In his native Kachkarivka, that in Beryslavshchyna, Yana Filatova lived her whole life. She worked in the social sphere, helping people in difficult life situations. It was in those regions that she was caught by a full-scale invasion of Russia.
From March to November 2022 Kachkarivka was under the occupation of Russian troops. After the liberation of the village, the family remained at home for some time, hoping, that the situation is stabilizing. But powerful shelling began again.
"We have active hostilities, so I had to move. We endured for two years, but in the end decided to look for a safer place, the woman recalls. - I really want to go home. But everything flies there - KAby, drones, artillery... People are shot with everything, as possible. "Smerch" even flew once. Heavily".
So Yana and her husband moved to Velika Oleksandrivka - within the same Beryslav community. At first they settled with the husband's aunt, who later died. Here, in Velika Oleksandrivka, she learned about the IDP Support Center, which was created by the public organization "Take and Glory".
"I just flew here"
"In Kachkarivka, we lived in the basement - it was very difficult mentally and physically. So when I heard about this space after moving to Velika Oleksandrivka, I just "flew" here. No communication, I could no longer receive support and psychological help", says the woman.
She found out about the Center by accident - while receiving humanitarian aid. Now he remembers this moment with gratitude:
"I was at home, like a porcupine, which shoots needles. But they helped me at the Center. Thanks to psychologist Kateryna Stetsyuk, it became easier, my mental burden decreased. And I also received legal advice from Olena Galimon — this is very much needed, who left their home because of the war".
First steps to recovery
Yana remembered the first class for a long time. It was a meeting with a psychologist, during which the participants created a "waiting tree": wrote, what they expect from the classes and what they want to get from the community.
"When I came, my head was in chaos. I didn't know, what will happen next, what will i do. But after the meeting, I left with completely different feelings.", she recalls.
Then, almost a year ago, Yana was in no mood, no strength. I didn't even want to do my usual hairstyle. Now everything is different. The woman regularly attends the University of the Third Age at the IDP Support Center, participates in creative workshops, art therapy, psychological trainings, engages in Nordic walking.
"When hands work, manages to distract from bad thoughts. And before or after classes, I always go to weave nets — this is my way of supporting our military.", she says.
Space, that became a community
Mrs. Yana confesses, that the IDP Support Center became not only a place of help for her, but also a part of life. Here she found friends, support and faith in people.
"Want, so that the work of the space continues. I am like that, who needs this support, not alone. Now almost everyone is struggling emotionally and physically. And here you can reboot, to communicate, to feel, that they hear you".
Participants of the University of the Third Age, according to Yana, became a real team. They help each other even outside the space - during relocations or everyday difficulties.
"There is a wonderful atmosphere here, and most importantly - safely. Everyone says only that, what he wants. We are fine here. I look forward to these meetings!”