Featured Posts

Aug 24, 2023

Nova Ukraine

Celebrating Ukraine’s Independence Day

A message from the Board of Directors: As we gather to celebrate Ukraine's Independence Day, we appreciate the profound significance this day holds in the hearts of Ukrainians across the world. It represents the unyielding spirit and resilience of a nation that has weathered the storms of history in pursuit of freedom. Ukraine has faced many arduous challenges in its relentless quest to shape its own destiny. Generations of Ukrainians valiantly fought and even made the ultimate sacrifice, to secure the freedoms they held dear. Even during the dark days of soviet occupation, Ukrainian exiles continued to commemorate the Independence Day, keeping flame of hope alive. Today, the importance of Independence Day resonates deeper than ever. For nearly a decade, Ukrainians have steadfastly defended their sovereignty on the battlefields with courage and tenacity. We ought to show support and stand in solidarity with them, each of us contributing in our unique ways – through volunteering, donating, or sharing accurate information about this ongoing struggle.

Newsletter

Aug 19, 2023

Nova Ukraine

Recovery During the War – Olena’s and Nataliia’s Stories

Recovery During the War – is a program for Ukrainian women and their children who are severely affected by Russian aggression and require psychological rehabilitation. The Vaad of Ukraine, with the financial support of the NOVA UKRAINE Foundation (California, USA), created this program, the first of its kind in Ukraine, in April 2022. The ongoing conflict has taken a toll on countless lives, yet in the midst of this turmoil, Ukrainian women have emerged as a powerful force. Serving as soldiers, caregivers, activists, and community leaders, Ukrainian women have demonstrated resilience, courage, and unwavering determination. Their involvement in the conflict showcases their commitment to protecting their homeland and ensuring a better future for themselves and their families. Supporting Ukrainian women in their fight against Russia is crucial for the future of Ukraine. Women have been instrumental in preserving Ukraine’s heritage and culture, acting as the bearers of traditions and the guardians of Ukrainian identity. By aiding the Ukrainian women on the frontline and those fighting against Russia from their homes, we actively contribute to the preservation of a rich and diverse cultural legacy that deserves to be safeguarded. In turn, by upholding Ukrainian heritage, we empower women to share their stories, perspectives, and invaluable contributions to the war effort. In response to Russia’s disregard for independence, human rights, and pluralism, we foster an environment that prioritizes dialogue, understanding, and cooperation by celebrating the strength and capabilities of women in the face of adversity. Advocating for women’s participation in conflict resolution and peacebuilding efforts is a critical part of upholding an inclusive society. Supporting Ukrainian women is a crucial step towards defeating Russian aggression and promoting peace and stability in the region. Doing so is not just an act of solidarity; it is an investment in a better future for Ukraine and a testament to our commitment to human rights. Ukrainian women are shaping our nation’s destiny and helping our country to overcome all obstacles to our freedom. Together, let us stand with Ukrainian women and work towards a future where peace, equality, and justice prevail.

Aug 14, 2023

Nova Ukraine

Nova Ukraine’s Impact Report, July 2023

This Impact Report shares not only the statistics behind our proudest achievements but also personal stories that show how Ukrainian people persevere and stay strong.These stories highlight the amazing accomplishments of our projects. Reading them fills us with motivation to keep going. We want to share these special moments with you, our supporters. Back on February 24, 2022, when the world has changed for all of us, we still hoped that the brutality of war would not last for long and that holding out for two months would be enough. Today, after 17 months of the full-scale war, we view the war as a marathon. We are maintaining speed and planning ahead to remain efficient. As a nonprofit organization, we value persistence, understand our key responsibilities, and institute transparency in our projects to maintain public trust. With a clear vision, we help to forge a path to a brighter tomorrow. This report is a reminder to our partners, donors, and us that the road to Victory will be neither quick nor easy. After taking a moment to contemplate our accomplishments and the ongoing needs of the Ukrainian people, we must continue with unwavering hope. Additionally, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to the creative minds at McCann Kyiv for their remarkable work in bringing our report to life. Thank you!

Aug 2, 2023

Nova Ukraine

Devastating Impact on Schools, Challenges of Remote Learning

The ongoing invasion of Ukraine has had a devastating impact on education. According to the official government figures, 262 educational institutions have been destroyed, and additional 3,019 facilities have been damaged. Remote learning has become the primary source of education with over 40% of Ukrainian children currently studying exclusively online. As the upcoming school season approaches, countless Ukrainian children face the challenge of accessing remote education. Join us in celebrating National Back to School Month by supporting our educational and children's projects. Your contribution can make a world of difference! Learn About Nova Ukraine’s Latest Educational Projects

Newsletter

Aug 1, 2023

Nova Ukraine

After-school Learning Centers – “Zmistovno”, Project Details

As with other parts of the world, education during the Covid-19 pandemic left many children behind. Ukrainian teachers adapted as well as they could to online teaching, but remote learning has presented many learning challenges and children have also suffered socially, being unable to engage in direct communication. While this is not unique to Ukraine, a full-scale invasion has dramatically increased the consequences of starting from behind. There have been frequent power outages, unstable internet connections, an absence of laptops, computers, cell phones or charging stations and terrifying air alarms throughout the day. Currently, only 15% of schools in Ukraine can operate as usual. Others rely on distance learning (33%) or a hybrid format (51%). Of those, around 30% do not have consistent access to online lessons (according to the State Service for Quality of Education of Ukraine). Under such circumstances, the general academic performance as well as grade level communication skills, decline rapidly. Given this double whammy for Ukrainian children, the Nova Ukraine team has long been working on the idea of opening and supporting existing after-school education centers. These centers are by no means a substitute for the core state student education, but they can expand their knowledge and skills across various subjects.

Jul 26, 2023

Nova Ukraine

Help Us Provide Support in Odesa

Odesa needs your help! The city has been enduring relentless attacks in the latest wave by Russia.Since July 18th, 2023, missiles and drones have struck Odesa for a week, destroying civilian buildings and 25 historical landmarks, including the Orthodox Transfiguration Cathedral. Lives have been lost, and innocent children are among the wounded, caught in the midst of this senseless violence. Here you can see the results of the July 23, 2023 attack on the historic cathedral: Video from New York Times. We cannot stand idly by while this tragedy unfolds. Together, we can make a difference! By donating to Nova Ukraine you will directly support our efforts on the ground. Your contributions will go a long way in providing much-needed relief in Odesa and other places in need. Let's come together as a community and show our support for Odesa during these challenging times!

Newsletter

Jul 15, 2023

Nova Ukraine

Kakhovka Dam’s Destruction Unleashed New Level of Devastation

On June 6, thousands of people in Southern Ukraine woke up surrounded by floods. Amid a grueling, brutal war, Russian troops blew up the large Kakhovka Dam. The explosion released a body of water comparable to Utah's Great Salt Lake. Critical infrastructure was destroyed from Zaporizhzhia to Kherson and all the way to the Black Sea. Electricity knocked out. Drinking water disrupted. Farmland destroyed. 20,000 animals drowned. Dozens of settlements swept away. Ukraine estimates the damages to be at least 1.3 billion dollars, with heavy additional long-term ecological costs. Thousands of families, many now homeless, desperately waited for help.

Newsletter

Jul 12, 2023

Nova Ukraine

The Killing Fields russia Left Behind

Even in Ukraine’s de-occupied territories, russian soldiers have transformed hundreds of kilometers into killing fields rife with camouflaged landmines. Although those territories were re-taken by Ukrainian soldiers, the russian army mined their exit routes in another act of aggression and brutality. According to the State Service of Ukraine for Emergency Situations, at least 30% of Ukraine’s territory is currently mined. This translates to more than 174 thousand square kilometers, approximately half the size of Germany. De-mining these territories is treacherous work, but it must be done.

Jun 30, 2023

Nova Ukraine

Floodwaters Devastate Dozens of Towns in Ukraine

On June 6, parts of the Kherson region in Southern Ukraine were devastated by floodwaters from the Kakhovka dam, and the region is now facing a "monumental humanitarian, economic, and ecological catastrophe." Families, including children and the elderly, sought refuge on rooftops, watching their lives being swept away. The scale of this crisis is immense and one of the most significant challenges Ukraine has faced during the 15-month invasion by Russia. To ensure an effective response, Nova Ukraine joined forces with the Consulate General of Ukraine in San Francisco (for media and information support) and the Emergency Services of Ukraine for local coordination in Kherson. A Nova Ukraine team and several of our partner teams reached Kherson the next day, June 7, 2023. Thanks to your generous donations:

Newsletter

Jun 27, 2023

Nova Ukraine

Nova Ukraine Supplies 40 Operating Tables to Hospitals in Critical Regions

Given all the injuries incurred by this war, it is essential that Ukrainian hospitals have state-of-the-art medical equipment. Some of the operating tables Nova Ukraine has been able to supply are FAMED, Amsco, Steris, and Skytron. These operating tables are multi-functional, offering a range of patient positions. They can also be fitted with attachments that are specifically designed for orthopedic surgery. This versatility creates the kind of efficiency that allows surgeons to perform multiple procedures in a single day. Notably, these tables do not rely on electrical drives, which increases their reliability and guarantees uninterrupted use during blackouts. During the last five months, Nova Ukraine has delivered more than 40 of these operating tables to hospitals in the most critical regions.

Jun 13, 2023

Nova Ukraine

A Critical Dam in Southern Ukraine Was Destroyed by Russian Occupiers on June 6, 2023

The Kherson region is currently experiencing widespread devastation and severe flooding. Numerous residents are evacuating from the region to flee sudden floods. Families have lost their homes, and communities are devastated. Nova Ukraine is working with the state Emergency Services of Ukraine to purchase the necessary equipment to address the consequences of this ecological catastrophe resulting from the Russian attack on Ukraine. Nova Ukraine evacuation partners have been working on the ground in the Kherson region this past year. They know the land very well and are in touch with local authorities. Their support on the ground is invaluable.

Newsletter

Jun 6, 2023

Nova Ukraine

FranKolo: Children’s Journey of Growth and Inspiration

At FranKolo, children thrive in a nurturing and inclusive environment where they explore their passions and develop vital life skills, despite the looming threat of war. Since its launch in April 2022, the project has touched the lives of over 1000 children who sought refuge in the free clubs during their time in Ivano-Frankivsk. Today, we want to share with you the incredible impact FranKolo has made over the past year and Nova Ukraine’s support in their mission. A Promise of Change: For many children, especially those studying online because of the war, FranKolo provided a unique opportunity for real-time interaction with peers and a chance to indulge in their favorite activities. The clubs served as a haven, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie among the participants. However, as the year progressed, the funding reached its limit, and the project would terminate by the end of January. February 1st was momentous as the FranKolo project channel announced an extension of three months, thanks to the support of Nova Ukraine. The overwhelming flood of joy and gratitude the organizers received from the Frankivsk community reaffirmed the significance of this work. On that very day, the children returned to their beloved clubs, eager to resume their journey of growth and exploration.

May 26, 2023

Nova Ukraine

Neonatal Support From Nova Ukraine

Childbirth is difficult and emotional even in the safest hospitals, and there are myriad complications that can suddenly arise and force mothers and doctors to make difficult decisions. After birth, an infant needs care and stability. In many hospitals throughout Ukraine, however, even basic items and equipment for childbirth are in short supply. Many hospitals still maintain Soviet-era equipment, and of course, with Russia bombing critical infrastructure, some hospitals have had to operate in conditions of energy scarcity. And then there are those mothers who are forced to give birth without any professional care and few if any, medical options in basements and bunkers. Far from the peace and security that newborns deserve, they experience the beginnings of their lives within the range of artillery shells. Nova Ukraine and our partners, including ZDOROVI distributing agency, have worked hard to put donations to use, supplying hospitals around Ukraine with essential modern medical equipment. Neonatal support had gone out to more than 34 hospitals in 16 regions as of March 2023, and we have continued our efforts since, recently reaching more than 50 clinics in need of neonatal care supplies.

May 23, 2023

Nova Ukraine

Nova Ukraine’s Prosthetics Projects and Successes

In times of great crisis and dislocation, few efforts speak to the essence of humanitarian aid quite like medical projects, and due to the cost, expertise, and material demands of delivering medical care, this mission is especially difficult. Nova Ukraine’s deep commitment to the medical community is finding incredible success through the hard work of its team of volunteers organizing and conducting the purchase, delivery, and implementation of medical supplies and operations. Now that Ukraine is at war, increased attention needs to be given to those men, women, and children who lost limbs from Russian artillery and missile attacks. Soldiers, who serve on the front defending their country from invasion, often suffer horrible injuries. Since October 2022, Nova Ukraine has run a joint initiative with @ProsthetiKa and @Protez Hub – a Ukrainian prosthetics manufacturer and rehabilitation provider. The goal of this project is to provide Ukrainians who have suffered the loss of an arm with high-quality prosthetic replacements. These prosthetic arms are technically complex, highly functional pieces, built with quality elbow joints, electric hooks and bionic brushes. As opposed to simple, non-mechanical prosthetics, patients receiving arms constructed by Protez Hub can develop a wide range of movement. Using myoelectric sensing technology, these arms provide wounded soldiers and civilians with opportunities that people with similar injuries in the past could not have dreamed of. A couple of success stories include that of Ivan, who received enhanced prosthetic components through our joint project and was able to quickly master his prosthetic’s operation. Andriy, who lost his arm near Bakhmut, now has improved elbow control and a receiving case that strengthens the myoelectric signals he sends to his new arm. He underwent rehabilitation to learn how to optimize the functionality of the arm; myoelectric apparatuses are complex and require training to use effectively.

May 10, 2023

Nova Ukraine

Medical Beds Urgently Needed

Getting urgently needed medical supplies to Ukraine’s most devastated cities and regions is a race against time. Rehab facilities desperately need specialized, state-of-the-art beds for soldiers with devastating injuries. Nova Ukraine has so far delivered 150 Hill-Rom Evolution beds to rehab facilities in cities and regions such as Ternopil', Lutsk, Zhytomyr, Vinnytsia, Ivano-Frankivsk, Bila Tserkva, Lviv, and Khmenytskij. These deliveries have made a critical difference in treating these patients. Why? The beds come already equipped with lifting poles and handrails. These features provide additional support and enable wounded soldiers with external fixation devices or craniocerebral injuries to adjust their seating positions on their own. For patients with amputations, the beds’ advanced functions help them regain some independent ambulation, reducing bedsores and restoring a sense of personal dignity. Last but not least, the independent movement gained by patients takes some of the burden off the shoulders of over-worked healthcare staff. In addition to supplying Hill-Rom beds, Nova Ukraine has provided more than 20 Hill-Rom and Ario mattresses, both considered best in class. At the Thermal Trauma and Plastic Surgery Clinical Center at Vinnytsia Regional Pirogov Clinical Hospital, the delivery of these mattresses has made an almost miraculous difference in patient comfort and care. Because of their wound healing capabilities and even weight distribution, long term burn patients and patients with multiple injuries experience less pain moving in bed and are able to adjust the settings without the aid of staff. This little bit of incremental relief and independence makes a world of difference in the body and spirit of these soldiers.

May 3, 2023

Nova Ukraine

Nova Ukraine’s Impact Report, March 2023

Message from the Board: Learnings from the 2022 & Priorities for 2023 We’re marking one year and one month since Russia’s brutal full-scale attack on Ukraine. Looking back to where we were one year ago with Nova Ukraine: our operations have grown exponentially over the course of weeks, if not days. Our primary goal was to help as many people in Ukraine as possible, as quickly as possible, knowing that we were saving lives. We had hundreds of volunteers willing to help, but we knew that sheer will was not enough. Achieving our goals required strong organization and operational discipline. With Nova Ukraine’s roots being in Silicon Valley, we turned to technology to help organize our work. Our IT volunteers quickly onboarded us on a modern tech stack, including Google Workspace, Slack, Asana, Confluence and a number of other tools.Read the full report here. We made a decision to invest time in adopting Salesforce for our grant processing and donor operations. This investment paid off many times and was one of the key factors for us to sustain through the massive growth. We became much more professional in our operations, established budgets and policies, and turned from being purely reactive to planning ahead.To ensure our finances were spotless, we hired a professional finance team and switched to effective and well-controlled financial instruments. We also hired a Global General Manager and General Manager in Ukraine to run our global and Ukrainian operations. We built a strong organizational structure and solidonboarding process, with background checks for new team members, ensuring the safety and security of our team and operations.None of this happened overnight, and we had to build out our processes while trying to deliver aid to Ukrainians in the critical conditions of war. We made mistakes. We fixed them. We moved on to becomestronger and more mature. I am proud to see the impact the Nova Ukraine team already had, and I want to thank every volunteer, employee, contractor, donor, and supporter for walking this path with us and having trust in us.As we move forward, we remain optimistic about the future ahead. We are committed to helping Ukraine win and supporting Ukraine to become a strong, flourishing nation with an empowered civil society. We believe that our efforts will have a significant impact, and we are grateful for your ongoing support.

May 3, 2023

Nova Ukraine

Animal Welfare Monthly Summary – March

Continuous support and compassion from our donors has provided help for 1,416 animals, including 1,063 evacuated animals and 302 medical interventions, during the month of March. This brings our animal welfare spending to $833,027, which has reached 89,661 animals since the beginning of the war. Behind every dollar is a muzzle, a wet nose, a tail or a hoof. Here are some highlights from this month: Hatul Madan Animal Shelter Hatul Madan Shelter was born out of necessity following animal evacuations from the de-occupied Kyiv Regions in the spring of 2022. Irpen and Bucha were full of pets and strays that were left behind in the chaos of the evacuations. Together with other groups of volunteers, Hatum Madan ventured into devastated areas, rescuing emaciated and injured animals from locked apartments, yards, and those wandering the streets. Some were lost, others abandoned, but all of them were waiting for someone to rescue them.

Apr 26, 2023

Nova Ukraine

Join Ukrainian Marathon for Freedom!

Ukraine has been running its marathon for freedom and democracy for more than a year.We run as a Nova Ukraine team to help Ukrainians on their way.On Sunday, May 21th, our team of 16 runners will start the Bay to Breakers run in the Embarcadero neighborhood by the San Francisco Bay, and run through nine of the city’s most notable neighborhoods - all the way to the Great Highway, where the breakers crash into Ocean Beach. We want to turn every step into helping to restore destroyed schools in Ukrainian cities and villages. We are running to raise funds for the savED project. Our goal is to collect $16,000.savED is an international charitable foundation that restores access to education in Ukrainian communities which suffered from the war. What they do: Why restore schools now?

Mar 31, 2023

Nova Ukraine

Recovery During the War

Recovery During the War - is a program for Ukrainian women and their children who are severely affected by Russian aggression and require psychological rehabilitation. The Vaad of Ukraine, with the financial support of the NOVA UKRAINE Foundation (California, USA), created this program, the first of its kind in Ukraine, in April 2022. During the course of 2022, over 1,140 Ukrainian women and children attended the Recovery During the War program and received psychological support. Currently, more than 6,000 people are waiting to participate in the program. The participants of the project are primarily internally displaced families — those who were forced to leave their homes and evacuate to other regions of Ukraine. These are mostly mothers with children whose husbands died or were seriously injured as a result of hostilities, are in captivity, missing or serving in the Armed Forces in the hostilities area. Program participants stay in a safe mountain area at a tourist boarding house in Prykarpattya for at least three weeks. Qualified therapists work with the participants of the project, who experienced trauma, providing the necessary assistance and supporting them in tragic and difficult circumstances with the help of group, individual, and family therapy. Both adults and children receive appropriate psychological support. The program includes art therapy, yoga, nature hikes, and local trips.

Mar 31, 2023

Nova Ukraine

Monthly Summary – February

Continuous support and compassion of our donors has provided help for 4,462 animals, which includes 706 evacuations and 1,125 surgeries during the month of February. This brings our animal welfare spending to $737,837, which has reached 87,224 animals since the beginning of the war. We continue to support preventative veterinary care and shelter improvements to provide more resources to a controlled animal population. This helps avoid needless suffering, prolongs animals’ lives, and creates a healthier animal population overall. Behind every dollar is a muzzle, a wet nose, a tail or a hoof. Here are some highlights from this month: Avelen Animal Center - Odesa:

Mar 21, 2023

Nova Ukraine

Nova Ukraine Delivers Monthly Record for Generators to Ukraine

This past January 2023, Nova Ukraine and partner Razom for Ukraine delivered 1263 generators to Ukraine, a world record in generator deliveries for Ukraine. Nova Ukraine and Razom for Ukraine began fundraising for critical equipment, such as generators, immediately after the start of the systematic bombardment and widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure. The team's biggest challenge was coordinating and executing the delivery of the equipment. On December 20, 2022, in Lviv, Nova Ukraine, and Razom for Ukraine set a goal of delivering 1001 generators to Ukraine within 30 days, including purchase, procurement, and shipment. The total delivered surpasses the target by more than 250 generators. In the absence of reliable electricity after months of shelling, generators are essential items for many hospitals, schools, and other community centers, where refugees and other civilians go for aid. Nova Ukraine and Razom for Ukraine would like to thank their fundraisers, donors, and the thousands of people whose contributions in funding and logistics made this accomplishment possible. Donate. Impact. Change.

Feb 28, 2023

Nova Ukraine

Monthly Summary – January

With the continuous support and compassion of our donors, we have been able to evacuate 546 animals, perform 158 surgeries, and help 3,408 animals overall in the first month of 2023. This brings our animal welfare spending to $639,068, which has reached 83,496 animals since the beginning of the war. Behind every dollar is a muzzle, a wet nose, a tail or a hoof. Here are some highlights from this month: ZooHouse - Chernighiv Region

Feb 24, 2023

Nova Ukraine

2022 – Withstanding the War. Impact Report.

After Russia's attack on Ukraine, millions of Ukrainians volunteered to help their Motherland. The Nova Ukraine nonprofit stood up to efficiently channel help where needed most by mobilizing Ukrainians and non-Ukrainians worldwide. Over 180,000 people contributed donations totaling over $55M for NU projects. Read full report here. We established a robust network of partners in Ukraine comprising more than 3000 volunteers, distinguished by a spotless reputation and deep connections in Ukrainian cities and villages. Within days, this network started coordinating evacuation efforts and delivering aid to the civilian population in need. Thanks to the support of donors and partners, we were able to assist more than 3 million people in Ukraine by providing them with basic necessities such as food and hygiene products, evacuating them to safety, or providing medical assistance.We kept our operational overhead low by building efficient processes and employing hundreds of highly motivated volunteers. As a result, over 98% of donations went to fund aid, with operational expenses under 2%.Sadly, as we enter 2023, the attacks on civilian buildings and infrastructure continue, resulting in thousands of deaths and injuries and affecting millions. We remain committed to our efforts to save lives and provide humanitarian relief. At the same time, we aim to support the Ukrainian people striving toward a prosperous, democratic nation with a strong and flourishing civil society. Our goal is to empower them to realize their aspirations, and work alongside them to create a brighter future for all. Donate. Impact. Change. We greatly value your support, and it is indeed crucial. Please consider donating monthly. Your consistent contributions are vital to sustaining our efforts and driving meaningful change over time. Your commitment will make a lasting difference, and we sincerely appreciate your consideration. Donate now or learn how you can help.

Feb 22, 2023

Nova Ukraine

Archie’s 365 Days of War

What does 365 days of war look like through a dog’s eyes? Archie’s story takes us through the tumultuous and defining year in his life. A handsome German shepherd with large, intelligent eyes, Barsik lived happily with his human in the city of Krematorsk in Ukraine’s Donetsk region. One year ago, however, the world came crashing down on him. The humanitarian crisis caused by the brutal Russian invasion impacted Ukrainian pets every bit as much as the people who love them. Barsik’s owner, Oksana*, decided to flee when her city came under Russian fire. As much as she wished to take Barsik with her, wartime conditions forced her to part with her beloved pet. A multi-step evacuation while under Russian fire is a difficult enough challenge. Trying to do it with a large dog in tow was virtually impossible at the time. Large animals were being banned from trains and buses, where people fleeing the war were often packed like sardines. Refugees do not know where they might end up, and the odds of finding accommodations with large pets were poor at best.