Safe Space Program

Online Support Groups for Ukrainians in the U.S.

Weekly online support meetings for Ukrainians in the U.S. who have lived through the war and forced relocation. The program is designed to be a steady source of support—a place to return to—throughout the challenging process of adapting to a new life. Its goal is simple: every Ukrainian in the U.S. should know that every Saturday there is a safe space where you will be heard, understood, and supported.

FREE

ONLINE

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Bio

Valentyna Petrenko

    • Supporting adjustment after relocation

    • Restoring a sense of safety

    • Building community

    • Working through emotions of loss, anger, shame, and guilt

    • Reclaiming identity and meaning

  • 1. Safety & Stabilization

    How war and relocation affect your sense of grounding

    What the “window of tolerance” is—and how to widen it

    Practice: simple grounding basics

    2. Anxiety, Stress & Body Responses

    Why anxiety can linger after danger has passed

    Breathing and self-regulation tools

    Practice: the “5–4–3–2–1” grounding technique and returning to the present moment

    3. Loss, Grief & Homesickness

    Processing the losses of home, roles, and familiar life

    Making space for sadness and receiving support in grief

    Practice: a gentle self-support meditation

    4. Anger, Shame, Guilt & the Inner Critic

    Guilt about leaving and survivor guilt

    Turning anger into a resource instead of self-harm

    Practice: safe expression of feelings and boundaries

    5. Identity & Inner Resources in a New Reality

    “Who am I now?” after shifts in country, status, and roles

    Finding support within yourself, your family, and your culture

    Practice: “My Roots and My Wings”

    6. Integrating in the U.S. & Looking Ahead

    A gentle path into life in American society

    Building supportive connections without losing yourself

    Practice: a personal resource plan for your next chapterDescription text goes here

  • December 2025

    • December 20, 2025 — Safe Space: Loneliness in Migration & Reclaiming Inner Grounding

    • December 27, 2025 — How to Create a Sense of “Holiday” When You’re Far From Home

    January 2026

    • January 3, 2026 — Returning to Activity and Meaning

    • January 10, 2026 — Adjusting After Relocation

    • January 17, 2026 — Guilt After Leaving Home

    • January 24, 2026 — Anxiety and Overcontrol

    • January 31, 2026 — Living Through Loss

    February 2026

    • February 7, 2026 — The Psychology of Anger

    • February 14, 2026 — The Need for Community

    • February 21, 2026 — How the Nervous System Responds to Stress

    • February 28, 2026 — Shame and Self-Blame

    March 2026

    • March 7, 2026 — Identity in Migration: Renewing Yourself in Spring

    • March 14, 2026 — Resources of Ukrainian Culture

    • March 21, 2026 — Returning to the Body: How Body Awareness Helps Ease Inner Tension

    • March 28, 2026 — Simple Ways to Care for Yourself When Life Is Hard

    April 2026

    • April 4, 2026 — Personal Boundaries in a New Environment

    • April 11, 2026 — Social Adaptation: Navigating New Rules and Expectations

    • April 18, 2026 — Your Psychological First-Aid Kit

    • April 25, 2026 — Closing Session / Integration & Next Steps

Format

How the group work

  • Every Saturday · 90 minutes · Zoom

  • Each session focuses on one shared theme

  • Introducion → psychoeducation → sharing circle → practice

FAQ

  • Yes—if you’re a Ukrainian in the U.S. dealing with the impact of war, relocation, anxiety, exhaustion, cultural adjustment, or loneliness, this program is for you.

  • No, beginners are welcome. Sharing is optional.

  • Yes—confidentiality is required so everyone feels safe.

  • Ukrainian. Some Russian/English for clarity if needed.

  • Consistency helps, but missing occasionally is OK.

IN UKRAINIAN

First meeting: December 20, 2025. Join us!

First meeting: December 20, 2025. Join us!