Sypchenko Family
From: Bakhmut, Donetsk region
Family members: Liudmyla Ivanivna (68) and Hryhoriy Pavlovych (68)

From Gym Floor to Community Leadership

The Sypchenko couple lived in Bakhmut until April 2022, when evacuations began and volunteers transported them to Dnipropetrovsk region. Their initial emergency shelter was in a school gymnasium, after which they moved to rented housing and later to a social dormitory. They completed an application on a website and received an invitation to live in Miracle Village.

Their home in Bakhmut was destroyed during the fierce battle for the city, leaving nothing for them to return to after decades of building their lives there.

“We no longer hear air raid sirens, and our health has improved, both mental and physical,” shares Liudmyla. “We’ve received sessions with a psychologist and have access to a family doctor. We participate in Nordic walking with the 'Health' group.”

Both spouses have found meaningful roles in their new community. Liudmyla works as the dining hall manager, preparing meals for the residents, while Hryhoriy serves as a volunteer electrician. After living in temporary shelters and facing profound uncertainty, they have not only found stability but have become essential contributors to the functioning of their new community.