Success Story: "I Can Smile Again"
Halyna, 52, has no children and lives with her brother and sister-in-law. She owns her home, but monthly utility bills are becoming an increasingly heavy burden, especially amid unemployment. She has not had a stable income for a long time, surviving thanks to family support and social programs.
Since 2014, Halyna has been participating in the Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) program. This has allowed her to stabilize her health, stay “afloat,” and live a more structured life. Yet, despite this, social isolation and difficulties finding employment remained daily challenges.
One of the most painful issues was the condition of her oral health. Dentures had been a dream for over 10 years. Because of missing teeth, she avoided conversations, felt embarrassed to smile, and even a simple trip to the store caused tension. This was further intensified by the anxiety caused by the war.
"I had almost accepted that I would never be able to smile fully again," she recalls.
Participation in the project “Care Without Borders: Access to Quality Dental Care” was not just a chance for treatment—it became a true turning point for Halyna. After receiving high-quality dentures, she hardly recognized herself in the mirror—for the first time in many years, she saw a woman who looked dignified, healthy, and… happy.
"It’s not just about teeth. It’s my chance to return to life. I am human among humans again."
Inspired by these changes, Halyna dared to offer her services as a home assistant—and already has several clients. For the first time in a long while, she earns her own income without feelings of guilt or uselessness.
The project did not just restore a smile—it gave new hope.
Project partner:
Municipal Non-Commercial Enterprise “City Dental Clinic”
Rivne City Council
The project is implemented under the framework of “Humanitarian Support for Community Initiatives of Key Populations Affected by the HIV Epidemic in Ukraine” with the support of the Alliance for Public Health.