In New York, the founder of the City of Good charity foundation, Marta Levchenko, received one of the most prestigious public awards in the United States - the Ellis Island Medal of Honor 2026. The award was presented for her humanitarian work, support for children and families in Ukraine, and many years of charitable work. Previously, eight US presidents, public figures, scientists, and world-class philanthropists have been laureates of this award.
This was reported by the Ukrainian Women’s Association of America (UWAA) and Ellis Island Honors Society.
“This award is a recognition of extraordinary leadership, humanitarian service, dignity, and dedication to society. Marta’s work is a powerful example of what love in action can create: a place of safety, care, and hope for vulnerable children, mothers, families displaced by war, victims of violence, and people experiencing medical crises,” the UWAA said in a statement.
The award ceremony took place on May 16 at Ellis Island in New York.
“Your legacy now stands alongside those who shaped history, strengthened the present, and inspired future generations to lead with courage, purpose, and influence,” the Ellis Island Honors Society said in its official statement.
Marta Levchenko is the founder of the City of Good charity space in Chernivtsi, which helps children, mothers, and families in difficult life circumstances, and also takes care of the Butterfly House children’s hospice.
In her speech, Marta Levchenko thanked the City of Good team, the benefactors, and everyone who supports the children and families the foundation helps. Later, Levchenko wrote, on her page that she perceives this award as recognition of the entire community of people who together build the City of Good. Levchenko emphasized that she did not take the stage alone, but together with all the people who support children, mothers, and families in the City of Good every day.
“I did not go on this stage alone. Together with me, everyone who holds the “City of Kindness” up every day climbed there – with their hearts, trust, and participation in the destinies of our children. All our children were with me. Every day, I build bridges from my heart to people who are able to see a lonely child, an abandoned mother, a grandmother who has lost everything. To those who change the world not with loud words, but with real participation. They feel the real thing and realize what the power of love that sews our “City of Kindness” is capable of. And the fact that we are noticed so far from home is also their merit. This cannot be done alone,” Levchenko shared her impressions of the award.
The founder of the foundation also emphasized that the award has become an important symbol of international recognition of Ukraine and Ukrainian humanitarian work.
“Today, thanks to you, the name of Ukraine has sounded on one of the world stages of humanity and justice,” Levchenko wrote.
Kyiv Mohyla Foundation of America Executive Director Marta Klimchak congratulated Levchenko on the award and emphasized the importance of the Misto Dobra mission.
“This recognition honors Marta’s extraordinary humanitarian work and the mission of Misto Dobra: protecting children, mothers, and families facing war, displacement, violence, and poverty,” Klimchak noted.
She also emphasized that the Ukrainian-American community supports Misto Dobra through donations, fundraising, and community solidarity. This is the first time a Ukrainian woman has been awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.
“Recently, at the invitation of the Ukrainian Women’s Association of America, Marta spoke at a charity event at the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art, calling for giving hope to children. There is so much love in this young woman that she is ready to embrace the whole world – our Ukrainian Mother Teresa. During the war, she managed to take hundreds of orphans and those deprived of their childhood under the roof of houses that were built not without the participation of the community in Chicago… We congratulate dear Martha and her angels of kindness with international recognition and a prestigious award. This is the first time in history that a Ukrainian woman has been awarded! ”, emphasized she.
Background
Ellis Island Medal of Honor recognizes people whose activities strengthen humanistic values, service to society, and intercultural understanding. This year, the 40th ceremony has already taken place, and 76 laureates were among the honored. It is officially recognized by the US Congress. The medal’s laureates have been founders of large international companies, public figures, and world-class philanthropists: eight US presidents, including Ronald Reagan and Joe Biden, Nobel Prize winner Elie Wiesel, singer Barbra Streisand, and actress Whoopi Goldberg.
“Misto Dobra” (“City of Kindness”) is a large-scale Ukrainian humanitarian project designed as a comprehensive shelter and support space for women and children in difficult life circumstances. It provides protection, medical care, psychological and legal assistance, as well as long-term rehabilitation and social support. The initiative is funded entirely through donations and operates as a non-governmental, community-supported project.
The project was founded by Levchenko and emerged from the realization that isolated humanitarian services were not enough without a safe, stable place for recovery and long-term change.
The first steps of the project began in 2016 in a rented building, later evolving into a purpose-built complex with multiple residential and support facilities. Over time, it expanded into a full ecosystem of care, including shelters for mothers and children, medical and rehabilitation services, and specialized programs for vulnerable groups.
The center primarily supports women and children affected by war, domestic violence, poverty, displacement, and medical crises. This includes evacuees from conflict zones, survivors of abuse, children requiring palliative care or rehabilitation, and families who have lost stable housing or security.
Author: Inna Mikhno