The Nesterenko Family

Raisa Danylіvna Nesterenko (69)
Ivan Polikarpovych Nesterenko (74)
Moved in: June 3, 2025
From: Bakhmut, Donetsk region

Before the war, Raisa worked in a kitchen block, preparing and serving meals with care and love. Ivan was an electrician, skilled in wiring and repairs. Their home in Bakhmut had a garden and a small apiary — Ivan’s pride and joy. Raisa tended the vegetable patch, preserved harvests, and enjoyed quiet evenings with family. Their daughter works in Dnipro, and their grandson is their biggest joy.

“We loved the simple things: songs on the summerhouse porch, homemade honey, and the sun over the garden.”

When the war reached their doorstep, they were forced to evacuate. The first blast hit near their dacha. With heavy hearts, they left for Dnipro and spent three years in a shelter — cramped, noisy, and far from home. It was hard, but they stayed strong together.

Their daughter found the application form for Chudo Village and insisted they try. At first, Raisa didn’t believe it could change anything. But then — a call came. “I cried. For the first time in years, I couldn’t hold it in.”

“Chudo Village gave us more than shelter — it gave us hope, warmth, and dignity.”

They love the peaceful nights, the smiles, the feeling of belonging. Raisa now helps in the kitchen, feeling useful again. “It feels like a big family here.”

Health-wise, they face age-related challenges, joint pain, and emotional scars. A psychologist would be helpful — talking helps heal.

Their goal: to live in peace, see their grandson grow, and plant flowers by the building.
Advice to young people: “Value your family. Say ‘I love you’ now. Do good — even small good. And never lose faith.”

On Dell Loy Hansen: “A man with a great heart. Thank you for giving us a new beginning. We bow with gratitude.”

What elderly displaced people need: warmth, peace, and to feel seen.
How they want to help: by planting flowers, cooking, sharing crafts and life skills with others.