A Story of Loss, Resilience, and Support That Stands By

In the summer of 2023, Tetiana Illivna lost her home — her house in Vovchansk was destroyed as a result of a missile strike. Tetiana Illivna is 72 years old. She survived, but was left without housing.

The woman arrived in the settlement of Pechenihy and for some time wandered the streets, not knowing where to find even temporary shelter. Eventually, she was taken in by a local elderly woman who has mobility difficulties herself, but still found a way to help — she provided Tetiana Illivna with a small summer house, where she continues to live to this day.

Over time, her health significantly deteriorated — she suffered three strokes. In winter, there was an urgent need to travel to the hospital in Chuhuiv to undergo tests, obtain a prescription for insulin, and receive the medication. However, cold weather, difficult road conditions, and her physical state turned the trip into a serious challenge, and there was no time to wait. Due to stress and constant anxiety about whether she would manage to reach a doctor in time, her dermatological conditions worsened.

At that moment, she reached out to a case manager from the Charitable Foundation “Source of Revival” (CFSR), who works within the project “Basic Social Support and Capacity Building of Social Service Centers in Communities.”

The case manager organized escorted support: together they traveled to Chuhuiv, completed the necessary tests, obtained a prescription, and purchased insulin. During the same visit, Tetiana Illivna was also able to consult a dermatologist and begin treatment. Over time, her health condition improved.

Tetiana Illivna also faced difficulties in applying for winter state assistance. She knew where to apply but was unable to submit the documents on her own. The case manager explained the process and assisted with the application, enabling her to receive the support.

All critical issues were resolved in a timely manner — precisely when it was most important for her health and safety.

“Now I feel much calmer, because the most important things have already been done,” says Tetiana Illivna.

This story is about how important it is to have support at a moment when coping alone is no longer possible. Case management helps people in difficult life circumstances avoid being left alone with their challenges and ensures they receive the assistance they need when they need it most.

This publication was prepared by the Charitable Foundation “Source of Revival” (CFSR) with the support of the Askold and Dir Foundation, administered by ISAR Ednannia within the project “Strong Civil Society of Ukraine – A Driver of Reforms and Democracy,” funded by the governments of Norway and Sweden.

The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of the Charitable Foundation “Source of Revival” (CFSR) and does not necessarily reflect the views of the governments of Norway, Sweden, or ISAR Ednannia.