Hand Knit Puppets from Maine Help Ukrainians Heal: A conversation with HUT

Sometimes the simplest acts of kindness can have the greatest impact. What began with one hand-knitted hat for President Volodymyr Zelenskyy inspired a group of women in Maine to begin knitting cat puppets for children affected by the war in Ukraine. Today, those handmade puppets are distributed through Heal Ukraine Trauma's trauma-informed children's programs, where they serve as tools for comfort, emotional expression, and healing. The keynote speaker is Amy Goodrich, Director of Programs and Development. She will be joined by Elizabeth Ames, Founder and Board Member of Heal Ukraine Trauma, will share the remarkable connection between a local community of knitters in Maine and children, veterans, and families rebuilding their lives in Ukraine. Through stories, photos, and conversation, attendees will learn how a handmade puppet became a symbol of compassion across continents, while also exploring Heal Ukraine Trauma's work training Ukrainian clinicians, supporting veterans and military families, and helping children recover from the trauma of war. Join us for an evening that celebrates the power of community, connection, and hope, and discover how ordinary people can make an extraordinary difference in the lives of those affected by war. Tuesday, October 20 at 6:00 p.m. (doors open to the public at 5:30 p.m.). $7 for Mechanics' Hall Members, $10 for General Admission, no one turned away for lack of funds at the door. ABOUT THE SPEAKERS Keynote speaker, Amy Goodrich is a U.S. Army Special Operations veteran, military spouse, and Director of Programs & Development at Heal Ukraine Trauma. She oversees HUT’s programs supporting Ukrainian veterans, military families, and children affected by the war and works closely with HUT’s Ukrainian team and partners. Amy travels regularly to Ukraine, where she has seen firsthand both the impact of war and the extraordinary resilience of the communities HUT serves. She holds a B.A. from Rowan University and an M.A. in International Studies from North Carolina State University. Elizabeth Ames is the Founder and former CEO of Heal Ukraine Trauma. Elizabeth’s career has spanned private, public, not-for-profit and international sectors. She served in the Massachusetts State Cabinet and also as Senior Policy Advisor for Economic Affairs and Technology to two Governors. She has 30 years’ country-wide experience in Ukraine and was a pioneer in the former Soviet Union’s transition to a free-market economy. Elizabeth holds a BA from Yale, an MBA from Harvard Business School, and an MPA from Harvard Kennedy School of Government. PARKING & TRANSPORTATION The Greater Portland Metro’s Congress & Casco Street Stop is directly in front of our building, served by routes 1, 7, 8, and 9B. Street Parking: Available on Congress, Casco, Cumberland, Free Street, and nearby streets. Pay by meter or the Passport Parking App. Free after 6 PM, on Sundays, and between Parris and Alder Street. Some blocks may vary — look for posted signs. Garages: The Arts District Garage (41 Brown St) has 250+ spaces, is open 24/7, and accepts credit card only, with entrances on Brown, Cumberland, and Casco. The Elm Street Garage (21 Elm St) is conveniently near the Portland Library. The Spring Street Garage is three blocks away at 45 Spring St. ACCESSIBILITY To enter our building, patrons will need to navigate a single step or use a modular ramp. Please note that the wheelchair ramp has a steep incline. A wheelchair-accessible elevator is available. The elevator is 60" deep, 48" wide, with a 32" door opening. There are four wheelchair-accessible bathrooms on the third-floor level, adjacent to the Ballroom. If you have a wheelchair or need accessibility accommodations/questions, please contact us at [email protected] or 207-773-8396.