From Darkness to Light: Stories from the City of Goodness

CHICAGO, IL – September 13, 2025 — The Ukrainian Women’s Association of America (UWAA) is proud to host a philanthropic evening, From Darkness to Light: Stories from the City of Goodness, featuring special guest Marta Levchenko, humanitarian, advocate, and founder of City of Goodness—Ukraine’s largest women’s and children’s shelter, hospice, and rehabilitation center.

Located in western Ukraine, the City of Goodness is a sanctuary for children and women fleeing violence, trauma, and war. With capacity to shelter up to 500 residents, it is a vibrant and compassionate ecosystem made up of psychologists, teachers, medical staff, caretakers, and volunteers—all working toward the healing and empowerment of Ukraine’s most vulnerable.

Founded by Marta Levchenko, the City of Goodness includes a women's shelter, children’s orphanage, hospice and rehabilitation center, humane society, and a skills training academy. Its newest project, the House of Butterflies, provides palliative care for terminally ill children—children who are often overlooked in Ukraine’s under-resourced care system.

The September 13th event will feature a panel discussion with Marta Levchenko, offering guests a chance to learn about the ground-breaking work being done at the City of Goodness, including how her team is helping shape child- and family-friendly legislation in Ukraine by modeling working solutions on the ground.

The program will also include:

• A Fashion Show of one-of-a-kind, handcrafted outfits made by mothers living at City of Goodness. These garments—designed and sewn through a vocational training program supported by UWAA—will be available for purchase exclusively at the event.
• The Print Gallery: “Sonia’s Vision” – A moving photo exhibit by Sonia, a 4-year-old child who lost her vision and later her life to cancer. Her blind photography, captured with the help of a City of Goodness mentor, offers a powerful and poetic glimpse into the world she lived in.
• The Digital Gallery: “House of Butterflies” – A visual tribute to the children living in the City of Goodness’ hospice and rehabilitation center. Each child is portrayed with ethereal wings and accompanied by a personal story.
• Exclusive Event Merchandise – Handmade by the women of City of Goodness and available for purchase.

This event will be conducted in both Ukrainian and English.

Proceeds will directly support the City of Goodness and the women and children who call it home.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art, 2320 West Chicago Avenue, Chicago, United States