Press Release

Voices for Ukraine: An Extraordinary Evening of Human Connection, Culture, & Solidarity
 

Nearly 300 guests gathered in Cambridge for a powerful evening of human rights, mental health, Ukrainian art, music, and storytelling—celebrating Ukraine's people, cultural identity, resilience, and future.
 

Cambridge, Massachusetts | September 18, 2026
 

On September 18, First Aid of the Soul (FAS) welcomed approximately 300 guests to First Church in Cambridge for its inaugural Voices for Ukraine: Symposium & Concert—an extraordinary evening that brought together voices from Ukraine and the United States across human rights, mental health, academia, humanitarian response, healthcare, and the arts.
 

What unfolded was far more than a symposium or concert. It was an evening of profound conversations, deeply personal stories, extraordinary artistry, and meaningful human connection.
 

At its heart was a message that resonated throughout the gathering: Ukraine is so much more than the war being fought against it.
 

Ukraine is its people, its history, its art, its music, its traditions, and the countless stories of individuals and communities whose lives continue to be shaped by war. While acknowledging the immense suffering and challenges Ukrainians face, the evening also celebrated the beauty, creativity, dignity, and humanity that must never be lost amid the headlines.
 

Powerful Voices on Human Dignity, Justice, & Ukraine's Future
 

The symposium opened with reflections on the human consequences of Russia's war against Ukraine and the importance of sustained international solidarity.
 

Ambassador Samantha Power, former USAID Administrator and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, delivered a deeply meaningful address reflecting on her longstanding commitment to Ukraine and the responsibility of the international community to remain engaged.
 

"Nothing I have done has been more important than the work I have done on Ukraine. It is the most important work of my career."
 

Her words underscored the importance of continued support for Ukraine and the people and organizations working to protect human dignity and strengthen communities.
 

Oleksandra Matviichuk, Ukrainian human rights lawyer and Head of the Center for Civil Liberties, the organization awarded the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize, contributed a powerful message from Ukraine. Her participation brought the urgent perspectives of Ukrainian civil society into the room, emphasizing justice, accountability, and the protection of human rights.
 

Professor Serhii Plokhii, distinguished historian of Ukraine at Harvard University, offered an essential historical perspective, situating Ukraine's present struggle within its much longer history of sovereignty, national identity, cultural preservation, and self-determination.
 

The symposium also featured special remarks from Mayor Carl Sheline of Lewiston, Maine, whose personal reflection on solidarity with Ukraine became one of the evening's most memorable moments:

"That is why I am Ukrainian by choice, and so proud to be with you all."
 

His words captured a spirit that extended throughout the gathering: solidarity with Ukraine is not simply a response to a moment of crisis. It is a commitment expressed through relationships, continued engagement, and collective action.
 

A Profound Panel Conversation: The Human Dimensions of Ukraine's Recovery
 

One of the central moments of the symposium was the interdisciplinary panel, "Human Rights, Mental Health & Resilience: The Human Dimensions of Ukraine's Future."
 

Moderated by Dr. Anastasiya Donets, human rights lawyer and Team Lead of the Ukraine Legal Team at International Partnership for Human Rights, the conversation brought together an exceptional group of professionals working at the intersection of human rights, psychological recovery, veterans' care, and documentary storytelling.
 

Panelists included:

• Nathalie Robelot-Timtchenko, Founder and Executive Director of First Aid of the Soul, who brought perspectives from trauma-informed mental health practice, humanitarian response, and community-based programming across Ukraine.

• Dr. Joseph Bonvie, Senior Director of Clinical Services at Home Base, who contributed expertise in military and veteran mental health, trauma recovery, and the long-term needs of service members and families.

• Professor Susan Farbstein, Director of the International Human Rights Clinic at Harvard Law School, who explored the importance of justice, accountability, and protecting human dignity in the aftermath of mass violence.

• Kseniia Marchenko, Ukrainian documentary director and producer, who brought attention to the power of personal stories, documentary filmmaking, cultural memory, and the human experiences that statistics alone cannot convey.
   

The conversation centered on a fundamental question:

What does it mean to protect human dignity—not only during war, but throughout the long process of recovery?

Across their different disciplines, panelists examined the psychological and social consequences of prolonged war, the experiences of displaced families and veterans, the importance of documenting human rights violations, and the role of storytelling in preserving memory and bearing witness.
 

The discussion also challenged a common understanding of resilience as an endless capacity to endure. Resilience requires support: investment in mental health professionals, accessible services, community relationships, institutions, and sustainable systems of care.
 

The conversation reinforced a central principle of First Aid of the Soul's work: healing cannot be separated from justice, dignity, culture, and community.
 

For the audience, the panel offered an opportunity to consider Ukraine's recovery not simply as a future reconstruction effort, but as an ongoing responsibility to the people and communities navigating the realities of war today.
 

Ukrainian Art: Stories Beyond the Headlines
 

Following the symposium, guests gathered for a reception and silent art auction organized in collaboration with the Ukrainian Cultural Initiative.
 

More than 40 works of art were exhibited, offering a remarkable opportunity to experience Ukrainian creativity, cultural expression, and personal perspectives through visual art.
 

Nearly every piece was sold—a tremendous response from attendees and a meaningful demonstration of support for Ukrainian artists.
 

The exhibition was also a reminder that Ukrainian art cannot be understood solely through the lens of war. Each work reflected the creative expression of an artist with a distinct voice, imagination, history, and perspective.
 

Art can communicate experiences that words cannot always capture. It can preserve memory, invite reflection, celebrate beauty, and create connections across cultures and communities.
 

The exhibition and the role of Ukrainian art in telling these stories were subsequently featured in The Boston Globe, helping extend the reach of the artists and the gathering beyond Cambridge.
 

An Unforgettable Concert: Music, Memory, & Connection
 

As the evening transitioned into its final movement, the sanctuary filled with music.
 

The concert brought together an extraordinary group of Ukrainian and local musicians, singers, and performers, weaving together Ukrainian musical traditions, classical music, jazz, original compositions, dance, and storytelling.
 

Performances featured Vadim Neselovskyi, Olga Lisovska, Solon Gordon, Taisa Kulyk, Alexander Vavilov, Mitchell Kossak, Greta Bro, Nick Suchecki, Nathalie Robelot-Timtchenko, and MIT Zirka Ukrainian Dance Ensemble.
 

From the Ukrainian national anthem to the distinctive sounds of the bandura, from deeply expressive instrumental performances to original songs and Ukrainian dance, the concert created space for both celebration and reflection.
 

The performances reminded the audience that Ukrainian culture is not simply something to be preserved in museums or remembered through history. It is living, evolving, and carried forward by artists and communities across the world.
 

The evening concluded with a collective performance of "Stand by Me." Musicians and guests came together in a shared expression of connection and solidarity—a fitting conclusion to an evening devoted to the importance of standing alongside Ukraine.
 

As guests departed, each received a sunflower, a symbol of Ukraine and a small reminder of the evening's message: to continue listening, remembering, connecting, and standing with the Ukrainian people.
 

From Awareness to Action: New Partnerships & Possibilities
 

Beyond the extraordinary performances and conversations, Voices for Ukraine created an important space for connection across institutions, professions, and communities.
 

With approximately 300 attendees representing diverse sectors, the event opened doors for new relationships, potential partnerships, and future collaborations.
 

Conversations throughout the evening highlighted opportunities to connect mental health and psychosocial support with education, healthcare, the arts, humanitarian response, research, and human rights advocacy.
 

For First Aid of the Soul, these connections are particularly meaningful as the organization continues to strengthen its programs and partnerships across Ukraine.
 

Since its founding in 2022, FAS has reached more than 25,000 individuals, working alongside Ukrainian mental health professionals, educators, community organizations, and international partners to provide accessible, trauma-informed mental health and psychosocial support.
 

The gathering also marked the public launch of FAS's Arts & Health Initiative, which seeks to expand opportunities for creative, interdisciplinary approaches to psychological well-being, professional development, community resilience, and long-term recovery.
 

The hope is that the relationships formed and strengthened during Voices for Ukraine will translate into continued collaboration and concrete support for Ukrainian communities.

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Voices for Ukraine in the Media

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The impact of the evening has continued beyond September 18, with media coverage bringing greater attention to the human dimensions of the war and the importance of supporting Ukraine's people, culture, and recovery.

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The Boston Globe featured the Ukrainian art associated with the event, drawing attention to the role of artistic expression and cultural identity amid the ongoing war.

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In an interview with Marco Werman on The World, First Aid of the Soul Founder and Executive Director Nathalie Robelot-Timtchenko discussed the growing mental health and psychosocial needs across Ukraine and the importance of looking beyond immediate crisis response.

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Together, these stories reflect two essential dimensions of the gathering: acknowledging the profound human impact of war while ensuring that Ukraine's culture, creativity, and individual voices continue to be heard.

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Media Coverage

• The Boston Globe — Ukrainian Art and the War | September 30, 2026

• The World — As the War in Ukraine Rages On, Mental Health Support Needs Are Growing | September 23, 2026

• Cambridge Daily | September 17, 2026 
   

With Deep Gratitude—& Looking Ahead
 

Voices for Ukraine was made possible through the extraordinary generosity, dedication, and collaboration of so many individuals and organizations.
 

First Aid of the Soul extends its heartfelt gratitude to our distinguished speakers and panelists, remarkable musicians and artists, generous sponsors and partners, organizing committee, volunteers, and every guest who joined us.
 

The overwhelming support, thoughtful engagement, and messages received following the event have been deeply meaningful to our entire team.
 

What made the evening extraordinary was not simply the number of people who gathered, but the willingness of so many to listen, connect, and recognize the humanity behind the headlines.

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Ukraine's future cannot be defined by war alone. Its future is also being shaped through culture, community, creativity, solidarity, justice, and the relationships we continue to build.

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Over the coming weeks, First Aid of the Soul will share additional photographs, video highlights, speaker reflections, musical performances, and special moments from this remarkable gathering.

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The evening may have ended, but the conversations, partnerships, and possibilities it created are only beginning.

Thank you for being part of Voices for Ukraine—and for continuing to stand with Ukraine.

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Learn more about First Aid of the Soul and our work supporting mental health, community resilience, and arts-based programming across Ukraine at www.firstaidofthesoul.org

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