From Public Service to Sanctuary
Vira and Oleksandr Petrushov, 64 and 71, dedicated their lives to serving others — she as a chief specialist at the pension fund, he as a district elder in Basan village, Zaporizhzhia region. Their life reflected their commitment to community: a house filled with flowers, travel adventures, and dreams of a secure retirement.
War shattered that carefully built world on March 3, 2022, when their village fell under occupation. By April 8, they faced an impossible situation — with their son and son-in-law serving in the Ukrainian Armed Forces, they became targets for occupier harassment. “They kept checking, searching for evidence, pressuring us to collaborate, ” Vira recalls. “We had to leave to avoid the abuse.”
In Zaporizhzhia, they shared a two-room apartment with relatives, making do until something better emerged. When they heard about Hansen’s mission and submitted an application, the acceptance call seemed too good to be true. “We thought it was a prank at first, ” they remember. “When they called again with serious details, we hugged and cried. We couldn’t believe it.”
On December 20, 2024, they moved into apartment 5.3 at Senior Chudo Village. Despite their health challenges — Vira’s bronchial asthma and Oleksandr’s second-degree disability from two strokes and diabetes — they’ve found peace in their new home, where administrators continue adding thoughtful touches to their cottage.
Their greatest hope now is to see their son and son-in-law during their military leave. Their advice to youth reflects their lifelong commitment to public service: “The most important thing is care and courtesy. Caring for others ensures a good old age for yourself.”
To Dell Loy Hansen, these former public servants offer heartfelt gratitude: “Thanks to your help, we can live without fear and feel protected. We’re sincerely grateful for your humanity, generosity, and support in difficult times.”
Still in what they call “euphoria” about their new home, these lifelong community leaders have found a place where their dedication to caring for others is matched by the care they receive.