Deniushkin Family Resettlement Fund

Hello - we are the Pesca Family and are raising money on behalf of the Deniushkins, a wonderful family of Ukrainian refugees who were forced to flee their home in Odessa because of the war. They arrived in New York on December 12 and are currently staying with us until mid-March. Their needs are great, which I will list below, but they are also in need of money to help ease their transition. Since they arrived, they've already been taken advantage of by a landlord in Coney Island, who accepted half of their savings in exchange for an apartment with no heat and no lock. They have been scared and living in unsafe conditions for the last month. We are trying to help them recoup the money they lost, and also give them some cushion for when they leave our home in several weeks. Money, resources, connections, and permanent housing are their current greatest needs. They do need an additional phone, but do not need any physical donations of toys or clothes at this time.

Svetlana, 38, and Sergey, 44, are parents to boys Dima and Yasha. Dima is 12 years old and has autism. He speaks a few words in English which he's learned from his beloved cartoons but has limited language in Ukrainian due to his disability. He loves to cook. Getting Dima evaluated and into the right school is the utmost priority currently, which, in fact, is why the family chose America as their destination. We have reached out to some NYC board of education resources and are awaiting a reply. We would be happy to connect with any parents of autistic children who have navigated the public school system and / or have any resources to share.

Yasha is almost 3 and he loves cars, trucks, and Kinder eggs. He needs daycare or 3K which we are trying to secure for them.

Sergey is an electrician, who ran a crew of 10 people in Odessa. He is looking for stable work and is ready and available immediately. He speaks a little English and is fluent in Ukrainian and Russian. Most men of his age have been forced to fight, and many have died in the war. He was allowed to leave because Ukraine has a dispensation for fathers of children with disabilities. He knows how lucky he is to be away from life-threatening danger, and needs to work to provide for his family. Any leads on jobs would be appreciated.

Svetlana is proficient in English and previously worked as a translator, as well as an elementary school teacher. Once the boys are settled in school, she will be able to look for work herself. Her current top priority is getting Dima into the right school and the attention he needs.

The family needs permanent housing, and I believe would like to stay in Brooklyn, provided this is where they find schooling and daycare. They do not know where they will go after they leave us in March. We would be grateful for any leads. Their situation is difficult without full-time income or American credit history. They are currently working to establish this.

Thank you for your generous donations. We are very grateful for any help you can provide!