Rivne Launches 'Defender's Hearth' Veteran Hub to Support Service Members and Their Families

Introducing the 'Defender's Hearth' Veteran Hub in Rivne

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: On Ukraine’s Defender’s Day, the city of Rivne inaugurated and blessed a new veteran support center named 'Defender's Hearth.' Centrally located, this facility is dedicated to assisting veterans, their families, as well as relatives of those missing in action or held captive. Its prime location near public transport stops and accessible routes ensures easy entry for all visitors.

The space was designed with modern accessibility standards in mind: it features no thresholds and includes tactile paving leading from the street. Signs are also duplicated in Braille to accommodate visually impaired individuals. Operating under a 'one-stop-shop' model, a coordinator is available on-site to provide a range of services and consultations in one convenient place.

“This center must be accessible to defenders, their loved ones, and families of servicemen who are missing or imprisoned,” stated Oleksandr Koval, head of the Rivne Regional Military Administration.

Advancing Veteran Support Across Ukraine

Effective veteran policies remain a top priority for authorities in the Rivne region. Similar veteran centers have been established in other parts of Ukraine, highlighting a nationwide commitment to those who served. For instance:

• In Kropyvnytskyi (Kirovohrad region), a rehabilitation and physical development center for veterans was launched within the regional Dynamo society.
• Velike Liubyn in Lviv region now hosts Ukraine’s first integrated rehabilitation center for veterans, spanning 2,100 square meters.
• A dedicated gym for war veterans, combatants, and their families was recently opened inside the athletics arena in Zaporizhzhia.

These initiatives reflect growing recognition of veterans’ needs and the importance of supporting both them and their families. The establishment of veteran hubs across Ukraine strengthens the state’s commitment to facilitating social reintegration and rehabilitation for those who have served the nation.

In addition to the initiatives in Rivne, other cities are also prioritizing veteran support, as seen in Boyarka where a new community hub has been established. This center aims to provide essential services and empowerment for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and veterans alike. Such efforts across Ukraine demonstrate a unified approach to addressing the needs of those who have served and their families. To learn more about the services offered in Boyarka, you can read about the new community hub here.