Rooted in Ukrainian Heritage
In Vera Petrusha’s childhood home in Detroit circa 1960, the sound of the Ukrainian language was ever-present. Saturday mornings weren’t for cartoons like they were for so many American children — they were for Ukrainian school, where Vera learned to read, write, and speak Ukrainian. In those days, she didn’t fully appreciate spending her Saturdays in the classroom, but today she is deeply grateful that her parents instilled in her the language and culture of their homeland, reinforcing it daily at home.
Her childhood was filled with engagement in the Ukrainian community and its traditions — church life, music, dance, and cultural activities that kept her closely connected to the heritage her parents had carried with them.
Years later, when the Soviet Union collapsed and Ukraine opened to the world, Vera traveled to Ukraine for the first time to volunteer at a camp for orphans.
Volunteering at the camp that changed her life — Vera Petrusha (shown center) at her first camp in Vorokhta, Ukraine, where she served as counselor, workshop leader, and volunteer.
In the 1990s, Ukraine was grappling with a severe orphan crisis. The collapse of the Soviet Union and the transitioning economy left many families in deep poverty, unable to care for their children. Thousands of children ended up in state-run orphanages — some true orphans, others placed there temporarily by parents who hoped to reunite once their situation improved. International attention to the poor conditions in many orphanages highlighted the need for support. Vera welcomed the opportunity to volunteer.
From Grassroots Effort to Lifelong Mission
What Vera witnessed during her time at camp stayed with her when she returned home to the Detroit area. That trip changed everything.
“Meeting the kids and seeing the desperate need for just the human touch — somebody to listen to them, somebody to give them a hug — just really moved me,” recalls Vera.
Vera returned home and shared stories with family and friends about the children’s struggles — the lack of basic necessities, the emotional void left by absent parents — and she felt compelled to act.
That determination sparked a grassroots effort that would eventually grow into a formally recognized nonprofit. After two years of preparation, fundraising, and rallying local support, Vera founded UCARE (Ukrainian Children’s Aid and Relief Effort) with the help of family and friends in 1997 with a clear mission: to improve the lives of orphans in Ukraine.
What began as a grassroots effort to collect and ship food, formula, and clothing has, over nearly three decades, grown into a dynamic organization that provides not just aid but hope — through camps, education, mentorship, and programs that help children heal and dream about their futures.
Today, UCARE has had a profound impact on Ukrainian children. And as the country faces its greatest challenge since independence, UCARE has expanded its mission beyond serving only orphans to supporting all vulnerable Ukrainian children — including those displaced by war, those who have lost one or both parents, and those living with the daily trauma of war. These children are navigating not only loss but also uncertainty, disruption, and emotional scars that will last a lifetime. UCARE is there to help them find safety, connection, and hope for a future beyond war.
UCARE’s Board of Directors, shown left to right: Kathy Lucenko Robic (Volunteer Lead, Board of Directors), Marta Proctor (President, Board of Directors), Vera Petrusha (Vice President, Board of Directors), Olga Sumina (Executive Director), and Marc Hewko (Treasurer, Board of Directors).
Read on to explore UCARE’s journey — from its early days delivering essential supplies to orphanages to its current programs that continue to transform the lives of children across Ukraine. You’ll also find out how you can support UCARE’s mission and make a difference for Ukraine’s children.
A Mission That Grew with Ukraine
From the very beginning, UCARE’s mission has been grounded in compassion and integrity. In the late 1990s, its focus was on meeting the most basic needs of orphans in Ukraine. Local volunteers collected baby formula, milk, clothing, and other essentials that were packed into large shipping containers and sent overseas — a process that required significant funds, logistics, and volunteer effort.
A volunteer shown packing aid to send to Ukraine in UCARE’s early days.
Vera Petrusha with children whose lives were touched by UCARE’s support.
Although these shipments were time-consuming and costly to send, Vera and her team were relentless in their commitment to seeing them through. Each container represented hope — tangible proof to the children that someone cared.
As Ukraine’s economy began to stabilize and stores became more widely stocked, UCARE recognized an opportunity to make an even bigger impact. Rather than shipping goods from abroad, the organization shifted to purchasing items locally in Ukraine. This evolution enabled them to respond more quickly to children’s specific needs, take them shopping for shoes and clothing in the right sizes, and support Ukraine’s economy at the same time.
Over the years, UCARE has expanded its assistance to include more substantial needs like beds, washing machines, and infrastructure improvements for children’s facilities. But perhaps one of its most important developments has been the way it partners with other trusted organizations on the ground in Ukraine. These collaborations allow UCARE to maximize its impact and deliver aid more efficiently, while remaining highly selective about who it works with. Vera and the board carefully vet every partner to ensure that funding is used responsibly and reaches the children it is meant to serve. This diligence gives donors confidence that their contributions directly support the well-being of children, rather than getting lost in bureaucracy.
Through these efforts, UCARE has become more than a provider of aid — it has become a bridge between caring donors and the children who need the most help, evolving alongside Ukraine’s needs to ensure lasting impact.
Beyond Aid: Education and Emotional Support
Vera and her team soon realized that providing material aid was only part of the solution. “We didn’t just deliver supplies,” Vera emphasizes. “We started to deliver information and education for the children.”
Over time, UCARE began offering workshops such as human trafficking awareness, health education, and abuse prevention — giving children knowledge and tools to protect themselves. These efforts helped prepare them to navigate real-world challenges as they grew from childhood to young adulthood, building the confidence and skills needed to step into the future with hope.
Camps That Bring Hope and Shape Futures
Since its early years, UCARE has believed in the power of summer camps to change the trajectory of a child’s life. Camps give children a chance to step away from difficult environments, spend time outdoors, and simply be kids — laughing, playing, and connecting with others who understand what they’re going through.
Symbols of hope and moments of joy — left, campers form a golden trident (tryzub), Ukraine’s national emblem, celebrating their heritage. A group of campers (shown right) pause for a photo during a summer camp that offered not only fresh air and fun but also a renewed sense of belonging and possibility.
One of UCARE’s core programs, these summer camps remain central to its mission today. Over the years, they have welcomed children from orphanages, those displaced by war, children of fallen or wounded soldiers, and other vulnerable youth. The camps provide a safe, nurturing environment where children can breathe fresh air, participate in team activities, and begin to imagine a brighter future.
Snapshots from UCARE’s camps across the years — where children learn, play, sing, create, and find the hope and confidence to dream about brighter tomorrows.
Vera shares that one of the most touching moments for her at camp is simply hugging the children — a small but powerful gesture that helps them feel cared for. “When I hug a child, I make sure they know that hug is not just from me,” she explains. “It comes from the many people in the United States who support UCARE and care about them.”
In her interview with Spotlight Ukraine, Vera reflected on one young boy she remembers vividly from an early camp. He had been labeled “not worthy” in his orphanage and told not to have high hopes for his future. At camp, he felt seen and valued and was encouraged to dream bigger. Years later, Vera met him again — now a high-ranking military officer, married with two children of his own. His story is a reminder that sometimes a single experience of hope can inspire a lifetime of determination.
Many campers later go on to join UCARE’s educational program and even return as volunteers and counselors — guiding the next generation through the same life-changing experience.
Expanding the Mission During War
Since its founding, UCARE’s mission has grown beyond serving orphaned children to include all vulnerable children and youth across Ukraine. This expansion has never been more critical than it is today. Since the full-scale invasion, virtually every child in Ukraine has been impacted — many have lost a parent, been displaced from their homes, or are coping with the daily trauma of air raids and uncertainty about the future.
UCARE has responded by broadening its programs and deepening its commitment to meeting the needs of children wherever they are — physically, emotionally, and educationally. Through close collaboration with local communities, Ukrainian stakeholders, and trusted charities, UCARE ensures that its efforts are relevant, impactful, and focused on what children need most right now.
Today, UCARE’s impact includes:
- Adaptive Camps for Vulnerable Children – Safe spaces for orphans and children who have lost parents to war, offering healing, friendship, and skill-building opportunities. More than 50 camps have been organized, benefiting 1,500+ children.
- Education Programs for Vulnerable Youth – Tutoring, mentorship, and vocational training that have helped over 1,000 youths continue their education and develop life skills. More than 100 students have participated in international knowledge exchange programs, broadening their worldviews.
- Healing Through Art & Mental Health Initiatives – Creative therapy and wellness programs reaching over 200 youths, helping them process trauma and build resilience.
- Humanitarian Aid for Children and Youth – Direct assistance with food, shelter, and healthcare for over 2,500 children, ensuring survival and dignity in the midst of crisis.
In addition, UCARE continues to launch special projects each year to meet urgent needs. Current initiatives include:
- Mental Health Empower Program – Building resilience and leadership skills for young women aged 12–22.
- Healing Through Art 2025 – Expanding art therapy workshops to help children express emotions and process trauma.
- Educational Program 2025 – Providing tutoring, mentorship, and personal development opportunities for orphans and at-risk youth.
- Good for Kids UA 2025 – Offering diverse activities and support programs to inspire hope and foster joy.
- Adaptive Camps 2025 – Safe havens for vulnerable children to rebuild their lives and regain confidence.
- Children of Heroes Camps 2025 – Camps specifically for children of fallen soldiers, teaching Ukrainian history, traditions, and culture while giving them a place to heal.
- Pryyateli Ditey Camps 2025 – Immersive winter camp in the Carpathian Mountains blending cultural exploration, nature activities, and creative workshops.
For nearly three decades, UCARE has been a lifeline for Ukraine’s children — bringing comfort, education, healing, and hope. From the most basic needs to opportunities that shape their futures, UCARE stands with vulnerable youth at every step of their journey. Shown above are children with special needs, scholarship recipients, and children benefiting from UCARE’s aid campaigns — including efforts to help vulnerable children get a warm bed to sleep in.
A Passionate Grassroots Effort
Despite its far-reaching impact, UCARE remains a small, all-volunteer organization. It operates with a dedicated board of directors and a core group of passionate volunteers, supported by trusted partners on the ground in Ukraine who help ensure every effort reaches the children it’s meant to serve.
Funding comes primarily from small donors and grassroots fundraisers — including fashion shows that brought Ukrainian designers to Detroit and Chicago — raising both critical funds and awareness.
“We’ve never been a million-dollar organization. We are small and grassroots, but we do as much as we can,” Vera explains. “Even small gatherings make a difference. The community support, the chance to tell people about the kids, and the generosity that follows — it’s priceless.”
Vera believes that every contribution, no matter the size, has the power to change a child’s life. She encourages anyone moved by UCARE’s mission to visit ucareinc.org to learn more, get involved, and donate. Every act of generosity helps UCARE continue to bring hope to Ukraine’s children and launch creative new projects like Dream Trains – Voices of Hope.
Looking Ahead
Vera and the team at UCARE are constantly finding new and creative ways to support the children of Ukraine — projects that not only meet urgent needs but also inspire hope, healing, and connection. Their work goes beyond providing resources; it’s about giving children reasons to dream and opportunities to share their voices with the world.
One of their inspiring upcoming initiatives is Dream Trains – Voices of Hope, an art and storytelling exchange that connects vulnerable youth in Ukraine with students in the United States. Through original paintings and personal stories from children in Ukraine and creative responses from American students, this project weaves together the dreams of young people across continents — sparking empathy, hope, and a shared vision for a brighter future.
Stay tuned for a follow-up Spotlight Ukraine blog where we’ll share details about this important project and the October community celebration at Detroit’s historic Michigan Central Station.
Be sure to visit UCARE’s website to learn more about their work and find out how you can join them in supporting Ukraine’s children.