My dear friend, Oksana, and her 14 year old daughter, Nastya,  have made a difficult decision to flee their homeland of Ukraine and leave their family and home to come to the U.S. to escape the constant bombings, terror, and most recently power outages in the dead of winter. They are in Kiev where most of the energy infrastructure has been destroyed and they have been struggling to live without electricity, water, and gas in below zero temperatures. They are forced to leave a loving family, friends, and cozy home and to come to the unknown in search of a peaceful life.

 

It is unimaginable what they’ve been going through this past year hiding in bomb-shelters, living through constant air sirens, and wondering whether the next rocket is going to fall on their house. They initially decided to stay in Ukraine for as long as they did in hopes that peace would be quickly restored, but now they are desperate to escape. Without a doubt, the mental, physical, and emotional toll of this experience will have long-lasting effect on them.

 

Oksana and Nastya are now seeking refuge in Los Angeles and are in need of financial support to be able to rent an apartment, buy food, and any daily necessities before Oksana is able to start working and providing. Besides me, they have no other family, friends, or contacts in the U.S. Thankfully, as a community, we can provide them with initial support to be able to have time to assimilate and learn English. Any donation is greatly appreciated.