Author: hopeandhorizons

Generosity has always been about lifting others up, but science tells us it also does something incredible for the giver. Adam Grant recently pointed out that even small acts of generosity can ease anxiety and depression over time. When we stop focusing on what we lack and instead use what we have to meet someone […]

It’s not about the amount—though the impact of a donation is undeniable—it’s about what it represents. A dollar is a belief, a vote of confidence, a tangible way of saying, I see what you’re doing, and I believe in it. That belief fuels me every day. From the friend who gives $5 a month despite […]

Comfort often gets a bad rap in the nonprofit world. It’s easy to see why—with so many people facing hardships, some argue that our own comfort should take a back seat. I’ve heard the subtle (and not-so-subtle) messages suggesting that if we enjoy comfort, we should feel guilty because others don’t. While this tactic might […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 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 […]

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 […]