The Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 sent shockwaves across the globe and ushered in the latest tragic chapter in the history of the war-torn country. Sadly, more than 3 years later, nothing has been gained, but an unimaginable amount has been lost. Much of this loss falls upon Ukrainian children and youth, as many have lost family members or friends and witnessed or experienced unspeakable acts of violence and destruction that have stolen away their innocence. Their mental health is seriously compromised, but help is on the way, and her name is Vera Penkalskyj, a clinician at Langhorne, Pa. based Family Service Association of Bucks County (Family Service). Vera will be joining the staff of Project Soniashnyk Camp, which is a designated fund of BCU Foundation in Toronto, Canada.
The granddaughter of Ukrainian immigrants, Vera will be leaving the United States at the end of June, embarking on what will be at least a 40-hour trip to serve as a volunteer psychologist/counselor at a summer “rehabilitation” camp for Ukrainian children, aged 11-17. Her reason? “I just wanted to offer my services and give something back to Ukraine and these children, because so much has already been taken from them,” said Penkalskyj. “It is really just about helping in any way I can.”
The privately funded camp offers everything that you would expect, like rafting, swimming, sports, tents, and campfires. However, in addition to all of the fun activities, what makes this camp different is the counseling component. “We of course need to be trained in basic first aid and have camp counseling experience, and there is a team of 14 psychologists, medical consultants, grief counselors, and therapists on hand,” points out Vera. “Throughout the day we also conduct team building, as well as story and art therapy sessions. Basically, we are just there for them when they need us.”
The camp was launched in 2023 in response to the psychological needs of the children of the war and serves 130 children over a two-week session with 35 counselors on staff. While this is her first time volunteering at the camp, Penkalskyj is no stranger to Ukraine, having been there three times in her life.
Family Service Chief Executive Officer Kristin DeForest is proud to have Vera on her staff. “I cannot think of a more inspiring story than Vera’s,” said DeForest. “She truly represents everything that we hope for from our amazing staff, especially when it comes to supporting those who need us the most.”
Family Service Association of Bucks County is a non-profit health, human, and social service organization with locations throughout Bucks County, Pennsylvania. It is the mission of Family Service to listen, care, and help. Every day, since 1953, Family Service has been improving the lives of individuals, children, and families, doing whatever it takes to help them overcome obstacles and reach their full potential. Visit www.fsabc.org to donate, volunteer, or learn more about how Family Service helped more than 30,000 children, teens, and adults last year.
