Support Yana's Family: From War to Safety

Help a Courageous Ukrainian Refugee Family and Domestic Abuse Survivor: Yana’s Story

Dear friends, family, clients and kind-hearted supporters,

Yana Blyzniuk and her three wonderful children—Mischa (3), Anna (6), and Sophia (10)—a Ukrainian refugee family I’ve had the privilege to know for over a year have have become like family to me and close to my heart. Their story is one of resilience, courage, and the urgent need for help.

Yana, 32, fled her home in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine, in April 2022 to escape the Russian invasion. Her family endured unimaginable conditions—hiding in freezing basements with no food, water, or electricity while rockets pounded their city. Despite the odds, Yana managed to reach a humanitarian organization that brought her to Ashland, Oregon.

A brilliant, kind, and determined woman, Yana is a loving mother and holds two master’s degrees in Law and Fine Art. Before the war, she worked as a talented tattoo artist. In Ashland, she’s created a few stunning murals in peoples homes and taught art to a few local families, showcasing her incredible talent.

Yana comes from a close-knit family in Ukraine. Her father, a dentist, and her mother, a nurse, have been married for 32 years. Her sisters, both doctors, were forced to flee to Poland. Tragically, Yana’s personal life before the war was marked by domestic violence, married to a member of a workforce that Ukrainian law deems exempt from domestic violence prosecution. Despite the risks, Yana bravely sought refuge in the U.S., knowing the law here would protect her and her children.

After arriving in Ashland, she faced further challenges when her abusive husband continued his violence. This time, she exercised her rights and with law enforcement and legal help, gained protection for her and her children, finalizing divorce both in Ukraine and the U.S., breaking free from his control. However, this left her alone in a foreign country with three young children, barely any English skills, and no way to use her Ukrainian education professionally.

The daily stress Yana endures is overwhelming and unimaginable. Her father risks being called to the front lines (literally as he walks to work, being snatched of the street by Ukrainian military), her family’s home in Ukraine faces constant threats, and her financial and housing support from the “Free Ukraine” will be changing in April. To make matters worse, the house provided to her in Ashland has been put up for sale.

Yana's current sponsor (who has been sponsoring Yana for two years) has told her that they will need to reduce their financial support sometime in April. -The exact amount is currently unknown.

"Free Ukraine" (the humanitarian organization that has been supporting her) is looking but has not been able to secure a new sponsor to make up the difference of funds from her current sponsor's reduction of support- this includes money for renting a home and for the massive amount of daily and monthly expenses.

Without our help Yana and her three children will be displaced. They will most likely be relocated to Portland and into a potentially poor living situation and little funding. Forced to abandon yet another life they love here in, Ashland.

Ashland is their home. One can only imagine the weight of the trauma and hardship that life has unfairly and relentlessly dealt Yana. How much can one person truly endure? The unyielding cruelties she has been dealt with through no fault of her own breaks my heart.

How You Can Help:

Yana and her children URGENTLY need support to secure housing, cover daily expenses, and rebuild their lives. Here’s how you can assist:

1. A Sponsor: An individual or business who is willing to financially help support Yana’s and her family’s housing costs.

2. Financial Contributions: Any amount can make a huge difference in helping Yana cover rent, food, and other essentials.

3. Housing Assistance: If you or someone you know can offer accommodations or help fund a rental, please let us know.

4. Employment Opportunities: Yana is a gifted artist who paints stunning murals in peoples homes and teaches art. If you’d like to commission a mural or inquire about art lessons, she can share her portfolio.

Yana’s journey has been one of unimaginable hardship, yet she remains resilient. Her children are happy, bright, and well-behaved and love attending their Elementary School here in, Ashland. However, the weight of her situation is taking a toll on her mental and physical health.

Without our help, this brave mother and her children face an uncertain future. Let’s come together to provide them with a safe home and the stability they deserve.

All donated funds will go directly into Yana's bank account, here in Ashland, Oregon.

On behalf of Yana, Mischa, Anna, and Sophia, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generosity and support. Your kindness can change their lives forever. Please share this message with anyone who might be able to help.

With gratitude,

Jared

Ps: Yana’s story as written about in Rogue Valley Times

https://www.rv-times.com/localstate/ukrainian-mother-escapes-war-torn-country-only-to-experience-domestic-violence/article_76cdc1e4-9abc-11ee-aece-23dd9a701a99.html

A few of Yana's commissioned home murals:

Some work from her students age 10 and under: