The mental health and well-being of the children of Ukraine continues to deteriorate, with an estimated 1.5 million children at risk of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health issues.
Further compounding this problem, education has been disrupted for many children, denying them the structure, safety, normality and hope that classrooms provide. The absence from the classroom for many kids comes after two years of lost learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Parents are struggling to survive, limiting their ability to assist the children. Many families have depleted their savings and jobs are hard to find. At the same time, prices for food and household goods continue to rise (since the start of the war, prices for vegetables have increased 38%, sugar 23%, eggs 80% and fruits 45%).
The aid we provide to 50,000 people is more important than ever: food, household needs, medical care, clothes, glasses and more. Our children's programs provide a lifeline for kids who desperately need support from their community. Each week we offer after school programs (SmartJ), sunday schools (JFuture), teen clubs (EnerJew) and youth programs (Stars). This fall we welcomed children back to 42 schools across the country; over the summer we offered 45 different camps for kids (e.g., day camps, overnight camps, family camps).
We deliver mental health treatment through partnerships with the Israel Trauma Coalition and the Jewish Agency's JReady program. Teachers and social workers receive specialized training and support, and students and their parents receive counseling to address the ongoing challenges resulting from the crisis.
We are preparing for the Ukrainian winter, amassing supplies to distribute across the country to ensure families have heat, food and warm clothing to wear. We will continue to do everything possible to take care of the children, our future. With your help, we save lives and restore hope.
