For 14 years, I’ve worked with children and young people who have Down syndrome and autism, says Olha Hordiyenko, Director, Bebiko Down Syndrome Support Center in Ternopil. We’ve run camps since 2011, but nothing prepared me for the transformation I witnessed with the OpSAFE camp.
When Russia’s invasion began, the families we serve faced compounded challenges. Air raid alerts disrupted sleep. Anxiety about loved ones at the front weighed heavily on parents and children alike. Children with disabilities absorbed this stress, showing increased behavioral difficulties and emotional distress.
In July 2024, we organized a five-day OpSAFE camp for 28 children with disabilities and their mothers. The OpSAFE Therapeutic Program was a revelation. It simplified our activities while making them deeply engaging. Children and parents danced, sang, studied Scripture, and prayed together. Even poor weather couldn’t dampen the joy.
What moved me most was how the program built relationships. We invited mothers to serve as team captains and station leaders. Halya, whose surname is coincidentally "Petryk," led "Petryk’s Adventures" station. For the first time in her life, she discovered her leadership abilities. Lyuba managed the Craft station and learned to apply Scripture in practical ways. These mothers experienced their own healing while serving others.
The program positively impacted everyone’s psychological well-being — parents, children, and mine. I’m deeply grateful.
Katrusya, age 9
Living with her military father’s absence and constant air raid alerts, she arrived anxious. She joyfully embraced every activity, made friends, and left radiant.
Polina, age 9
Nighttime alerts and her parents’ worry about her military sister caused irritability and sleep problems. At camp, she joyfully engaged, completed tasks, and forgot the war.
Roman, age 20
War-related anxiety plagued him. At camp with Sofiyka, he danced, created, and found peace. His sleep improved dramatically.
Maksym, age 20
This deaf internally displaced person from Luhansk worked all year to attend. He communicated eagerly, swam joyfully, and forgot his suffering.