My name is Irina Schmedes and I’m fundraising for my new Ukrainian neighbors who just moved in on our street, Darina Zhuravska and her 7 year old daughter Alisa. This picture was taken at Newark airport parking terminal on the day they landed in New Jersey to be welcomed by complete strangers (at the time) who extended them a helping hand across the globe.

Darina is a single mother and a second time war refugee, she had to flee to central Ukraine in 2014 after the civil war broke out in her home town in East Ukraine and now she had to do it all over again. After sheltering for over three months in an Italian monastery, they were sponsored by our neighbors through a humanitarian relief organization to come to New Jersey and live with them. They are grateful to be here and already fell in love with our town. Darina speaks very little English and Alysa speaks none but I have no doubt that living with an American family they will learn it in no time. At the moment, however, Darina, is completely broke and not able to earn a living. I would like to raise some funds for her during this adjustment period to help her get back on her feet. The funds raised will be handed by me to Darina personally in cash. Thank you so much for your kindness!