Olena: “Our people truly are unbreakable. This was another powerful reminder of how much kindness and compassion still lives among us.”

Displacement experience 

I’m from Pokrovsk, Donetsk region. So, we were quite close to the frontline. When the full-scale invasion began, we kept hoping it wouldn’t last long. But when Pokrovsk started to come under constant artillery shelling, we knew we had to flee. My son-in-law took me, my daughter, and my two young grandchildren to the train station. 

“It was unsettling. People sat in the train packed tightly together. It was only women and children. For safety and security reasons, the windows were firmly covered so no light could get inside. Everyone was deeply anxious. We had no idea what awaited us. And yet, some moments will stay with me forever. I was so moved by how people tried to help and support each other.” 

I also vividly remember when the evacuation train stopping at 4 a.m. Women ran up to the train cars with water and packets of hot (yes, hot — in the middle of the night!) homemade pies and dumplings. They brought us real food from their homes. They asked: ‘What else can we bring for your children?’ Can you imagine that? 

Our people truly are unbreakable. This was another powerful reminder of how much kindness and compassion still lives among us.” 

Encounter with JRS 

Meeting JRS felt indeed like a help from God, like divine providence. I’ve talked to many other IDPs, and few have had this kind of living conditions and respectful treatment that we receive here. Also, one of my long-held dreams came true here in Lviv: I finally heard a live organ concert in the nearby concert hall. One day, as I walked back from that concert to the JRS shelter, I caught myself thinking — I’m going home. Because for now, this is home. At the shelter, I feel accepted, valued, and cared for. 

Integration and future 

m a member of several online groups where people from Pokrovsk stay in touch. We all dream of going back home, so we closely follow all the news from our town. 

It’s heartbreaking to see the city being bombed day after day, buildings we know and love being broken to rubble. We had such a beautiful town. Our children grew up there. Everything there is dear to us. 

A few months ago, we moved from the JRS shelter into a rented apartment. My daughter and I have tried to make it cozy. The children now have their own little corners — that’s important. But we often visit the shelter, to meet with people, to participate in activities. My daughter is working. 

Of course, we want to return home. But we understand — it’s unclear if or when that will be possible.

JRS is working together with the Xavier Network, the Society of Jesus in Europe, local civil society, and NGOs in a coordinated Jesuit response. Together we help thousands of people like Olena. You can read more about The One Proposal at: jrseurope.org/en/project/the-one-proposal/.