Ukrainian refugees

We are David and Mitzie Cochrane. We are fundraising for a family in need.

Mykola, Mariia and their two sons, Mykola, age 6 and Roman, age 1, are from Ukraine, refugees from the war with Russia. They arrived in the United States on September 14, 2022, with one suitcase for a family of four. The courage to leave your family, friends, job and your country to save your family from an invading army or a missile slamming into your home is inconceivable in our country.

They live in our home in Haughton, Louisiana, a small city that does not have bus or train service. There are no refugee services in this area.

They have applied for work authorizations and social security cards. They hope to find employment as soon as they are authorized to work. They speak little to no English but have enrolled in English classes at a local community college. Their 6-year-old has started 1st grade at a nearby school.

Mykola and Mariia want the “American Dream” and are willing to work minimum wage jobs until their English improves but they need help getting started. They have nothing.

When they find employment, they will want to move into their own home. They will need money for deposits and rent. They will need a used car to get to their jobs, the English class, their child’s school, the doctor, the dentist and the grocery store. They need money to help with childcare costs for their 1-year-old while they work.

They need everything for their future home, including furniture, appliances, utensils, plates, pots and pans, sheets, blankets, pillows and so on.

Our friends and neighbors have been wonderful, helping this family in any way possible but they need more help getting started on their new life in the United States. The costs for a used car and furniture are very high. We have asked local car dealers and furniture stores to consider donating used cars or used furniture and most will not even reply. Three replied but were not able to help.

This is a proud young family that is humbled by the generosity of the American people. They don’t really want to accept help from others, they want to work and earn money to buy the things they need but we explained it is a blessing for Americans to give a helping hand to a family like this one, refugees from the war trying to make a better life for their family.