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1999–2004

NGO "Parostok" is a Vinnytsia public organization that was founded on November 28, 1999 to support and protect the rights of people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups. The organization was created by caring, active, young people. Over 200 projects have been implemented over 25 years. We began to develop inclusive practices in Ukraine.

1999 2004
1999–2004

NGO "Parostok" is a Vinnytsia public organization that was founded on November 28, 1999 to support and protect the rights of people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups. The organization was created by caring, active, young people. Over 200 projects have been implemented over 25 years. We began to develop inclusive practices in Ukraine.

2005–2010

In the organization "Parostok" not only people with disabilities found support, but also new leaders and activists of the public movement grew. In a company where you are understood, the best opportunity to open up, find real friends, and spend your leisure time usefully and interestingly.

2005 2010
2005–2010

In the organization "Parostok" not only people with disabilities found support, but also new leaders and activists of the public movement grew. In a company where you are understood, the best opportunity to open up, find real friends, and spend your leisure time usefully and interestingly.

2011–2016

The NGO “Parostok” is becoming an increasingly visible and interesting community, whose members enjoy spending time together, traveling, and dreaming of a happy future. With the assistance of the city administration, the organization receives premises for office work and implementing its own programs. The provision of social services for consulting, informing, and representing the interests of persons with disabilities reaches a new, systematic, and higher-quality level.

2011 2016
2011–2016

The NGO “Parostok” is becoming an increasingly visible and interesting community, whose members enjoy spending time together, traveling, and dreaming of a happy future. With the assistance of the city administration, the organization receives premises for office work and implementing its own programs. The provision of social services for consulting, informing, and representing the interests of persons with disabilities reaches a new, systematic, and higher-quality level.

2017–2012

Government bodies, business structures, and leading public organizations are becoming permanent partners of the NGO “Parostok.” When the team has been working for the organization's authority for over 20 years, then this authority itself works to support the team's efforts.

2017 2012
2017–2012

Government bodies, business structures, and leading public organizations are becoming permanent partners of the NGO “Parostok.” When the team has been working for the organization's authority for over 20 years, then this authority itself works to support the team's efforts.

2023–...

The full-scale war in Ukraine left no one indifferent. No one was left aside from the turbulent events. Difficulties also tempered “Parostok”, which was never indifferent or passive. We did not fold our hands, we act: for the members of the organization, for the new residents of the community - IDPs with disabilities, very young and adults, for a common victory.

2023 ...
2023–...

The full-scale war in Ukraine left no one indifferent. No one was left aside from the turbulent events. Difficulties also tempered “Parostok”, which was never indifferent or passive. We did not fold our hands, we act: for the members of the organization, for the new residents of the community - IDPs with disabilities, very young and adults, for a common victory.

Iryna Sarancha
Iryna Sarancha
Founder and Head of NGO "Parostok"

Born on July 9, 1978 in Vinnytsia. Has cerebral palsy from birth, disability group 2.

Graduated from Vinnytsia Pedagogical University with honors (Ukrainian and Russian Language & Literature). Master of Pedagogical Education — Kamianets-Podilskyi National University. PhD in Pedagogy — National Pedagogical Dragomanov University.

Worked 17 years at the State Rehabilitation Center "Promin" for children with disabilities, including 6 years as Deputy Director.

Founded NGO "Parostok" in 1999 and has led the organization ever since.

Named "Person of the Year" in the "Public Figure" category in 2010. In 2012, was among 100 winners of the "Global Search for 100 Outstanding Women ICT Center Leaders 2011." In 2018, entered the "TOP-1000 Women of Ukraine."

Speaks Ukrainian, Russian, English, Polish, and Italian.

Alla Ocheretna
Alla Ocheretna
Deputy Chair of the Board of NGO "Parostok"

Has held the position since 2018, member of the organization since 2004.

Has devoted over 20 years to civic activities and support for people with disabilities.

Motto: "I believe in every person's potential and work to make it a reality."

Myroslava Zhylina
Myroslava Zhylina
Monitoring & evaluation manager, project manager

Key competencies include: project management from proposal preparation to successful reporting; monitoring and evaluation, systematic data collection and analysis, indicator development; organizing grant competitions and scholarship programs; anti-discrimination expertise of textbooks; policy and procedure development, etc.

Education: Donetsk National University; certificate program at Ukrainian Catholic University; non-formal education.

Motto: I believe in people and mutual support.

Olena Omelchenko
Olena Omelchenko
Project manager

Expert in social project design, inclusion, fundraising, financial literacy, and development of civic initiatives.

Extensive experience in education, research, and international activities, as well as in the preparation and implementation of social projects supporting people with disabilities, IDPs, women, and other vulnerable groups.

Coordinates grant initiatives, organizes educational, advocacy, and communication events, and works with partners, donors, and project teams.

Author of academic and applied publications on social work, inclusive education, management, and fundraising.

Olena Smirnova
Olena Smirnova
project and operations manager, grant writer, monitoring and evaluation expert, psychologist

Co-author of 6 educational online courses, including the course "Digital Opportunities for People with Disabilities" supported by the Eastern Europe Foundation in cooperation with the Ministry of Digital Transformation.

Over 15 years of experience in the project field:

  • Since 2009 - participation in project implementation,
  • Since 2014 - grant writing and development,
  • Since 2018 - project and operational management.

Worked in over 100 projects supported by local and international donors. Has practical experience in psychological work in the public sector, which provides a deep understanding of the needs of target audiences during the development, monitoring and evaluation of social and humanitarian projects. 

Anastasiia Polishchuk
Anastasiia Polishchuk
Assistant to the Country Coordinator of Abilis Foundation in Ukraine, NGO "Parostok" team member

Works in civic engagement, social inclusion, and international cooperation.

Supports projects of civil society organizations, monitors their implementation, and advances initiatives aimed at protecting the rights of people with disabilities.

At NGO "Parostok," participates in developing international partnerships and organizing educational and social events for youth and people with disabilities, promoting an inclusive society and active civic participation.

Olena Sikora
Olena Sikora
Accountant and financial manager

Has held the accountant position since 2013. Since 2024, also works as a financial manager with Abilis Foundation (Finland), helping organizations of persons with disabilities bring their ideas to life.

Motto: "One person cannot do it alone. Any great result is always the synergy of a reliable system and a strong team."

Oleksandr Vozniuk
Oleksandr Vozniuk
Member of NGO "Parostok", technical support for organization events

Born in Vinnytsia on October 29, 1981.

Graduated from the Faculty of Economics at Ternopil Academy of National Economy.

Ensures reliability and efficiency of computer systems.

Organizes and conducts training for adults with disabilities (including IDPs) in computer literacy, gadget use, and online services.

Experienced in social counseling, organizing and conducting events for people with disabilities.

Cognitive flexibility, analytical thinking, ability to see situations from different perspectives and make optimal decisions, stress resilience, communication skills, responsibility, and organization.

Anastasiia Lishchynska
Anastasiia Lishchynska
Board member of NGO "Parostok"

Born on February 22, 1974, philologist by education.

After a spinal injury at age 18, I use a wheelchair.

In 2000, I moved to Vinnytsia where I met Iryna Sarancha. I immediately joined the then newly established NGO "Parostok" and took an active role — waiting passively is not my style.

Life mottos — Never give up and Do no harm.

A happy mother of two happy children.

Nadiia Shafranska
Nadiia Shafranska
Social worker

Born in the village of Bila in the Vinnytsia region. Worked at the "Podillia" sewing factory and the "Krystal" plant.

My son has a disability (cerebral palsy), and raising him is my daily maternal feat that requires immense inner strength, unconditional love, and an iron belief in success.

Personal life experience, understanding of the challenges families with special needs face, and the desire to help others led me to social work. Currently works as a social worker at NGO "Parostok."

Motto: "Determination is the key to success."

Oksana Shcherbatska
Oksana Shcherbatska
Social worker

Born on June 3, 1970 in Vinnytsia. Graduated from Vinnytsia Food Industry Technical College as a food technologist.

Has been working as a social worker at NGO "Parostok" since 2011. Over the years, has gained significant experience in social support, accompaniment, and organizing events for people with special needs.

Over 15 years of social work, has proven to be a responsible, compassionate, and dedicated professional.

Motto: "Be present, inspire, support, and create conditions for every person's independence and dignity."

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