Khrystyna (not her real name) is a young Ukrainian woman displaced by the ongoing conflict to a new life in western Ukraine. When she left, she and her husband were only able to take essential items, forced to leave everything familiar behind. “Starting over in a city where I had no friends or relatives to rely on was challenging. I realized I needed to find a job or start my own business because my husband’s income alone was not sufficient,” Khrystyna said.
Back home, Khrystyna had over a decade of experience providing professional massage services. When she arrived in her new city, she noticed a demand—and an opportunity. Khrystyna learned about an IOCC livelihood project offering business and vocational courses, she enrolled, and soon put together a business plan that earned her a small grant provided by IOCC’s partner, Church of the Brethren.
With this grant, she was able to purchase a massage chair, a paraffin therapy kit, and other items for her massage business. “This project was a game changer for me and my family during this difficult time. In addition to economic empowerment, it gave me the chance to meet new people and build new friendships and networks that I will continue to maintain.”
