Press Coverage and Updates

PRESS RELEASE

JAX Fund-supported Mental Health Centers in Lviv Have Helped Thousands of Soldiers, Civilians and Children Amid Continued Demand for Experienced Specialists

September 23, 2024

LVIV, UKRAINE, September 23, 2024 / EINPresswire.com / -- Less than a year after its launch, the national mental health center for Ukraine’s youth, supported by JAX Fund through its Clinton Global Initiative “Commitment to Action,” has successfully treated nearly a thousand children and teens, delivering close to 2,000 therapy sessions to date. This remarkable achievement marks the fulfillment of a key promise made during the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) 2023 Annual Meeting, where JAX Fund committed to addressing the mental health crisis among war-affected youth in Ukraine.
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UPDATE - July 10, 2024

As you may have heard, Russia launched 38 missiles at Ukraine Monday morning, including the building where children were receiving dialysis in Kiev. The intensive care, operating, and oncology departments were damaged. They are now trying to transport patients to locations with ventilators and oxygen. JAX Fund just donated to support this effort. Thank you all for your donations!

UPDATE - May 25, 2024

When we delivered the first batch of games to a shelter in Kherson, Ukraine, the children were delighted.

JAXFund.org funded this project and it was made possible through the incredible partnership with The Small Projects Team. We will be bringing smiles to many more faces, with 24 more shelters and orphanages to receive these games soon!  Let’s keep spreading love and support.

UPDATE - April 21, 2024

Congress just passed a significant bill to support Ukraine. It’s not just about politics; it’s about freedom and the people involved. One of my awesome JustAnswer colleagues, Volodymyr Koval, was recently drafted and joined the Ukrainian army. His dedication and courage inspire me. This 80-second audio clip on KCBS Radio explains how the new bill will make a difference for Ukraine, Volodymyr and the rest of the troops: OMNY.FM

Volodymyr's courage is a reminder of the sacrifices many make for the greater good. Join me in honoring Volodymyr and other brave Ukrainians like him who fight for freedom and democracy. 

How huge military aid package can benefit Ukraine - KCBS Radio: On-Demand

When the U.S. House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to provide $60 billion in military aid to Ukraine, after months of delays, Ukranian employees of a Bay Area-based high-tech firm openly rejoiced. KCBS Radio's Jeffrey Schaub spoke with the company’s founder.

UPDATE - March 5, 2024

Tough situation in Ukraine

It's clear that limited supplies from the US and EU are putting Ukraine in a difficult spot. They're forced to be defensive, preserving ammo to protect their remaining territory.

Meanwhile, Russia gets a free hand, receiving weapons (including long-range missiles!) from countries like Iran, North Korea, and China (under the radar). Their war chest is fueled by oil sales to Turkey, China and India.

UPDATE - March 5, 2024

I am returning from another visit to Ukraine, where I witnessed the incredible resilience of my JustAnswer colleagues and their communities in the face of war. I've observed a shift in the local attitude during each of my trips to Ukraine since the war started. Initially, the collective mood was one of raw anger and passion. Over time, it shifted towards cautious optimism and finally, a profound state of acceptance. This Zen-like acceptance acknowledges the long road ahead, influenced by external factors, but refuses to let it extinguish hope. Interestingly, the Ukrainian people’s resilience has been there all along.

Here are some of the things that amazed me:

Despite the constant threat of air raids and missile attacks, schools continue to operate and provide education for the children. A Russian missile hit a school in Lviv where many of my colleagues children go, but the parents and teachers quickly cleaned and repaired the damage, reopening the school in just one day. The classroom that took the most damage was fully rebuilt within a week. Some schools have even moved their classes to underground subway stations, to avoid interruptions from missiles and air raid sirens.

The war has also changed the country's demographics, as people seek safer places to live and work. Uzhhorod, where one of our JustAnswer office is located, has become home to thousands of other displaced people from the more war-torn parts of Ukraine in the east. Uzhhorod’s population has possibly increased sixfold, creating new challenges (traffic, parking, etc…) and opportunities. Every new building, every busy street, every thriving business is a sign of a community that refuses to give up.

Amidst the fear and uncertainty, there is also joy and hope. My colleagues showed me their indomitable spirit by wearing Hawaiian shirts, a very un-Ukrainian thing to do. They also had fun playing with my new Apple Vision Pro. The fact that we could have some fun was also a testament to the strength of our community and our shared vision for a brighter, peaceful future.

Every restored classroom, vibrant street, and shared laugh echoes the undying spirit of Ukraine. This story of triumph over adversity is a testament to the human capacity to adapt, find joy, and foster community, even in the face of immense challenges.

This isn't just about survival; it's about thriving. It's about hope, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of happiness, even amidst the darkest of times.

UPDATE - March 2, 2024

Ukraine Trip: Navigating the Draft

As I journeyed across Ukraine, from Uzhhorod to Lviv, the specter of the draft loomed large. During our four-hour drive, we encountered four checkpoints. Twice, our driver, fearing conscription, argued his way through by refusing to surrender his passport (legally, he only needs to show it). If pressed by the authorities, he would have had a mere 48 hours to report for duty.

That's two short days to get your life in order, say your goodbyes, and prepare for an uncertain future, with no set term for service. You could be sent to the front lines forever.

The current laws surrounding the draft are complex, outdated, and bureaucratic, making the entire process feel random, scary, and unfair. It's not a centralized system with random assignments like you might expect, but rather a tense situation further complicated by a new, evolving law. The first draft of this law received extensive feedback, prompting over 4,000 revisions! The final version is expected to be released any day now.

UPDATE - March 2, 2024

Visiting our new Children’s Mental Health Center in Lviv, Ukraine!

Walking into our newly inaugurated Children's Mental Health Center in Lviv was a moment I will never forget. A collaboration between our nonprofit, JAX Fund/Arizae Foundation, and partners like JustAnswer, Red Ventures, Stronger Than Ever, Lviv IT Cluster, Clinton Global Initiative, and Unbroken has brought to life a haven for Ukraine's children affected by war.

The center is a testament to hope and resilience, offering a crucial sanctuary for mental health support. The stories of children battling PTSD, losing families, friends, homes, and limbs in the wake of war are heart-wrenching. This new center addresses the often-overlooked aspect of war – the mental health of children.

Heroes of Healing

Drs. Oleh Berezyuk and Roksolana Yurchyshyn lead a heroic team, scaling their efforts from 40 new patients/day 2 years ago to over 120 patients/day. Their dedication in treating PTSD and other mental health challenges showcases the escalating need for our services amidst this crisis.

Seeing the center's impact first-hand - the stories of courage, the resilience of the human spirit, and the difference we're making - has been incredibly moving.

Join Us in This Journey

As we forge ahead, please stand with us to support Ukraine's future—its children. Your engagement, whether through spreading the word or contributing in any way you can, fuels our JAX Fund mission.