“Chance for Change” Program: How Our Team Is Truly Transforming Teenagers’ Lives
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The teenagers we work with are growing up in difficult circumstances — in families lacking stability, or they may have lost their parents or experienced severe trauma.
Their experiences are often complex, and the emotions they are left to face on their own can be overwhelming.
That’s why it is so important to have a space where you are seen, heard, and accepted.
And that is exactly what “Chance for Change” provides.
A Safe Environment That Heals
The most important change during the program is the internal state that teenagers gradually move into.
Over time, they begin to see themselves and the world differently: they develop confidence, trust in others, and the ability to express themselves.
All of this has a therapeutic effect.
Teenagers start talking about what worries them, sharing their experiences, and processing difficult emotions.
And it is within this process that the deepest transformations take place.
People who create and run the program
The effectiveness of the program largely depends on the people who implement it.
It is delivered by a team of psychologists and specialists who:
facilitate group sessions
work with residential care institutions
develop the mentorship direction
In total, 7 professionals are currently involved in working with the teenagers, and each of them contributes to supporting their growth and well-being.
“When children feel that they can trust us and that they won’t be judged, they begin to speak. And that is the most valuable part. Because this is the moment when the process of change begins — something that cannot be achieved through exercises or a program alone.” — Rita Krusir, Chief Psychologist at the “Chance for Change” Foundation
That is why “Chance for Change” is not just a methodology, but a living system of interaction, trust, and professional support.
Why Our “Chance for Change” Program Works
In the program, teenagers learn to:
understand their emotions
talk about their experiences
build healthy communication with others
interact in a conscious and respectful way
These skills are often not developed either at school or in everyday life — yet they form the foundation of psychological well-being.
At the same time, “Chance for Change” program is not a one-time course or a series of lectures.
The program lasts 9 months, because real change cannot happen in a single session. You can inspire someone — but true transformation only happens through consistent, deep work and ongoing support.
That is why for teenagers, this is not just education, but a continuous space where they can grow, return, receive support, and build trust.
Many participants remain part of the community even after the program ends — they come back to support new groups and become role models for others.
We believe that a healthy society begins in childhood — with the ability to understand yourself and others.
Results That Matter
Over the years, the program has already helped hundreds of teenagers.
We systematically track the results of our work: analyzing progress, conducting assessments, and observing the development of teenagers’ emotional and social skills.
And we see these changes in practice — in how teenagers speak, interact with others, and manage their emotions. But the most important part is feedback.
Teenagers, their guardians, and professionals from social services regularly share how the program changes children’s lives: increased confidence, openness, trust in the world, and a stronger desire to move forward.
These changes are the main measure of our impact.
Where We Are Heading Next
We aim to scale the program to other cities — and we have already taken the first step by launching in Lutsk.
Next, we plan to grow further by increasing the number of groups (currently we already have 7) and making the program accessible to even more teenagers.
A major focus is schools. Even teenagers from stable and supportive families can experience difficult psychological states that they don’t talk about and don’t know how to handle. That is why we believe basic psychological education should already be a must-have in school programs.
Our long-term goal is to make mental health support the norm, not the exception. This is how we can build a healthier society.
Let’s scale support together!
“Chance for Change” is about long-term impact.
We create an environment where teenagers can:
feel supported
find their voice
unlock their potential
We are open to partnerships with those who want to invest in the future of young people and Ukraine together with us.
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