Ukrainian organizations that serve the handicapped.
Specifically, we will provide direct support to families and all those working with the disabled.
We have initiated a unique project integrating services in cooperation with the Catholic University of the Ukraine that will result in radical improvements for many with disabilities, most especially the handicapped who are students, employees or visitors of the university themselves.