Roza Grishan

Roza Gryshan is an open and compassionate woman. As she tells her story, she can’t help but wipe away tears, and becomes quiet when the pain from her memories becomes unbearable.

Roza lived her entire life in Kherson. With the start of the war, she endured nine months of occupation. Under constant bombardment, she helped distribute water and hot bread to other residents from volunteers. When the enemy’s attacks became continuous, for her own safety, she had to live in a cellar. She only went up to the house at 5 a.m. to prepare food.

Several times, rocket shrapnel hit the yard and garden of Roza Dmitrivna. Fortunately, the house survived, though it was left without windows and doors. But after the explosion of the Kakhovka Hydro Electric Station, she couldn’t save her belongings. The water quickly rose to 6 meters. The only thing Roza worried about as the water level increased was how to save her chickens. Before the military came to evacuate people to safer places, she had managed to bring all her poultry to the attic. Unfortunately, out of 40 chickens, only 8 survived. And her cat, which is now being fed by neighbors. As for the house, it did not survive. After the water receded, a rocket struck the residential building.

When Roza Gryshan arrived at the shelter, she was underweight and in a state of stress. For some time, she would react to various sounds and couldn’t sleep peacefully.

Now, Roza is calm, smiling, full of hope, and believes in a bright future. In her free time, she paints beautiful pictures that decorate the walls of the shelter. She also knits socks for demobilized soldiers, which volunteers deliver to hospitals.

“I am infinitely grateful to all the staff at the shelter for their humanity, continuous help, and support. For restoring hope and faith in good people and a peaceful future with their loving hearts.”