Petunin Family- Ukraine Refugees

Two months ago, the Kaplans sponsored the Petunin family to come to the US under the recently-created “Uniting for Ukraine” humanitarian parole program. The four family members - Iryna (40), Yevhen (42), and their two girls, 9 and 11 -escaped the war in Ukraine where their hometown was bombed, with only what they could carry with them, traveling to Poland, Germany, and then finally to the US. They are currently living with the Kaplans in their home.

Since arriving, the family has worked diligently to establish themselves in the US, taking English language classes, enrolling the kids in school, applying for a work permit and driver’s license, etc.

Though the parents were established professionals with college degrees in Ukraine, they are starting again here with virtually nothing. Their current visa status (“humanitarian parolees”) is valid for only two years, but considering the devastation in their home country, they hope to remain in the US permanently. While the Kaplans are providing housing for the time being, they are not able to do so indefinitely. In the next few months, the Petunins will need money to secure a place to live, possibly purchase a used second car, and for other expenses while they train for new careers and seek gainful employment in the US.

Anything you can do to help support this refugee family would be incredibly helpful and warmly appreciated. Many thanks!