There are moments when it’s worth stopping. To put down the burden of the daily race, to set aside tasks, deadlines, and the constant “should,” simply to be. To be together. To see each other outside of work, and to remember why it all began.
This retreat became exactly that — a meeting point with ourselves and our team. We changed after the retreat: with clarity in our eyes, new ideas in our minds, and warmth in our hearts. Because a team is not just about work — it’s about connection. That’s where true creative energy is born.
We’re sharing the reflections left by the participants. Each one is a support point for us and our team.
Serhii Serhieiev:
“Life nowadays is so tense — the news, the situation in the country… everything feels difficult and uncertain. You don’t know what tomorrow brings. To have the opportunity to come here and sleep without air raid alerts, to laugh, to walk — that’s precious. And to realize that you’re worthy of it, that you’ve earned the chance to rest and gain strength — that’s important. Personally, I did gain strength. I’m very proud to be part of this team.”
Tetiana Oboyanska:
“I inhaled this lightness — it’s incredible. I was deeply moved by our trip to Tustan — everything was green, lush, free. I wanted to stay in it, lost in my thoughts. This retreat was very, very important to me. I felt extra care, support, and — I’d even say — a recognition of value. The value and importance of what we do together as a team — it’s truly incredible.”
Olha Posternak:
“Every day was fast-paced, practically scheduled by the hour. We went on guided tours, played bowling, talked in the pool — and it was awesome. I really liked the workshops — each one touched a different chord of my soul. I’m grateful to the trainers for that. I know I wouldn’t have gone if it weren’t for Iryna and the foundation’s support. I’m so thankful that you persuaded me, supported me, and helped. I feel replenished now, though there’s still a journey of recovery ahead.”
Olena Bozhor:
“These days I felt a sense of family, emotional warmth, and comfort. That’s so valuable. Our circle has been together for many years — there’s a deep sense of reliability, of knowing that you’re not alone, that colleagues and friends are by your side. Every moment was filled with various emotions, but there was a constant thread of care running through it all. My soul rested, my body relaxed.”
Yana Serhieieva:
“I’m so happy and grateful that you believed in me back then. It’s amazing to be in this team — truly incredible. Here at the retreat, every day inspired me — the breathtaking mountain views, the faces of friends, the colors on the canvas, the delicious food. I was inspired by everything. I rested, put everything else aside, didn’t work at all. This time felt like three months of therapy for me.”
Yevhen Moroz:
“I’m not someone who easily gets going. It’s hard for me to break out of my routine, my little world. But this time, I rested, reloaded, and I honestly can’t remember when I last painted. This time, I’m bringing a painting on canvas home.”
Nataliia Podoliak:
“So many memories surfaced — of our shared work and the adventures within this project. I realized that even with close friends, traveling can be tough. You can be friends, but travel is a whole different thing. And yet, our team came together so well, even though we’re all so different. We’re a real team!”
Iryna Sukhova:
“We’re like horses pulling heavy wagons of stress, human trauma, and healing. So, we must also care for ourselves — to restore strength for this difficult work. Ukraine’s resilience depends on the resilience of each family. And every family is made up of a mother, a father, and a child. If we talk about our professional community — it’s the resilience of every psychologist individually. I truly want to support and nurture that resilience so that our work can continue.
The goal of this retreat was to provide a resource for our project team. But resources can look different. Some need to relax — just swim, rest, eat, live in comfort. Others seek new impressions — excursions, new places, new activities. Others need inner work — to go deeper, to heal something. Resources are different. And so are we.
But I think we managed to plan a program that worked for everyone. It was also an opportunity to be together as a team, to reflect, to recharge, and to step into the future with renewed strength.
None of this would have been possible without our sponsors — for their humanity and understanding that behind every team are people. People who are living through this war, yet still find the strength and desire to work on this project and help both young and adult Ukrainians nurture their resilience. We are immensely grateful to them for this.”
