Starting Afresh in New Circumstances: Employment Support from the East SOS Team

After being forced to relocate, many people find themselves without a steady income. Without financial stability, starting anew becomes nearly impossible—whether it’s finding a place to live, managing daily expenses, or planning for the near future. Searching for work in an unfamiliar hromada (community) becomes even more challenging by a lack of networking, the need for retraining, or adapting to a new job market.

The East SOS team provides consistent support to those seeking employment after forced relocation.
To achieve this, our specialists organize employment focused events within the psychosocial and legal support spaces known as Zatyshno space, managed by the East SOS team, as well as off-site events in collaboration with partner organizations. By attending informational sessions, workshops, and job fairs, participants explore job opportunities, understand employer expectations, and learn about working conditions, while also improving their self-presentation and interview skills.

Moreover, our social workers and case managers provide personalized support addressing specific needs such as analyzing professional experience, helping to update resumes, preparing for interviews, and guiding beneficiaries through the next steps in their job search.

Each inquiry represents a unique journey of self-discovery and employment. Below are a few stories that illustrate the steps and decisions that led these individuals to employment, despite their initial doubts.

Stanislava, 25 years old (Vinnytsia)

Stanislava came to Zatyshno space during a difficult time in her life. Her father is a military serviceman, and her mother has a disability and requires constant care, a responsibility Stanislava took on right after graduating. The weight of family duties, coupled with uncertainty about the future and emotional fatigue, led her to seek psychological support. She participated in training sessions and events at the space, and later sought individual assistance.

Social worker Maryna Makhnytska helped Stanislava recognize her strengths, improve her self-presentation, and create a resume, while also practicing interview techniques. The specialist advised her to consider combining her hobbies with work, as she enjoys outdoor activities and traveling. Stanislava has a technical higher education but didn’t see herself in that field. Thanks to this support, she realized her true interests and found a job in tourism, a field she truly enjoys.

Anastasia, 23 years old (Mykolaiv)

Anastasia has a pharmacy degree, but after staff cuts, she lost her job. Due to health reasons, it was important for her to find stable working conditions, which made the job search more difficult. She reached out to case manager Iryna Hnatiuk from the East SOS team. Together, they reviewed her experience, selected relevant job offers, and introduced her to potential employers at the Windows of Opportunity event. Later, Anastasia passed the selection process and secured a position as a clerk, which allowed her to regain financial stability and plan her future.

Halyna, 52 years old (Mykolaiv)

Halyna had been unemployed for a long time and didn’t know where to start her job search. After group sessions at Zatyshno Space with case manager Iryna Hnatiuk, she sought individual support. Together, they updated her resume, identified possible career paths, and took step-by-step action toward employment. As a result, Halyna was hired as an administrator at a branch of Oshchadbank.

Alla, 21 years old (Kharkiv)

Alla is a displaced person who worked for a while at a call center. The job was stable, but as she described it, lacking purpose. While it provided income, it gradually eroded her self-confidence.
She reached out to case manager Anna Yavtushenko at Zatyshno Space for support. The specialist helped her create a resume, find suitable job offers, defining her career needs. They worked together to set a plan for her job search. Maryna Poltoratska, a psychologist from Zatyshno Space, also stepped in to help Alla regain her confidence, confront her fears, and improve her self-presentation skills. Later, Alla decided to try a new field – organizing and hosting creative events for children. She successfully completed her probationary period and is now thriving in her new role.

Olena, 46 years old (Kharkiv)

After a long break from work, Olena felt lost and didn’t know where to begin her return to professional life. After attending a career orientation event at Zatyshno Space, she decided to seek individual support. Case manager Anna Yavtushenko worked with her to carefully review her education and skills, then created a resume. Together with the psychologist Hanna Zalozna, they worked through her fears that had been holding her back.

Olena confessed that she had always dreamed of a job in the creative industry, specifically sewing, but didn’t believe it could become her job. The consultation helped her gain confidence, and she decided to try. Today, Olena works in the sewing industry and continues to study. She believes in herself now and has a stable income – this is the best outcome for our team.

Yana, 44 years old (Zaporizhzhia)

Yana reached out for help during the evacuation from the front line at a transit center in Zaporizhzhia. During a conversation with a case manager Valentyna Zakharchenko, it became clear that after the relocation, it was important for her to find a job in her field and restore her professional rhythm. For further support, Valentyna referred Yana to Zatyshno Space. They began by updating her resume and continued the search for job opportunities. Soon enough, Yana found a job as a seamstress and shared that the support she received from the specialist helped her through this challenging period.

If you need help with your job search, reach out to the psychosocial and legal support spaces run by the East SOS team in Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Mykolaiv, and Vinnytsia. Stay updated with the latest news from our Telegram channels.

The spaces in Zaporizhzhia, Kharkiv, and Mykolaiv are part of the project Protection and Psychosocial Support for War-Affected Populations in Ukraine’s Frontline Regions, funded by the German Federal Foreign Office. The Vinnytsia center is supported by the Solidarity with Ukraine Program of Fondation de France.

Recently, the East SOS team repaired the roof of Natalia, a teacher from Izium.