Hope, Love, and Courage: Reflecting on the Resilience and Strength of War Survivors

The Hope, Love, Courage program was born in the wake of the devastating 9/11 terror attacks in New York City, which left survivors, first responders, and the wider community grappling with physical and emotional scars. In the months and years that followed, the program provided a safe space for individuals to express their emotions, share their experiences, and find healthy ways to navigate their new realities. Today, this same program has been adapted to support survivors of disasters and war, some of the most profound man-made disasters. Currently, it is being delivered to families affected by the ongoing war in Ukraine, a conflict that has forced countless families to leave everything behind and start over in unfamiliar environments. These families have shown incredible resilience, creating new, safe environments for their loved ones while adjusting to a new language, culture, and way of life. Yet, it is often the children who feel the deepest impact of these upheavals. Even when they demonstrate resilience, their sense of security has often been shattered by the trauma and displacement they have endured. Without the words or tools to express their emotions, these children are left struggling to understand and cope with their feelings. Hope, Love, Courage offers a culturally sensitive, age-appropriate space where children and their caregivers can come together to explore their emotions. The program promotes healthy expression, coping strategies, and deeper bonding, helping both children and adults connect emotionally, both verbally and non-verbally. Facilitated through a journal and a caregiver guide developed with the expertise of mental health professionals, the program fosters trust and strengthens relationships in a way that is meaningful and supportive. While resilience sometimes comes naturally, it can also be cultivated. Hope, Love, Courage builds on the incredible strength that already exists within individuals and families, offering tools and guidance to further fortify their resilience as they heal.