Donors support new daycare centre in Lviv for young adults with disabilities

The Dzherelo Educational and Rehabilitation Centre is a lifeline for young people with disabilities in Lviv, Ukraine. When Russian tanks rolled into Ukraine in February 2022, Dzherelo was one of the first local partners that Alongside Hope was able to support. Funds were used to create a 24-hour support line for families with disabilities trying to find safe places to live, as well provide upgrades to the centre’s heating system, needed during the harsh winters.

This month, it announced plans to open a new daycare centre in the Sykhiv district. This new facility will provide care and services to 20 young adults with disabilities, offering them a safe space to learn and develop vital skills that are necessary for independent living.

This important milestone is being made possible through a $75,000 grant from Alongside Hope, as well as support from the Lviv City Council, which has provided the premises free of charge. The former housing office offers more than 200 square metres of space, perfect for creating a barrier-free environment tailored to the needs of the young people it will serve.

“About 30 of our participants have already turned 18 and can no longer attend centres for children,” says Zoreslava Liulchak, Director of Dzherelo. “The opening of this new daycare centre is crucial as it provides a continuation of services for young adults with disabilities who are no longer eligible for care in the child programs. It’s not just about providing daycare, it’s about empowering these individuals with the skills they need to live independently, connect with their community and lead fulfilling lives. This is a major step forward for us and the families we serve.”

The new centre marks the next stage in Dzherelo’s growth and its ability to meet the evolving needs of its participants. Since its founding in 1993, Dzherelo has been at the forefront of providing educational, rehabilitation and social support services for children and young adults with disabilities in Lviv. With its current network of eight centres, Dzherelo serves more than 300 children and young people, helping them develop critical social skills, independence as well a sense of belonging – which is especially crucial in times of war.

For families of young people with disabilities, war brings overwhelming challenges. With social services strained or collapsed, daily life often becomes isolating. Fair access to care, therapies and basic needs are often out of reach. Families with extra needs face some of the highest barriers to support, from transportation to specialized care, and they are frequently overlooked in humanitarian response. The Dzherelo Centre ensures they are not forgotten, providing vital services, connection and hope in the hardest of times.

The new centre will provide individualized development programs for each participant. Volunteers will play a key role in this process, helping support the young people in their daily activities and offering a deeper sense of community connection.

“The Canadian community has always stood by Ukraine during its times of need,” says Oksana Vynnytska, the Canadian Honorary Consul in Ukraine, who toured the space recently. “Our support for Dzherelo reflects the deep ties that bind our countries, as well as the compassion we have for the families and individuals who rely on its services. This new centre will have a profound impact on the lives of those it serves, and we are proud to be part of that positive change.”

– with files from Dzherelo Education and Rehabilitation Centre