A Car for Work

Hi. My name is Mary. My husband Roland and I have been hosting Ukrainian war refugee families since last June. Our third family has been with us since August. They FINALLY got their work authorizations and social security numbers, and they are so eager to begin working. All three people in the family have the most awesome characters and work ethics. Mykola and Natalia grew up in Kyiv. They spent a lot of time in earlier years taking care of relatives and working very hard. There is one daughter, 13-year-old Alina. Alina is a bright, bulb of light, full of spirit. She loves going to youth group, playing with our dogs, reading, and swimming. She struggles with anemia. 52-year-old Mykola is deaf, and the military wouldn't take him. Mykola and Natalia fled Ukraine because they couldn't bear the idea that Alina might be wounded or killed in the war. They are so grateful to be here and to know that their Alina is safe. So many colleagues, family, and friends are left in Ukraine. They have not been safe.

They have no money and no assets. I am asking for a used car in working condition and/or funds to help them begin saving to buy one and secure insurance. Our family lives in a rural area outside of Snohomish, and there are no bus lines close to us. Mykola will be working in construction and has a couple of jobs lined up in Everett and Seattle. Natalia is a Russian and Ukrainian sign language interpreter and is looking for a job. Their daughter Alina is an 8th grader at our local middle school, and is doing very well.

All money raised will go to their Bank of America account which we just established (with their new social security numbers).

They have been through so much. Thank you so much for any help you can give.

Mary