Current:Home > StocksInside a Ukrainian orphanage where American donations are helping build "a new life" for vulnerable kids -Finovate
Inside a Ukrainian orphanage where American donations are helping build "a new life" for vulnerable kids
View
Date:2025-04-18 08:13:37
Chernivtsi, Ukraine — U.S. military support has been vital in Ukraine's fight to defend itself from Russian aggression, but Americans have also stepped up to protect some of the most vulnerable Ukrainians. Some of the children who've lost their parents or been separated from their families amid the war have turned to a safe haven called the "City of Goodness," which has managed to cope with soaring demand thanks to help from the United States.
CBS News visited the facility that has become a safe place to call home for around 200 children, from infants to older children with disabilities and other serious health concerns.
Marta Levchenko founded the facility three years ago as a refuge for women and children escaping domestic abuse. It still does that work, but Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion changed everything.
- Putin: Russia will "respond accordingly" if Ukraine gets depleted uranium shells
Virtually overnight, the "city" went from being a shelter, to being an orphanage.
"The war changed all of us," Levchenko told CBS News. "I never dreamed that within the City of Goodness' walls there would be orphans… but suddenly, we had one orphanage come to us for help, then the second, then the third."
She said she questioned her organization's ability to cope with the sudden influx.
"Every day I worried, 'What if we can't make lunch? Or what if we can't buy medication or pay our staff,'" she said. "But every day there are so many wonders happening around us. We receive donations from Americans and people here in Ukraine, who make sure that our children are taken care of, well fed and protected."
The donations, particularly from Americans, have been nothing short of transformative. Since the start of the war more than a year ago, The City of Goodness has been able to build two new buildings, and there's a third under construction.
One building in the "city" that was paid for by American donors was constructed not only to house orphaned children, but also to keep them safe from Russia's relentless aerial attacks.
"This is a bomb shelter made with love," explained Levchenko, showing CBS News around a room with bright green walls, tropical bird murals and a slide. "Our kids love this place a lot. They are not scared. They say, 'Oooh, great, we are going to the bomb shelter!'"
One U.S. sponsor even donated a fire engine. All the funds received by the organization go toward helping Ukraine's orphans, including helping them to find new, permanent homes.
That's what Alexiie and Irina hope to give little Masha. We were there as the husband and wife — a soldier and a schoolteacher — met the young girl for the first time.
"I cannot express my feelings with words," Irina told CBS News.
"We have an older girl who really wants a sister," said the mother, explaining that she and Alexiie had discussed adoption for a couple years, even before the war started.
The couple said Russia's assault — and knowing how many kids in the eastern part of the country in particular were being left alone — made them determined to welcome another child into their home as soon as possible.
For Levchenko, seeing one of the children she's come to know and love leave her care is always difficult, but she calls it "a miracle."
"It's the start of a new story. It's the start of a new life and it's the start of a new fate," she said. "It also a great joy, because it's almost like they were born on that day, like it's their birthday."
Levchenko hopes to find homes for all 200 orphaned children at the facility, and she has plans to welcome at least 150 more kids through the doors.
- In:
- War
- Ukraine
- Russia
- Vladimir Putin
Imtiaz Tyab is a CBS News correspondent based in London.
TwitterveryGood! (32197)
Related
- Whoopi Goldberg is delightfully vile as Miss Hannigan in ‘Annie’ stage return
- New Mexico Senate endorses budget bill emphasizing savings during oil sector windfall
- Julia Fox Wears Her Most Romantic Look Yet During New York Fashion Week
- Skip candy this Valentine's Day. Here are some healthier options
- Tom Holland's New Venture Revealed
- TikToker Campbell “Pookie” Puckett Steps Out For NYFW in Her Husband’s Favorite Outfit Yet
- The Daily Money: 'Romance scams' cost consumers $1.14b
- On Super Bowl broadcast, ‘He Gets Us’ ads featuring Jesus stand out for change-of-pace message
- Scoot flight from Singapore to Wuhan turns back after 'technical issue' detected
- San Francisco mayor’s race heats up with another challenger to London Breed
Ranking
- Backstage at New York's Jingle Ball with Jimmy Fallon, 'Queer Eye' and Meghan Trainor
- Channing Tatum Steps Out for Rare Red Carpet Appearance With Daughter Everly
- Dozens of Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes in Rafah
- Jon Stewart returns to host 'The Daily Show': Time, date, how to watch and stream
- Woman dies after Singapore family of 3 gets into accident in Taiwan
- Man behind gender reveal that sparked El Dorado fire in Southern California pleads guilty
- Judge to decide soon on possible NIL injunction after Tennessee vs. NCAA hearing ends
- Georgia Republican Gov. Brian Kemp sets the stage to aid Texas governor’s border standoff with Biden
Recommendation
Newly elected West Virginia lawmaker arrested and accused of making terroristic threats
45-year-old man arrested in Jackie Robinson statue theft that was not motivated by race, police say
Mardi Gras 2024: Watch livestream of Fat Tuesday celebrations in New Orleans, Louisiana
'Love is Blind' is back! Season 6 premiere date, time, episode schedule, where to watch
Costco membership growth 'robust,' even amid fee increase: What to know about earnings release
The secret to lasting love? Sometimes it's OK to go to bed angry
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent. Here’s what to know about the holy day
This Valentine's Day show your love with heart-shaped pizza, donuts, nuggets and more