Russia

Women's Health Empowerment Program (2007-present)

Breast cancer is the most common cause of death among Russian women aged of 45-55 years. There exists a fear of talking about the issue, which is partially due to a lack of knowledge about breast cancer, prevention measures of disease among women, and a lack of counseling skills among health care providers. This program supported by the Ministry of Health and Social Development of the Russian Federation, and in partnership with Susan G. Komen for the Cure seeks to improve the experience of women with breast cancer from the moment of discovery, and provide support to survivors. The program also aims to provide education opportunities in order to increase the prevalence of early detection.

Research into the experience of women with breast cancer, cultural attitudes and reactions, and the usage of preventative measures was undertaken, and was shared at the Women's Health Empowerment Conference in Moscow, that took place in late October 2007. The conference, the first of its kind in Russia, brought together government officials, health care professionals, NGOs, and survivors who care about the issue of breast cancer, and are willing to brainstorm together to come up with creative solutions to reducing the mortality rate. WHEP Moscow also held an intensive two-day seminar in early October for 21 breast cancer survivors who have demonstrated leadership potential, and who can be trained to run peer support groups for other survivors. Based on the successful program in Bosnia, this program aims to empower survivors to heal themselves, and not only to rely on psychological support from the outside. Attendees from the five locations have since been working with medical facilities in their respective cities to locate women in need of the peer support group and the first meetings are scheduled for December.

There are several partners working with JDC on this program. They include:

Training Partners:

Moscow School for NGO Management and Leadership
Association of Russian Mammologists
Federal Mammology Center in Moscow
Project Kesher
Russian Medical Academy of Post-Graduate Education
WHEP Bosnia
SHARE (New York)

NGO Partners:

Project Kesher
Stimula
Hesed Chama (Moscow)
Hesed Neshama (Bryansk)

Research Partners:

Institute for Family Health
Ministry of Health, Russian Federation

Learn more about WHEP.
Read the 2007 WHEP Report.

"Warmth of the Soul" - providing social help to refugees and internally displaced persons in Pyatigorsk (2006- Present)

The military conflict in the Northern Caucasus, as well as massive terror acts in the cities of Budennovsk, Kizlyar and Beslan, has resulted in an enormous population of homeless individuals and families who lack access to social services and basic living necessities. Through a partnership with Hesed Bencion and the Municipality of Pyatigorsk, JDC is providing humanitarian aid to these refugees and Internally Displaced Persons who fled their homes. The project provides psychological, legal, and medical support; employment training; food and clothing; and recreational activities for this vulnerable population.

Maria's Children, Assisting Children Coping with Serious Medical Needs (2006-present)

In coordination with the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) Russia, JDC is supporting the work of LifeLine, a local NGO that provides life-saving operations and ongoing follow-up psychosocial services to underprivileged Russian children. With a Board of Trustees made up of prominent Russian figures from the theater, broadcasting, medical and NGO fields, LifeLine assisted over 300 children in its first year of operation.

With JDC support, and through a partnership with Maria's Children, a Moscow-based NGO, the program is expanding its provision of services. Maria's Children staff and volunteers have been trained by LifeLine to work together with hospital personnel to provide psychological rehabilitation to children undergoing treatment for severe illness through art and other therapeutic techniques. JDC's support allows for staff training, necessary materials, project management, surgeries and follow-up psychosocial care.

Visit the Maria's Children official website.