May 2023 newsletter
Dear friends of "Pislya Sluzhby"!
We present you with the newsletter for June 2023. As usual, in our monthly mailing, we share the most interesting meetings and the results of the work of the "Pislya Sluzhby" Foundation, as well as opportunities and achievements in developing veteran opportunities.
Pislya Sluzhby Hosts American General David Petraeus to Honor Ukrainian Veterans
On May 31, Pislya Sluzhby had the privilege of hosting a special event dedicated to honoring the brave Ukrainian military service members and veterans. This event brought together an esteemed group of over 40 American business owners, CEOs, and veterans, all with a shared mission of supporting our Ukrainian heroes.
Our guest of honor for the evening was American General David Petraeus, who graciously kicked off our event. General Petraeus's presence was a testament to his commitment to gaining firsthand insight into the challenges faced by Ukrainian military personnel and veterans. We were honored to have him join us for this important occasion. More details from the event
These gatherings have now become a monthly tradition for Pislya Sluzhby, serving as an informal setting where Ukrainian veteran service organizations can come together, connect, and collaborate.
We would like to extend an invitation to all of you for our upcoming meeting at the end of June. Please note that registration is required in order to attend.
Cases
How the "Pislya Sluzhby" fund helped Yuri regain mobility in his back
Yuri M., a 43-year-old veteran and father of two, sustained an arm injury during the conflict near Bakhmut. Previously, he walked with a hunched posture, relying on a cane for support. However, we are delighted to introduce the transformed Yuri, who now stands tall on his two feet, his genuine smile free from pain.
Yuri shared, "I used to experience back pain that radiated down to my leg, causing me to walk with a hunch. After receiving treatment and a surgical procedure, I now have a plate in my back. While there are still some minor challenges, it's a significant improvement from before."
Artem Melnyk visited us - Pislya Sluzhby is creating a community
Artem Melnyk, a military serviceman who sought assistance from us during his treatment for severe burns, was referred to us by our partners NEOPALYMI. Recently, Artem paid us a visit to share his accomplishments in mastering the profession of a graphic designer. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the "Pislya Sluzhby" Foundation for the invaluable support provided. As a thoughtful gesture, Artem brought along a batch of fresh strawberries to share with us.
During his visit, Artem described the training process, showcased the training platform, and emphasized that the training materials are easily accessible and comprehensible. He conveyed his immense gratitude and satisfaction for the opportunity he received. Additionally, he proudly showcased some of his initial works.
We have captured the highlights of our meeting in a video, which you can watch here.
Ambitious plans for the future from a resilient fighter with a severe maxillofacial injury
In the face of challenging injuries and a lengthy recovery process, our courageous heroes continue to inspire us and radiate positive energy.
One such remarkable individual is Maxim, a defender of Azovstal, who demonstrated unwavering strength and resilience even after being captured and sustaining severe injuries. Maxim possesses a vision and dreams for the future, aiming to unite volunteers and veterans to contribute to the betterment of our country.
Maxim has suffered significant injuries, including a severe maxillofacial injury, requiring extensive treatment and rehabilitation. His journey toward recovery involves intricate procedures such as printing and restoration of a portion of his jaw and tongue to restore normal speech. Currently, Maxim is in a hospital in Odesa, awaiting further operations. The Heart of Azovstal project has been instrumental in supporting and financing his medical journey.
We stand by each and every veteran throughout their entire journey, providing unwavering support to ensure positive outcomes.
Through video calls, we maintain constant communication with Maxim, witnessing his determination as he shares his updates and ambitious plans for the future, despite the immense challenges he faces.
Cooperation
Strengthening our focus on medical care: Surgery and prosthetics
To enhance our effectiveness, the team at the "Pislya Sluzhby" Foundation is dedicated to understanding the vital role played by individuals in the rear who assist our heroes on their challenging journeys.
During a recent trip to Odesa, our case manager Anna visited medical institutions and a prosthetics center, where she had the opportunity to meet with the dedicated staff and management of these facilities in Southern Ukraine.
One of the highlights was the discussion with prosthetist Oleksandr Pavlovich Stetsenko, where Anna witnessed firsthand the production of prostheses. This experience provided a practical understanding of the quality of prosthetics in Ukraine and the expertise of our specialists.
Furthermore, we had the privilege of meeting Dr. Vasyl Anatoliyovych Rybak, a reconstructive surgeon, who enlightened us about the advancements in modern medicine. This field presents intricate and specialized opportunities for our veterans.
By deepening our knowledge in the medical domain, we aim to provide comprehensive support to our heroes and ensure they receive the best possible care.
Expanding Our Capabilities Together with the Mriya Ukraine Foundation
We are thrilled to announce the signing of a memorandum with the "Grechka Consulting" agency, marking a significant milestone in the advancement of career coaching and development for veterans. This collaboration will enhance our efforts in providing comprehensive career guidance and support.
Uniting Forces: "Pislya Sluzhby" Foundation and "Heart of Azovstal" Project have joined hands to amplify their support for veterans.
The signing of a memorandum with the CF "Pobachymo Peremogy" creates an opportunity to provide assistance to fighters who are experiencing vision problems.
The signing of a memorandum with Kyiv Regional Center for Assistance to ATO/OOS Participants and their Families
Research
The inaugural focus group meeting took place on May 12, with a primary focus on discussing the psychological aspects of reintegrating veterans into various systems. Specifically, the meeting delved into the realms of family and friends, as well as the professional community.
The objective of conducting these focus group sessions is to gain insights into the viewpoints and aspirations of veterans, while also receiving recommendations on how organizations can effectively integrate military veterans into their work teams and processes. The focus group format was selected to facilitate enhanced emotional and meaningful connections between the presenters and participants.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces have recently released the first comprehensive study, shedding light on the needs of veterans and active military personnel in Ukraine.
The study revealed that approximately 45.4% of surveyed veterans expressed the belief that the state "rather does not fulfill" its obligations towards them, while 22.1% of respondents felt that the state "rather fulfills" its duties. The findings indicate that veterans primarily require assistance in health promotion (53.8%), support for housing purchases (34.7%), financial aid (31.1%), improvement of housing conditions (24.9%), and education (24.4%).
A study conducted by analysts from the Veterans' Fund sheds light on the issue of discrimination faced by different social groups within the Armed Forces.
The research aimed to identify the problems encountered, understand how they are addressed, and gather the opinions of fighters serving in the Armed Forces. The study encompassed a survey of 2,000 individuals.
Commissioned by the Independent Anti-Corruption Commission (NAKO) and supported by the "Ukrainian Veterans Fund" of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine, this study provides valuable insights into the subject matter. To explore the detailed results, please refer to the provided link.
Important information for veterans! Changes in the Military Medical Commission (MMC) procedures.
The process of undergoing the Military Medical Commission (MMC) assessment, commonly known as VLK, can be challenging and often unclear, posing difficulties for wounded soldiers.
To address these issues, the Ukrainian Veterans Fund has released an overview highlighting key changes in the VLK process. These changes are a result of two recently adopted draft laws by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, aimed at simplifying the assessment procedure.
Here are the main changes:
- Introduction of the opportunity to establish VLK at state and communal healthcare institutions.
- Improvements in the procedure for obtaining a certificate on the circumstances of the injury (injury, contusion, mutilation).
For a detailed account of these changes, please refer to the full publication.
The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has recently launched a new section on their website called "Wounded's Path." This section is specifically designed to provide comprehensive information and answers to numerous questions.
Within this section, you will find step-by-step action algorithms and guides that offer assistance on various matters such as obtaining cash payments, acquiring member of the fighting status, accessing prosthetics, and more. It serves as a valuable resource to navigate through the process and obtain the necessary support.
Media Mentions
Utilizing the Power of Creation: "Pislya Sluzhby" Foundation Assists War Veterans in Transitioning to Civilian Life
The "Pislya Sluzhby" charity foundation is dedicated to supporting veterans of the war in their journey towards adapting to civilian life. A particular focus of our work involves the utilization of art therapy as a rehabilitation tool.
We were honored to welcome journalists from the ICTV channel who visited us to showcase our unique methods of rehabilitation. Through their story, we aim to raise awareness and enable more people to discover the transformative impact of art therapy. Witness how the Foundation was portrayed in their coverage, highlighting the positive effects of our work.
Support
Join us in revisiting the insightful online lecture on financial literacy held on May 17, 2023, in collaboration with our esteemed friend and partner, Lyubomyr Ostapiv.
Lyubomyr Ostapiv, a renowned Ukrainian financier and the founder of the Family Budget social project, partnered with iPlan.ua and authored the books "Love and Budget" and "Baby and Budget." He served as the guest speaker for this engaging lecture.
We cordially invite you to watch the recorded lecture on financial literacy, organized by the "Pislya Sluzhby" Charitable Foundation. It's an excellent opportunity to enhance your financial knowledge and gain valuable insights from an expert in the field.
In collaboration with the "Brattya z Prykarpattya" public organization, a group of veterans has been assembled in the city of Kalush for English language learning. The initial classes have commenced, marking an important milestone in their educational journey.
Education is an integral aspect of the "Pislya Sluzhby" Foundation's work, particularly in creating opportunities for veterans to acquire new skills. The Foundation proudly provides financial support for these training initiatives, recognizing their significance in empowering veterans for their post-service lives.
Experience the Playback Theater Performance on May 28, 2023!
The concept behind playback theater involves bringing life stories from the audience to the stage, offering a fresh perspective on these narratives. This time, we were delighted to welcome our friends and partners, "Deja Vu plus," who joined us for this captivating event.
During the performance, audience members shared their personal stories, providing the script for the talented playback theater actors. The topics covered various complex military issues, such as the challenges of veteran employment in civilian life, the experiences of families eagerly awaiting the return of their loved ones in the military, and the struggles faced by young military leaders, among others.
The actors engaged the audience through an engaging and humorous short performance, sharing their thoughts and emotions. They skillfully portrayed the thoughts and feelings of the audience members during the playback theater performance. This unforgettable performance featured several captivating stories, fondly named "And don't forget to scratch your ear" by the audience and the host. You can watch the video to witness the enchanting experience. For the complete recording of the performance, please follow the link provided.
This is a reminder that servicemen and their family members can stay at the hotel of the Kyiv Central Station in rooms provided by the Charity Foundation "Pislya Sluzhby" upon presentation of tickets. Registration is mandatory.
Please tell your veteran friends about our work. For more information, refer to our website.
Become our donor
Share your experience or time as a volunteer. The need is real, as the war continues! 1.5 million Ukrainian veterans will be in the final phase of Russian military aggression after the victory. Contact us to provide assistance
Our organization is called "Pislya Sluzhby" (After Service). However, many of our friends, family, brothers- and sisters-in-arms are not after service; they are still in service... defending Ukraine. So let's work together to help those who protect us all and ensure our ability to live as a free people.
Together to victory!
Glory to Ukraine!