Help Hanna and her daughters stay in Claremont!

Hi friends.

I am creating this fundraiser to raise money for a Ukrainian refugee, Hanna Hnatova, who came to America in April 2022 with her two daughters (Anastasia, 9th grade and Sofia, 4th grade). They have been living in an apartment provided by the Newcomers Access Center, which was renting this property from the Claremont School of Theology. Now, the School of Theology has informed the Center that Hanna and her daughters, along with five other families, need to vacate these premises by December 21st.

The Center has found Hanna's family a new apartment in Claremont, but rent is quite expensive -- $2250 a month. She has been working at the AM/PM on Foothill for a little over a month, and is now looking for a second job, all while going to Claremont Adult School and trying to save up for a car. Her daughters have been attending Sycamore Elementary School and Claremont High School, and she would really like to have them finish out the school year if possible.

So, I am looking to raise half of their rent in the new apartment for 6 months. Hanna's salary from AM/PM, and hopefully a second job should help cover the other half, but I hope we can come together as a community and show these sweet, bright girls and their mother that America can be a welcoming place. Their story hits close to home, since my parents and I moved to Claremont from Ukraine 27 years earlier, and I went to Sycamore Elementary School, just like little Sofia. Now, my husband and I co-direct the music program at Claremont United Church of Christ, which is how we met Hanna and her daughters.

My family's immigrant story ended well, and I ask for your help in making Hanna's journey a success story too. Anything you can contribute will be greatly appreciated.

With love,

Alexandra Grabarchuk

P.S. Apparently, when one goes to donate, it says "Your donation will benefit Sasha Grabarchuk" (my Ukrainian name). I don't know of a way to change that, since I am the organizer, but rest assured all money will go to Hanna. I am happy to share pictures of the digital transaction once the fundraiser ends!