Sasha and Sveta's return to the US

Sasha and Sveta's return to the US

Please help support our fundraiser to help Sasha and Sveta return to the USA from Ukraine.

April 2022, we (Ellen Seridge and Tracy Spadola) were asked to open our home to Sasha and Sveta, who were leaving Kharkiv, Ukraine during the war with Russia. Kharkiv was under attack with daily bombings. While they had a son on Staten Island (Alex) the family's living situation was such that they needed a place to stay. The hope was that the war would be over soon, and they'd be able to return in two months' time. Well, the war did not end, and the original Visa they traveled on (and had extended twice) has expired. The immigration attorney they worked with advised that the only legal option was to return to Ukraine and apply for the "Parole" program that was available to them. This required that they return to Ukraine. They returned to Ukraine in April 2023, the day before their visa expired. I've sponsored them in their application for parole, and we have recently received their approval to return.

While they were living with us, they became family. They spoke no English, but through the wonder of Google Translate, we had wonderful conversations over the kitchen table at night. Although they liked their walkabouts and trips to the shopping centers, their intent was always to return home when the war was over. They returned to a devastated city still under active bombing and frequent loss of water and electricity. They now have until Sept 2023 to return, when their authorization expires.

They are a warm, wonderful couple. Frequently teary when they spoke of their home, they are so grateful for the opportunity to be in a safe environment.

The expenses their family has incurred to date have been overwhelming. The upcoming additional expenses are only adding to the burden for their family. Their family is doing everything they can to manage these costs while trying to care for their own family. The funds raised will be used directly to pay for travel expenses from Ukraine (through Poland), immigration attorney fees, plus other living expenses, such as food and clothing.

Your support in raising these funds will be life-changing for this wonderful family. Every dollar raised will go directly to their family. Immediate funds are needed to secure travel from Ukraine to Poland and then to New York.

Tracy, Ellen, Alex, Sasha and Sveta thank you for your generosity.