ComeHome Association, the international aid network is created
An almost unimaginable humanitarian tragedy is taking place in the shadow of the war in Ukraine: since the beginning of the Russian invasion, around 20,000 Ukrainian children have been forcibly torn from their families and deported to Russia. These children, often still very young, were not only alienated from their relatives, but also from their culture and identity. Many were placed in Russian families, where they were subjected to systematic re-education aimed at suppressing their Ukrainian origins.
The return of these children to their families seems hopeless in many cases. International organizations, such as the United Nations, have classified these abductions as war crimes and are calling for urgent clarification and repatriation of the children concerned. The psychological damage to these children is immense, and the international community faces the challenge of healing these deep wounds. This abuse of the children is part of a broader strategy aimed at undermining Ukrainian identity and weakening the country’s national existence in the long term. To enable these children to return and give them a future in safety, the support of the international community is essential, which is why we are establishing the international network ComeHome Assiciation. Since our vision, we have worked hard to realize this mission and continuously plan and build our organization as a DONGO: Donor Organized NGO. Our commitment is deeply rooted in ethical principles, empathy and compassion. These moral principles guide our work and are integral to our future daily operations. We are a non-profit organization.
ComeHome Association, the modern network
The ComeHome Association was founded out of a deep sense of empathy and moral responsibility. Given the worrying situation in which many Ukrainian children and young people find themselves due to deportations and abductions, the founders saw an urgent need to create an aid organization. The ComeHome Association’s mission is based on a determination to help these young people find their way home and support them to rehabilitate in a safe and nurturing environment. In recent years, instability in Ukraine has become an international concern.
Armed conflicts and political tensions have separated many children and young people from their families. These traumatizing experiences not only pose an immediate threat to their physical safety, but also have long-term, negative effects on their psychological and social development. This is where the ComeHome Association comes in, aiming to address the humanitarian crisis through targeted support and reunification programs. The ComeHome Association’s presence and activities are essential to provide these young people with the support they need and open up a new perspective for them. With a clear vision and a structured approach, the organization will work tirelessly to free the children and young people concerned from their precarious living conditions and offer them a stable future.
In the remainder of this article, we will take a closer look at the founding principles, organizational structure and expansion plans of the ComeHome Association.
Financing phase 1: Setting up the organization
In the first financing phase of The ComeHome Association, the focus is on building up the organization. Securing start-up capital, which is generated through donations and funding, is essential for this process. This initial funding is essential in order to launch the first projects and create the basis for future operational activities. Fundraising begins with targeted fundraising campaigns aimed at various aid organizations, companies and private donors. Transparency and trust in the work of the ComeHome Association are central to this.
Potential sponsors are informed about the planned projects through detailed presentations and reports. These include both short and long-term objectives that are in line with the organization’s mission to help Ukrainian children and young people. Another important aspect of this phase is the acquisition of government funding and grants. The ComeHome Association prepares comprehensive applications that emphasize the urgency and potential social benefit of the projects. These funds are particularly important as they not only cover the initial costs, but also provide a degree of financial security for the initial operational activities. Parallel to the financial security, the internal structures of the organization are also established during this phase.
This includes creating administrative structures, recruiting qualified staff and ensuring professional financial management. These measures are crucial to ensure the sustainability and efficiency of the ComeHome Association. Through careful planning and strategic fundraising, the initial financing phase lays the foundation for the successful launch of projects and the sustainable development of the ComeHome Association. This creates the necessary foundation to offer Ukrainian children and young people comprehensive support and hope for the future.
Recruitment: the right people for demanding tasks
Recruitment at The ComeHome Association follows a rigorous, multi-stage process that ensures that only the best qualified and most suitable people come on board. The aim is to find employees who not only have the required skills and qualifications, but also share the ethical values and ambitious spirit of the organization. This approach ensures that the team is not only competent, but also highly motivated and ethically committed. Two main components are of central importance in recruitment: professional qualifications and soft skills. Professionally qualified applicants should have appropriate training and professional experience in relevant fields such as social work, psychology, education or public administration.
These backgrounds enable employees to recognize and address the specific needs of Ukrainian children and young people supported by the ComeHome Association. Soft skills such as empathy, teamwork and intercultural competence are equally important. The ability to communicate at eye level and respect diverse cultural backgrounds plays a crucial role. These skills foster a positive and supportive environment, which is essential for the work of the organization. Great importance is therefore attached to these social skills when selecting candidates. The recruitment process comprises several stages, including a written application, personal interviews and a practical trial phase.
This multi-stage approach ensures that only candidates who meet all the requirements will work with the ComeHome Association in the long term. Conducting thorough background checks and reference checks further ensures that the organization’s ethical standards are upheld. An effective team is solidified through ongoing education and training. Continually improving skills and adapting to the changing needs of the children and young people in care are key components of the team dynamic. This helps the ComeHome Association to achieve its ambitious goals sustainably and successfully.
Infrastructure and offices: A home for the helpers
Creating an efficient physical infrastructure is an essential part of the ComeHome Association’s successful work. Setting up offices and other workspaces requires careful planning and targeted investment. Initially, a central office will be set up in Kiev as well as in Vienna to serve as headquarters. From this location, we will coordinate activities in the various regions of Ukraine. A well-designed infrastructure will enable us to maintain the high quality of our work and at the same time create optimal working conditions for our team. The necessary office equipment includes furniture, computers, telecommunications equipment and software solutions that support our daily work.
This equipment is not only essential for managing administrative tasks, but also for communicating with volunteers, donors and partner organizations. Another important aspect is logistics, which includes the internal transportation of materials as well as the fast and efficient delivery of aid to its destination. Mobility is crucial! Building a solid working environment contributes significantly to employee satisfaction and efficiency. A well-designed office provides a space where the team can focus and work creatively, which boosts morale and strengthens commitment to the organization. Regular maintenance of equipment and adapting workstations to the needs of employees are also critical to ensure smooth operations for the aid organization. In summary, the ComeHome Association’s physical infrastructure is more than just a means to an end. It is the backbone of our daily work and supports the realization of our mission to provide the best possible support to children and young people in need in Ukraine.
Financing of salaries for full-time employees
Securing salaries for full-time employees is crucial for the stability and continued operational readiness of the aid organization.
Through targeted and sustainable financing strategies, the ComeHome Association can ensure that its employees are adequately remunerated and can concentrate fully on their tasks. Various sources are used to finance salaries. Long-term funding from state and private institutions plays a central role, providing a reliable financial foundation.
In addition, there are regular donations and contributions from private sponsors and companies that support the organization’s goals.
Another important aspect of financing salaries is the organization of fundraising events. These events not only help to raise funds, but also raise awareness of the charity’s mission and strengthen the network of supporters and partners. Online crowdfunding campaigns have also proven to be an effective tool for raising funds for specific projects while increasing the organization’s reach and visibility.
However, the financial security of full-time employees goes beyond mere salary payments. It is an important factor for the quality of the work and the long-term development of the organization.
A fixed and secure income not only creates trust and motivation, but also enables employees to continue their training and develop their skills. This ultimately leads to improved care and support for the Ukrainian children and young people who are the focus of the ComeHome Association’s work. Through transparent and responsible management of financial resources, the ComeHome Association ensures that any donated or sponsored funds are used in a targeted and effective way to achieve the best possible results for the target group.
Legal advice and framework conditions
The importance of legal advice cannot be overstated, especially in an organization like the ComeHome Association, which is dedicated to supporting Ukrainian children and young people. In order to successfully overcome legal hurdles and work within the legal framework, comprehensive legal support is essential. This involves not only complying with national and international laws, but also adapting internal structures to the constantly changing legal framework. Legal certainty for all projects and activities is an essential aspect. This begins with the foundation of the organization by drawing up legally sound articles of association and contracts.
Complex regulations, such as data protection laws and liability issues, must be taken into account in day-to-day work. Legal challenges can also quickly arise when implementing international projects and collaborations. Here, legal advice ensures that all activities of the ComeHome Association are compliant with applicable law and that the interests and protection of all parties involved are safeguarded at the same time. Another point is navigating the often complicated terrain of funding and donations. In close cooperation with legal advisors, suitable financing models can be developed and implemented in a legally compliant manner. Especially when working with underage refugees and displaced persons from Ukraine, it is important to know and apply the special legal provisions of this target group. Only through such professional legal support can the ComeHome Association ensure that all activities are both legally secure and ethically justifiable, enabling it to have an effective and sustainable impact.
Supported projects: Urgency and security
The selection of projects supported by The ComeHome Association is based on carefully defined criteria that take particular account of the urgent needs and life-saving measures for people in Ukraine. These criteria aim not only to meet acute needs, but also to ensure the safety of the projects. One of the most important factors in project selection is the urgency of the aid. Projects that aim to implement life-saving measures have top priority. This includes, for example, life-saving measures. In times of crisis, it is essential that these basic needs are met quickly and efficiently to ensure the survival and well-being of the people affected. Another key aspect is the safety of the projects.
Each potential project is thoroughly assessed to ensure that it both meets international safety standards and is adapted to the specific local conditions. These checks include evaluations of infrastructure, logistical feasibility and the safety of the teams involved.
The ComeHome Association works closely with local partners and international organizations to ensure that projects are carried out in a safe environment and provide the highest possible protection for their target groups. The importance of thorough assessments and safety measures cannot be overstated. They are not only a critical part of project selection, but also of the long-term planning and sustainability of aid efforts. Continuous reviews and adjustments allow projects to respond flexibly to changing situations while ensuring maximum effectiveness and safety. By paying strict attention to urgency and safety, The ComeHome Association can ensure that the resources provided are used optimally and have a lasting and positive impact on the lives of local people.
Goals of the ComeHome Association: Network and campaigns
The ComeHome Association has set itself ambitious and comprehensive goals to significantly improve the lives of Ukrainian children and young people. At the heart of these goals is the development of an international network of supporters that enables the effective and coordinated provision of aid resources. This network includes both local and global partner organizations that ensure the effectiveness of the aid measures through constant exchange and cooperation. The ComeHome Association also attaches great importance to regular information campaigns. These campaigns are designed to inform the public about the current situation in Ukraine and thus create global awareness and compassion. Another innovative project of the organization is the identification of abducted children using AI software.
This sophisticated technology enables the efficient and rapid identification of missing children, which in many cases can be crucial for their rescue. At the same time, the ComeHome Association is working on the development of an emergency app that will provide direct and rapid assistance to affected families. This app will include both informative and interactive functions to make support services easily and immediately available. In addition, a 24-hour hotline will be set up that is available around the clock for those seeking help and offers immediate support. Another key aspect of the ComeHome Association is international networking with authorities and other aid organizations.
Through coordinated measures and access to a global network, resources and efforts can be bundled in a targeted manner, which increasingly increases effectiveness. Finally, the ComeHome Association is planning to set up care facilities for severely traumatized children and young people. These facilities will offer specialized medical and psychological support and enable holistic care for the children affected in order to show them a long-term way out of traumatization. The combination of these diverse measures and objectives underlines the ComeHome Association’s comprehensive commitment to improving the living conditions of Ukrainian children and young people.
