In November, there was a change of leadership in ADRA Ukraine. The organization was headed by Andrii Babentsov, who worked in the team for a long time and knows well the internal processes and challenges of humanitarian work. ADRA Ukraine expresses its gratitude to the previous manager Leonid Rutkovsky, who completed his work in the organization in connection with the transition to a new stage of professional activity. For almost three years, he carried out management and implementation of complex projects, which contributed to the development of the organization. Both leaders — new and previous — shared their vision, experience and appeals to the team.

Andrii Babentsov, who recently assumed the position, addressed the employees and partners with the following words:

«Dear colleagues, partners and friends of ADRA Ukraine! It is a great honor for me to address you as the head of our organization. I see myself as part of a strong, dedicated team that serves people experiencing the most difficult circumstances of their lives every day. In the context of ongoing war, humanitarian challenges and large-scale losses, our work together is gaining even deeper meaning.

I want to be the one who stands with you “in the field”, next to families who have lost their homes; with people who have to start all over again; with communities who need to support hope. This feeling is especially close to me, because my parents have completely lost their home, like all residents of my native Vovchansk (the city in the Kharkiv region).

I perceive my role as an opportunity to maintain and provide the necessary conditions for our mission, to protect the values underlying ADRA: compassion, justice, love. As part of a team, together with you I want to strengthen a culture of trust, service and responsibility.

Today, ADRA Ukraine faces great tasks. We must not only respond to humanitarian needs, but also help people and communities rebuild their resilience and future. My vision — is to continue to lead the organization through efficiency and sustainability so that each of our projects becomes a contribution to the reconstruction and development of the country in the conditions of war. I want us to strengthen partnership ties, implement programs with innovative approaches and remain one of the leading humanitarian organizations in Ukraine.

We will move towards providing assistance that not only closes urgent needs, but also really changes people’s lives: gives opportunities, strengthens independence, restores hope.

Our strength — is in the unity of purpose and faith in the value of each person. Thank you to each of you for your service. Together we will be able to do more than seems possible».

Along with the vision of a new leader, it is important to hear the words of a person who stood at the helm of the organization in one of the most difficult periods of its history. Leonid Rutkovskyi summed up the years of joint work, thanked the team and shared his wishes for the future:

«The period of work at ADRA Ukraine was not easy, but all memories of it — are good and bright. I am grateful to the people who at the beginning entrusted me with responsibility and supported me. We did not live this time in vain: together we did good, implemented complex projects and achieved results that brought recognition to the organization in Ukraine and abroad.

Today, ADRA Ukraine — is a strong, professional structure with high standards of reporting and document management. I am proud of the team that grew within the organization, rose to new positions, learned and strengthened. This has already become a good trend.

There will be challenges ahead — so life works. The largest of them are related to the search for new projects, competition in the humanitarian sphere and the need for constant improvement. It is important to preserve unity, our unique team and the values of mutual support.

Special thanks to — to the board of trustees, council of administration, department heads and all employees with whom I had the honor to work.

The main strategy of ADRA Ukraine, as I see it, — to do our work well, take responsibility and remember that our greatest value is — people: those we help and those who work nearby. Serving people — is the basis of our mission.

Please support the new head of ADRA Ukraine Andrii Babentsov. I trust him and I am sure that he will continue in the right direction. The transfer of cases, the period of training and adaptation is now underway, and these days it is important to pray for it and support it. This will give him confidence and become a support for the whole team.

I wish peace, God’s protection and that the name ADRA Ukraine sounds worthy of — in Ukraine and beyond. I believe that we will meet more than once in good deeds».

The change of leadership becomes for ADRA Ukraine not only a stage of transfer of responsibility, but also an opportunity to renew the vision and strengthen team unity. The organization continues its forward movement — focused on serving people, developing programs and strengthening humanitarian support in Ukraine.