Dorcas Ukraine
Immediate response and lasting transformation
We see communities affected by conflict, displacement and economic strain. Our programmes therefore focus on Crisis Response, Protection, Economic Development, and Community Development. The result is communities that can recover, rebuild and thrive despite ongoing challenges.
Context in Ukraine
About Ukraine
Ukraine faces compounding crises with no clear end in sight. Missile attacks, damaged homes and disrupted services create persistent humanitarian needs across the country. Over 6 million people remain internally displaced, requiring sustained support for recovery and reintegration. Inflation, rising utility costs and disrupted livelihoods deepen economic vulnerability for millions of households. Older persons, displaced families and marginalised children face isolation, instability and limited access to services — and community ties that once provided a safety net have been severely weakened by years of conflict.
Dorcas in Ukraine
Dorcas Ukraine has been active since 1998. We respond flexibly in volatile contexts. Our work has evolved from humanitarian assistance to integrated recovery programming that strengthens community safety nets, supports psychosocial well-being and enables locally led development. We collaborate with grassroots organisations, churches, local authorities and international partners. Our long-term presence and trusted relationships allow us to support communities as they transition from crisis to recovery.
By 2030, we envision an Ukraine where:
What we do
Programmatic themes
Dorcas Ukraine works through four programmatic themes. We ensure that interventions address both immediate needs and long-term resilience.
We provide life-saving assistance and support communities recovering from conflict-related damage. In the Zaporizhzhia region, homes are frequently damaged by missile and drone attacks. Dorcas Ukraine repairs doors, windows and roofs, ensuring families can remain safe, warm and protected. Across our programmes, 271 households receive emergency shelter repairs and support each year to get through the winter.
We protect people vulnerable to poverty, exclusion and crisis through integrated support and prevention. Older persons face isolation and hardship. Dorcas Ukraine provides weekly home visits, pastoral care and practical support to ensure their well-being and dignity. Across our programmes, 2,185 individuals in vulnerable situations receive regular protection and psychosocial support services.
We support people to gain job skills, start small businesses and access inclusive markets. The conflict has caused widespread job loss. Dorcas Ukraine provides grants for people to learn new skills aligned with local labour market needs, enabling them to secure income and rebuild livelihoods. Across our programmes, 1,072 people have received grants to learn new skills.
We strengthen community structures and safety nets through collaborative, locally led approaches. Dorcas Ukraine partners with local church organisations to support families in vulnerable situations and develop income-generating activities that sustain community initiatives in the long term. Across our programmes, 59 community groups are strengthened and actively implementing locally led initiatives annually.
Psychosocial support amid shelling
‘I am grateful my windows survived. I don’t know what I would have done otherwise,’ recalls Vira, thinking back to yet another shell landing near her home. Vira, (80), lives by herself in Zaporizhzhia, in the area worst affected by shelling in the ongoing conflict. Following one of the attacks, the ceiling in one of the rooms of her house collapsed due to the blast wave: ‘I saw a bright white glow, and I was very frightened. People died that day, it was horrific.’
Our impact in 2020-2025
Crisis Response
- A total of 120,647 people received crisis response support.
In the Zaporizhzhia region, homes are frequently damaged by missile and drone attacks. Dorcas Ukraine repairs doors, windows and roofs, ensuring families can remain safe, warm and protected.
Economic development
- 1,072 people received economic development support.
We provide grants that enable people to learn new skills aligned with local labour market needs, supporting them in securing an income and rebuilding their livelihoods.
Community Development
- A total of 23,266 people receive support from the Community Development programme.
We partner with local church organisations to support families in vulnerable situations, developing income-generating activities that sustain community initiatives in the long term.
Protection
- Protection support was provided to 22,486 individuals.
Older people often face isolation and hardship. Dorcas Ukraine provides weekly home visits, pastoral care and practical support to ensure their well-being and dignity.
How we work
Local leadership and partnerships
Dorcas Ukraine works with local, national and international partners to strengthen community resilience and recovery. Our partnerships with grassroots organisations, churches, local authorities and international donors are built on trust, shared values and long-term commitment. Together, we create opportunities for communities to flourish.
- New Hope Center
- New Beginnings
- Reformed Church of Szernye
- Nevo
- Samuel Foundation
- Enjoying Life
- City Aid Center
- Nehemiah
- Pro Agricultura Carpatika
- Reformed Church of Tiszaujfalu
- UNOCHA
- Help Age
- Criscon 24
- Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Dutch Relief Alliance
- World Vision International
- Samenwerkende Hulp Organisaties
- Giro 555
- Christelijk Noodhulp Cluster (CNC)
- Stichting Kom over en Help
- Forth Global
- ZOA
- United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) coordination system — cluster participation (Cash Working Group, Protection, Shelter/NFI)
- Ukraine Humanitarian Fund (UHF) partner network
- Relevant regional and oblast-level humanitarian coordination forums
- Shared values and mutual respect
- Complementary strengths
- Transparent communication
- Long-term commitment
- Local leadership
- Joint learning and adaptation
Partnership and investment opportunities
We seek partners who share our commitment to climate resilience, local leadership and long-term impact. We welcome programme partnerships, institutional funding, research collaborations and private-sector engagement.
'The Executive Committee of the Vilniansk City Council sincerely thanks you for your care and support of the community in preparing for the winter season. Many families will now have warmth and comfort in their homes, which is especially important in these difficult times.'
Meet our Country Director
Ferenc Katko
'Our vision is to see people affected by conflict and economic hardship have their dignity restored, be equipped with opportunities for sustainable livelihoods, and be supported through community-based safety nets that foster long-term recovery. Achieving this vision requires strong and trusted partnerships. No single organisation can address the scale and complexity of Ukraine's challenges alone. By combining expertise, resources and local presence, we can deliver higher-quality programmes, expand our reach and ensure lasting impact for the communities we serve. I invite you to explore how we can collaborate strategically and meaningfully. Together, we can realise our vision for Ukraine.'
Contact
Dorcas Ukraine office
Country office
Tserkovna street 5, Surte 89432, Ukraine, Transcarpathia
Regional office
PO Box 1049, 69010 Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine
