Mountain Seed Foundation Implements New Rehabilitation Project for Families of Fallen and Veterans

24-Channel

In May 2025, the Mountain Seed Foundation launched a new long-term program to support veterans of the Russian-Ukrainian war, their families, as well as families of fallen servicemen, prisoners of war, and missing persons.

The project was implemented in Chorna Hora near the city of Vynohradiv (Transcarpathian region) – it was here that the MSF Foundation, with the support of the American Buffett Foundation, equipped Via Ferrata climbing routes. The project will last until May 2026, and after completion, the route will be open to public use.

This project is a continuation of the Mountain Seed Foundation programs, which have been supporting Ukrainian families who have suffered losses due to the war and helping them find strength for their future lives since 2022, holding camps in Austria and Slovenia.

“Our goal is not only to provide a resource and an opportunity for rest, but also to teach people who have survived the trauma of this war to fill their lives with moments that improve their quality. We strive to help improve family relationships, and through the experience of climbing, overcome fears and realize that you can conquer not only mountain peaks, but also your own internal barriers, restoring faith in your own strength,” explains Iryna Prykhodko, program director and co-founder of the Mountain Seed Foundation.

The project started in May – precisely with camps for veterans’ families. From May 18 to 24, the first arrival for families from Kyiv took place at the Chorna Hora recreation center. From May 25 to 31, the second camp, in which families of veterans from the Lutsk Military Hub participated, took place.

During the first week, the program was implemented by an international MSF team from the USA, Slovenia, Austria, and Romania, and in the second week, a Ukrainian team joined the work. The program included art therapy, rock climbing, rafting, as well as therapeutic sessions conducted by Yale University professor Amit Oren.

“We don’t just help overcome the route. We help overcome our inner fears. And when the children or wives of the heroes say after climbing the rock that they felt a thirst for life, we understand that we are doing everything right,” notes Iryna Prykhodko.

The organizers are convinced that physical activity in nature can be the first step towards emotional recovery, and the creation of a sustainable, safe Via Ferrata infrastructure will allow such programs to be implemented regularly.

Chorna Hora is just the beginning. We want to scale the program and make it a model of support for the entire country, concludes Iryna Prykhodko.