Resilience Center Opens in Zaporizhzhia - A Space for Psychosocial Support

This is the 229th Resilience Center established in Ukraine as part of the "How Are You?" program.

In Zaporizhzhia, a Resilience Center has opened its doors – a space welcoming all who need support. The center provides assistance to people experiencing stress, fatigue, emotional exhaustion, or adapting to new life circumstances. It serves children, parents, youth, and older adults – anyone seeking professional help to restore inner balance and strengthen resilience.

The center joins a nationwide network that continues to grow despite the war, thanks to partnerships between the state, communities, and international donors.

The Zaporizhzhia Resilience Center was established with support from UNICEF and funding from the German government through the KfW Development Bank. Local authorities and the team from the NGO "Responsible Citizens" are involved in its operations.

"Our goal is to ensure no child or family faces trauma alone. Resilience Centers respond to people's need to be heard, supported, and included in community life. These are places where strength, connections, and self-confidence are restored," said Iryna Postolovska, Deputy Minister of Social Policy of Ukraine.

The center provides free individual and group consultations with psychologists and social workers, supports internally displaced persons, assists parents who have lost their footing, and helps children who have experienced evacuation, shelling, or loss.

"Safety, dignity, and care are fundamental rights of every child that require special protection during war. Resilience Centers are designed to provide children and families with easy access to quality, inclusive, and comprehensive services in one space - services that support mental health, help overcome crises, strengthen parenting potential, and promote social cohesion. These Centers operate under local authorities' guidance and align with the Ministry of Social Policy's approaches to developing integrated social services and ensuring their sustainability through systemic responses to war challenges. They exemplify how strong partnerships between state and local structures help create united, resilient communities," emphasized Munir Mammadzade, UNICEF Representative in Ukraine.

The center is fully accessible – both physically and emotionally. People can simply come, talk, and find community.

Resilience Centers are an initiative of Ukraine's Ministry of Social Policy implemented within the "How Are You?" program of First Lady Olena Zelenska.

As of June 2025, 229 Resilience Centers are operating across 24 regions of Ukraine.

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