In today’s divided political climate, it can feel like every action is seen as a statement, forcing people to choose sides or risk being misunderstood. This tension causes hesitation in doing good, as even acts of kindness are scrutinized through a political lens. But not everything needs to be political—some actions are simply about responding […]
Author: hopeandhorizons
Art’s New Connection: A Lifeline in Uncertain Times
This is Art, a 14-year-old living in Moshchun, Ukraine, where missing a call from Mom can mean life or death. Art and his mom sheltered in their root cellar while occupying troops were in their town. Even after returning home, the threat of enemy occupation remained, making immediate and stable communication between Art and his […]
A New Home and a Dream Reignited: Dasha’s Story
Imagine having to live in a room with over a hundred other women with little to no privacy. This was the reality for Dasha, a 17-year-old girl living in Chernihiv, Ukraine. Dasha, the eldest of two sisters, dreams of becoming a veterinarian. She loves animals and has always wanted a gerbil. However, due to their […]
“They Burned our Home”
The Kuzhelniy family built their home themselves and had lived there since 1998. Volodymyr bought the land, and over 20 years, they invested all their efforts and resources into constructing their home. Before the war, they couldn’t believe such a conflict would happen. However, on the morning of February 24, explosions shattered their disbelief. The […]
The Value of Dignity
Tetiana was born and raised in the house destroyed by occupiers. She gave birth to her children there, a place of peace and love before the war. On February 24, the family was home, unaware of the invasion until tanks and explosions surrounded them. Tetiana’s sister urged them to flee. Except for Oleksandr, the family […]
Imagine Losing Everything…
Imagine losing everything you’ve ever known in an instant. This is the reality for Tatyana Nikolaevna (41) and her two daughters, Daria (17) and Vlada (12). Tatyana graduated from the Chernihiv Cooperative Technical School in secondary special education and has lived in her house since birth, as have her children. She works at Ukrposhta, visiting […]
Matsuta Family to Receive New Home!
When Ryan and I (Josh Hackworth) met the Matsuta family on our first trip to Ukraine, we were so touched by their story that we committed to raising funds for a home for them—and we did it! They will be receiving a brand-new home on June 13th. Mykhailo (79) worked hard all his life as […]
Rebuilding Lives: Hope and Horizons’ Vision to House Displaced Families in Ukraine
Facing the difficult realities of displacement, many families in Ukraine find themselves without a place to call home. Hope and Horizons, a dedicated non-profit organization, aims to change this dire situation. Our mission is to provide safe, sustainable housing for those most in need, ensuring that displaced families can rebuild their lives with dignity. As […]
A Change of Doors: From Sheltering in Fear to Opening Doors to Hope
In the middle of chaos and conflict, stories of resilience often emerge, shining bright amidst the darkness. One such tale is that of a family who found themselves thrust into the heart of turmoil, their lives upended by war and uncertainty. As bombs dropped and enemy troops invaded their town, this family sought refuge in […]
Even on My Worst Day: Finding Hope in Gratitude
There’s a certain comfort in knowing that every action we take has the power to create ripples of change, even if the full extent of that change eludes us. Ella Wheeler Wilcox captured this sentiment perfectly when she said, ‘With every deed, you are sowing a seed, though the harvest you may not see.’ It’s […]