In 2016, Yuriy Boyechko founded Hope for Ukraine to raise awareness for voices not heard in Ukraine, especially children affected by HIV and AIDS. Providing medical care for children with disabilities as well as food and clothing for families that live in extreme poverty.

After Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Yuriy’s work surged in importance. Today he joins Jay Ruderman to talk about how the work of providing food and material support to those who remain in Ukraine has become harder as public interest in Ukraine has waned in the face of other international affairs. They also discuss the hard work of minimizing overhead costs at a nonprofit and Yuriy’s deep appreciation for the people still living in Ukraine.

Episode Chapters

(00:00) Intro 

(01:50) Why does Yuriy think it's so important that the organizations that are working in Ukraine have a direct connection to the country?

(04:07) Ukrainian children living with HIV/AIDS

(06:28) The invigorating nature of helping others

(07:55) Meeting shifting needs during a war

(12:44) Coordinating with other aid groups 

(17:50) Minimizing overhead 

(21:05) How does Yuriy sustain the momentum three years after the Russian invasion?

(24:25) Supporting Ukrainians in Ukraine and abroad 

(27:05) Where do you want to see Hope Ukraine in the next five to 10 years?

(28:38) Goodbye and Outro

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Looking for more insights into the world of activism? Be sure to check out Jay’s brand new book, Find Your Fight, in which Jay teaches the next generation of activists and advocates how to step up and bring about lasting change. You can find Find Your Fight wherever you buy your books, and you can learn more about it at www.jayruderman.com.