A CHILD’S SMILE PROGRAM

Children in Ukraine have spent years living through air raids, displacement, and uncertainty. Hope for Ukraine provides safe spaces, emotional healing, education, and moments of childhood again.

The impact of war on children goes far beyond what we can see.

44%

Show signs of trauma-related symptoms. Many struggle with sleep, anxiety, and concentration after years of air raids, displacement, and living under constant threat.

Educational

Support Program

Children face disrupted schooling and limited access to resources. We provide safe learning environments, school supplies, and support so students can continue their education and rebuild their future.

Turning Fear Into Hope

Hope for Ukraine creates safe spaces where children can play, learn, and feel secure again. Through visits, camps, and community events, we restore moments of childhood even in the middle of war.

HFU Afterschool Program

A group of children and two adults pose outside under a roof, holding colorful art projects in front of a “Hope for Ukraine” sign.
Two children in a classroom hold up decorated heart-shaped crafts, one featuring a small toy cat. Surrounded by colorful decorations and art supplies, their creations reflect the vibrant spirit of Colors of Resilience.
A young girl holds glittery cutouts shaped like hands, sitting at a table with colorful craft materials and smiling at the camera.
A young girl in a classroom holds up a handmade snowman craft with a red hat and scarf, proving how art brightens cold days. Art supplies and crafts fill the background, adding color to the wintry scene.
A group of children and an adult sit around a table with drawing paper, some giving thumbs up, enjoying creative safe spaces in a classroom setting.

Smiles in Red Zones

In Kherson’s red zone, children live with daily drone attacks and winters filled with shelling. We delivered special gifts to remind them the world has not forgotten them—and that childhood can still exist, even here.

Where Your Donation Goes

Child holding a present in Kherson red zone

Wrapped in Warmth

Warm blankets and winter clothing help children stay safe through freezing nights and power outages—reminding families they are cared for and not alone.

Impact: Children Sleep Warm Tonight
Children lined up holding gifts

Creative Safe Spaces

After-school programs that give children a place to create, connect, and feel safe again.

Impact: Healing through art
Children in after school program in Ukraine

Education Support

School and art supplies that help children keep learning, even when classrooms are disrupted.

Impact: Learning continues
Girl holding Christmas present in the cold

Christmas Joy Events

Holiday gifts, warm clothing, and moments of celebration that protect childhood during wartime.

Impact: Joy restored in winter

Meet Marichka

Marichka fled Kharkiv after her home was destroyed by shelling in the Saltivka district. She now lives in a small rural house in western Ukraine with her younger sister and their bedridden mother, who cannot move or care for herself.

A blue t-shirt with a sunflower design painted by a child, the original artwork, and a child holding the painting; includes a nonprofit verification badge.

Created in Safe Spaces

This artwork was created by a child in Hope for Ukraine’s after-school program. Every shirt helps fund safe spaces where children can heal, create, and feel like kids again.

Support A Child’s Smile Program

Your gift helps children in Ukraine experience moments of safety, joy, and normal childhood despite the war.

A Child’s Smile Program FAQ

What is the A Child’s Smile Program in Ukraine?

A Child’s Smile Program by Hope for Ukraine provides safe spaces, emotional support, and educational resources for children affected by the war. The program helps children heal from trauma and experience moments of normal childhood again.

How does the program help children affected by war?

The program supports children through after-school programs, art therapy, educational activities, and community events. These safe environments help children process trauma, reduce anxiety, and regain a sense of stability.

Why do children in Ukraine need emotional support?

Nearly 44% of Ukrainian children show signs of trauma due to war, displacement, and constant air raids. Many struggle with anxiety, sleep, and concentration, making emotional support essential for their development.

What are “safe spaces” for children?

Safe spaces are structured environments where children can learn, play, and express themselves without fear. These spaces provide stability, supervision, and emotional care during ongoing conflict.

What does the after-school program provide?

The after-school program offers education support, art activities, meals, and a safe place for children to spend time after school. It helps children continue learning while also supporting their emotional well-being.

How does art therapy help children in Ukraine?

Art therapy allows children to express emotions they cannot easily put into words. Through drawing, painting, and creative activities, children can process trauma and begin to heal.

What types of support do children receive?

Children receive school supplies, meals, emotional support, warm clothing, and access to safe environments. Seasonal programs like holiday events, and summer camps also help restore joy and normalcy.

Where are these programs located?

Hope for Ukraine runs programs in areas heavily affected by the war, including high-risk regions and “red zones” where children face daily threats and instability.

How many children does the program help?

The program currently supports hundreds of children weekly, providing consistent care, education, and emotional support in safe environments.

What does a $25 donation provide?

A $25 donation can provide one child with a full month of after-school art therapy, including supplies and professional guidance to support healing and growth.

How can I help children in Ukraine?

You can help by donating to support safe spaces, education programs, and emotional care for children. Every contribution helps restore stability, healing, and hope for children affected by the war.