The children of City of Goodness, Ukraine’s largest shelter, now have a dedicated creative therapy room and a children’s library, thanks to the support of the Ukrainian Cultural Center of New England (UCCN).
Funds raised during the annual Ukrainian Christmas Market, the Christmas concert in Boston, and additional targeted donations were directed to support children in Ukraine. A total of $16,000 was donated to City of Goodness, an international center in Chernivtsi, Ukraine, that provides comprehensive assistance to children and women in crisis.
Since its founding in 2016, the shelter’s team and volunteers have rescued over 8,000 children from social orphanhood and supported more than 5,000 women. Today, the shelter is home to over 300 residents, including orphans evacuated from boarding schools, critically ill children, mothers with young children, and families displaced by war or domestic violence. The shelter also cares for 35 dogs, which play a vital role in therapy sessions, helping children heal from trauma. All support is provided free of charge, as City of Goodness operates solely on charitable donations, without government funding.
Thanks to UCCN’s generous support, the shelter was able to fulfill a long-held dream—creating an art therapy room for children. The funds were used to purchase essential supplies, including canvases, paints, easels, and stationery, allowing children to express themselves through art. The children’s library was also expanded with new books. Additionally, funds were allocated to support caregivers and instructors leading children’s workshops.
“We are incredibly grateful for UCCN’s support! We have long dreamed of such a classroom! For children who are completely alone, who have suffered from war and violence, it is crucial to find joy, hold on to their childhood, and continue growing. Art therapy and creative workshops are true healing! Thank you to everyone who supports the ‘City of Goodness’ and the children of Ukraine! May your kindness return to you as blessings! We love you and always welcome you to visit!” — Marta Levchenko, Founder of ‘City of Goodness’.
“Last year, our team decided to make the Christmas market a charitable event, and we unanimously agreed that the proceeds should go to children. Christmas is a time of miracles, and as adults, we have the power to create those miracles ourselves. The Ukrainian and American communities responded with incredible generosity. Some people couldn’t stay for the event but, upon learning about its mission, simply dropped donations into the collection box at the entrance. Every dollar from ticket sales and contributions went directly to the ‘City of Goodness’ shelter.”— Oksana Kasatkina, UCCN Board Team Member & Editor-in-Chief of UA Chronicles.
The Ukrainian Cultural Center of New England (UCCN) has already begun preparations for the 2025 Ukrainian Christmas Market, which will once again be a charity event.
“In December 2024, just before the upcoming market, we confirmed our new venue for next year’s event in Melrose. Each year, this event grows exponentially. In 2025, we are thrilled to have a space three times larger, with a beautiful stage, excellent acoustics, and plenty of seating. Our goal for 2025 is even bigger—to help more children in Ukraine and also support families here in New England. That’s why we are introducing a partially new format in partnership with the only Ukrainian school in Massachusetts, Ridna Shkola. Stay tuned for announcements on our website and UCCN’s social media pages.” — Ivanka Roberts, Co-founder & Director of UCCN
Ukrainian Cultural Center of New England is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting Ukrainian culture, heritage, and community in the vibrant New England region. With a passion for Ukraine’s rich traditions and a commitment to fostering connections, UCCN serves as a cultural hub and a bridge between Ukrainian-Americans, Ukrainians, and the broader community.
Your support plays a crucial role in advancing the mission and impact of the Ukrainian Cultural Center of New England (UCCN). By making a donation, you directly contribute to the preservation and promotion of Ukrainian culture, educational initiatives, charitable programs, and the vibrant Ukrainian-American community in the New England area. We deeply appreciate your generosity.