Before the end of March 2025, our aim is to raise €2,500 through this fundraiser (and €10,000 before the end of 2025!).

Here are some examples of how your money will be used:

• €50 - Each adult visit with the psychologist
• €35 - Each child/group session visit with the psychologist
• €35 - Gift card in support of a newly arrived refugee family
• €20 - In support of the general activities in the community center - craft supplies etc.
• €5 - In support of the "human connection" factor - coffee, tea, cookies etc.

The Salvation Army in Latvia has been supporting refugees from Ukraine since the onset of the full-scale conflict in early 2022. In the beginning, the support was in the form of emergency assistance - giving out food, hygiene products and clothing to those who were in need. Eventually, we were helping 1200 families per month in this way. We also employed a psychologist (also from Ukraine) to begin free-of-charge trauma counseling sessions.

As the war continued, we decided to adjust our methods and at the beginning of 2024, a community center for Refugees was born, led by a manager who is herself a refugee. Instead of supporting with only humanitarian aid, we now had a chance to provide a safe place for our visitors to find companionship, support and hope - and in turn, an opportunity to support and care for one another.

Mission and Atmosphere

The center aims to create a welcoming, home-like atmosphere characterized by respect and kindness. Visitors are greeted by empathetic volunteers who are also refugees and understand the hardships others have endured. The goal is to provide a safe space where individuals feel heard, supported, and understood.

The leader of the center has called it a "home away from home" - giving refugees a space where they feel valued and supported. In essence, the center is more than a place for activities; it’s a hub of human connection, empowerment, and integration for Ukrainian refugees

Support and Integration

The center offers practical guidance to help refugees integrate into society. Visitors receive information about available services and support, both within the center and through external organizations. Free psychological assistance is available, along with opportunities to engage in activities and contribute as volunteers. This helps individuals regain a sense of purpose and self-worth.

Activities and Programs

The center organizes diverse activities aimed at fostering social connections, reducing stress, and providing constructive distractions from negative emotions or news. Key activities include:

• Crafts and volunteer work: eg. making mittens for local communities and preparing for charity events.
• Fitness classes
• Latvian conversation club.
• Creative workshops like decoupage, knitting, aromatherapy, and creating collages.
• Bible studies (optional)
• English conversation club for teenagers.
• Developmental activities for toddlers

Depending on volunteer availability, sessions may also include:

• art therapy
• psychological lectures
• computer skills,
• financial literacy,
• human rights,
• creative evenings,
• music concerts.

Volunteer Contributions

Most of the volunteers are Ukrainian refugees. The main exceptions are the Language teachers (Latvian and English) and the Bible study leaders (the local Salvation Army representatives).

Funding

The Salvation Army's work for refugees in Latvia has been funded by The International Salvation Army community (primarily donors from USA, UK and Sweden) and from locally generated donations.

In order for The Salvation Army in Latvia to quality for its international support we must also be able to raise a percentage of the funding from local and private donations.

This is where you come in - we need your help!

Before the end of March 2025, our aim is to raise €2,500 through this fundraiser (and €10,000 before the end of 2025!).

Here are some examples of how your money will be used:

• €50 - Each adult visit with the psychologist
• €35 - Each child/group session visit with the psychologist
• €35 - Gift card in support of a newly arrived refugee family
• €20 - In support of the general activities in the community center - craft supplies etc.
• €5 - In support of the "human connection" factor - coffee, tea, cookies etc.