Update March 14th - we've met our goal (and then some) on this fundraiser! Thanks to all who generously donated.

Update March 12th - we’ve raised $2,825 - thank you! We’re adjusting our goal from $3,000 to $3,100 to account for GoFundMe processing fees (2.9% + $0.30 per donation), ensuring the family receives the full $3,000 they need to finalize their re-parole by the April 7th government deadline.

In the late summer of 2023, a young family from war-torn Odesa, Ukraine arrived in Minnesota – a couple and their young daughter – sponsored by a group of Minnesotans who believed in giving refuge to people fleeing war.

Before coming to America, they spent months in bomb shelters, listening to missiles screaming overhead. It took a long time for their daughter, Zlata – now a curious, happy 7-year-old – to feel safe in her new home. Now she does.

In the two and a half years since their arrival, this family has done everything right. Anton, the father, launched his own painting and drywalling business. Olha, the mother, worked as an assistant kindergarten teacher until she lost her job. They are exactly the kind of people this country's humanitarian programs were designed to protect.

Here is the urgent reality.

This family has received conditional approval for USCIS parole renewal – the legal authorization for them to remain in the United States. But approval is not final until a government-required fee of $3,000 ($1,000 per family member) is paid by April 7, 2026. Without payment, their authorization will not go into effect – and their legal future in the U.S. would be in serious jeopardy.

I, Joyce Edwards, was a member of the original sponsorship team that brought them here, operating under the umbrella of the Humanists of Minnesota, a Minneapolis non-profit. I've watched this family navigate an extraordinarily difficult road with grace and determination. I'm asking for your help as they face this urgent deadline.

I know this is a hard moment to ask. Generous Minnesotans have given so much this winter – to food drives, rental assistance funds and directly to families sheltering during the ICE surge. If you've already given what you can, thank you. But if you have funds available to donate, please consider this family in need.

Our goal is $3,000, which will cover the vast majority of the USCIS fee. 100% of GoFundMe donations (minus the platform's 2.9% transaction fee) will be disbursed directly to the family from my personal checking account via Zelle. I'll happily provide a full financial accounting to anyone who asks.

Little Zlata found safety in Minnesota. We have a chance to make sure she stays safe.

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