Minnewaska MN Area Ukrainian Family Sponsorship

Our hearts are so full from the generosity and kindness of our community.

Thank you to everyone for your support and donations to help us in welcoming our first Ukrainian family to Glenwood. Not only does this act of humanity provide a safe place to live, but it gives them a fresh start to regain normalcy after having to leave their entire lives behind due to war.

The family of five arrived in mid-June and have been working hard to get set up with necessary documents, driver's licenses and more - but we had to make time to celebrate a couple of special birthdays too! (photo below with Karina, family & the Z family)

We were also very surprised to raise beyond our original goal and with the extra funds donated, we are very close to fully sponsoring a second Ukrainian family! And even better news, this family of three has already been fully cleared for travel and are expected to arrive early September for their daughter to start school at Minnewaska (photo below.)

Our goal is to raise $5,000 for this second family and 100% of the funds received will be used to support the family in settling into a safe home - the first step in rebuilding their lives.

Funds can be donated through GoFundMe or locally at Glenwood State Bank (mention MECO7 Ukrainian Family.)

Along with cash donations, you can also help support them with a gift card to your favorite local business or write them a note to welcome them to the area. These can be dropped off at MECO7 during store hours (Monday-Friday 10-5, Saturday 10-3).

We also welcome prayers for safety as this family is still living in Odesa, Ukraine which has had many bombings and attacks over the last few weeks. We want them to arrive safely, as soon as possible.

From our team, the Z family & soon to be here M family, we are so grateful for your life-changing support. Thank you, thank you, thank you ❤️

MORE ABOUT THE PROJECT

At MECO7 in Glenwood, Minnesota, we believe everyone deserves a happy home. That's why we are joining the Minnewaska community in sponsoring a Ukrainian family seeking refuge in the United States. We are working through an organization called Alight (wearealight.org), a nonprofit organization in Minnesota that partners with Welcome.US in connecting Ukrainian families with United States sponsors.

Since February 2022, over three million Ukrainians, mainly women and children, have been forced to leave their country for the safety of their families. Our sponsorship team is in contact with such a family in need from Ukraine. They have had to relocate several times prior to having to flee the country in order to protect their children from the ravages of war.

When Ukrainian refugees arrive in Minnesota, they come with very little - usually what they can fit in a suitcase and the clothes they are wearing. 100% of the received funds will be used to support the family in settling into a safe home - the first step in rebuilding their lives. MECO7 is pledging the first $1,000 to the fund, along with other home goods to be donated.

Any funds raised above our goal will be used to assist other Ukrainian refugee families, in partnership with Alight.

Funds can be donated through GoFundMe or locally at Glenwood State Bank or Glenwood Lutheran Church (mention MECO7 Ukrainian Family.)

To learn more about the Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) program and how to become a sponsor, visit wearealight.org or welcome.us. For more information on the Minnewaska project, contact us at [email redacted] or visit us at MECO7.com.

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