“I am a psychologist by education. Since 2018, she has worked in the humanitarian sector in Donetsk region and has seen firsthand how war affects the lives of people and communities. Together with our colleagues, we worked a lot on the implementation of projects and well understood the needs of people on the ground. It was then that the idea to create our own organization arose in order to have more opportunities to help people and implement important initiatives in partnership with international organizations,” recalls the head of the organization Maria Garazha.

Since its inception, “Point of Balance” has been working to support people, develop communities, protect human rights, and strengthen psychosocial well-being. The organization has united specialists who are convinced that quality care should be available to everyone who needs it.

How it all began

The first years of activity were a period of active formation of the organization. The team implemented humanitarian initiatives, provided psychological support to children and adults affected by the consequences of war, and worked to strengthen the capacity of communities.
During the first two years of operation, the organization’s specialists provided psychological help and support to thousands of children and adults, implemented humanitarian initiatives for community residents, and expanded the areas of activity in accordance with the current needs of the population.

Challenges of war and a new stage of development

The full-scale invasion of Russia in 2022 became a test for the entire country and for the organization’s team.
Most of the employees had to go abroad, part of the team moved to Transcarpathia. At the same time, the activities of the organization did not stop. Already in April 2022, “Equilibrium Point” resumed work and started implementing a humanitarian project to support residents of Donetsk region and internally displaced persons.
This period marked the beginning of a new stage of the organization’s development, when large-scale programs of humanitarian assistance, support for internally displaced persons, psychosocial support and community recovery were added to the traditional areas of activity.

Activities today

Today, “Equilibrium Point” has a head office in Uzhhorod and three regional offices in Donetsk, Sumy and Kharkiv regions.
More than 40 employees of the organization work daily to support people who have found themselves in difficult life circumstances due to the war.
In cooperation with international partners and donors, the team implemented more than 20 projects in 17 regions of Ukraine, covering various areas of aid and development.

The main areas of activity of the organization are:

  • psychosocial support for children and adults;
  • protection of human rights and development of civil society;
  • support for vulnerable categories of the population;
  • educational programs, trainings and development of professional communities;
  • humanitarian assistance to people affected by war;
  • development of partnerships and strengthening the capacity of communities.

A team that works for change

Behind each implemented project is the daily work of a team that quickly responds to challenges, seeks solutions and supports people in the most difficult periods of their lives.
The work of the organization is not only about numbers and reports. These are the stories of people who have received help, support and new opportunities for development. It is these stories that are the main motivation to continue working and expand activities.

Moving forward

Over the past six years, “Point of Balance” has gone from a local initiative to an organization that works in different regions of Ukraine and implements projects in partnership with international organizations.
Ahead are new challenges, new opportunities, and new projects. The main thing remains unchanged: the desire to support people, strengthen communities, and help find points of support even in the most difficult times.
After all, balance is not just a state. It is daily work, trust, and support that help move forward together.