“Source of Strength” is Ukraine’s first psychological and recreational program designed for women grieving the loss of a husband, son, brother, or fiancé due to death or capture by the Russian Armed Forces. This unique program provides a supportive environment where women who have endured profound loss can navigate their grief and restore inner strength.
Over the course of five days, participants engage in grief-focused exercises, art therapy, breathing and body practices, and recreational activities. These sessions help them rebuild their resources, open up about their experiences, and find the resilience needed to move forward. The program fosters a sense of community and understanding among women who share similar experiences, creating a foundation for healing.
“Source of Strength” is an extension of the Canadian project “Healing from an Early War Together,” made possible by the Maple Hope Foundation and the Canada-Ukraine Foundation. This program was developed in partnership with Oksana Gurska, a courageous woman who has herself faced significant losses, including the recent passing of her mother during the occupation and the ongoing captivity of loved ones. Oksana’s contributions as a co-author and her poetry collection People of Steel have played a central role in bringing this initiative to life.
Funds for the program were raised through the sale of Oksana’s poetry and the touring performance of the monologue In Captivity by Venera Ibragimova, staged in Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal. These efforts enabled the program to cover meals and recreational tours for 14 participants.

The program also benefited from extensive community support, including contributions from Nadiya Shinka, Volodymyr, and a dedicated team who supported the tour of In Captivity. Ukrainian organizations in Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal collaborated to amplify the impact, while additional funds were raised through book sales and other events.

Media support provided by Oksana Levkova and the warm hospitality of Iryna Yamborko and the Carpathian Manor House under the Hill were instrumental in ensuring the program’s success. These partnerships highlight the collective effort required to support Ukraine’s grieving families and honor the memory of its defenders.
A second “Source of Strength” program is scheduled for December, and we are pleased to share that it is now fully booked. This ongoing work reflects our commitment to providing hope and support to those who need it most.