On February 24, Russia
invaded Ukraine and began a campaign of terror that caused millions of
Ukrainians to flee their homes and their country. A recent estimate suggests
that approximately 14 million people have been displaced since the invasion
began.
In response, the US government launched a
new federal program called “Uniting for Ukraine”, which allows American
citizens to sponsor Ukrainians wishing to relocate to the US. In May, the first
Ukrainian refugees under this program to arrive to Charlotte, NC were Alina Matvieieva
and her (now) 11 year old son Valerii. (see URL below from a Charlotte local
news station that featured their story)
Alina is a single mom who aged out of the
Ukrainian equivalent of the foster care system. Several years ago, Alina’s
younger biological sister was adopted from a Ukrainian orphanage by the Kayser
family, which lives in the Charlotte metro area. The Kayser family are
graciously serving as the sponsors for Alina and her son, while raising several
other biological and adopted children.
Since their arrival, many folks have
offered their support and helped pay for legal fees (for permanency) and other
costs associated with arriving to a new country as a refugee. Nevertheless,
Alina and her son have a pressing need in the following two areas: 1. urgent
dental care that is not covered by insurance, and 2. furnishing for a house
that Alina and her son will be moving in to in the near future.
Alina recently received her work permit
and is working at a Food Lion and part time at a local berry farm. However, her
income is insufficient to cover the two needs described above.
Any financial support that you can offer
will make a tangible difference in the lives of these two.
Thank you for your generosity!
Best regards,
Vlad
https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/new-federal-program-helps-americans-bring-ukrainians-us-through-sponsorship/UVXUH44VXZFARMMU2K62NVAD6A/