Three weeks ago, my daughter learned of a Ukrainian family moving to the area, with the daughter joining her third grade class. HJP and A quickly became friends, communicating through hand gestures and a translation app. We invited the family to our home, easily developing a friendship despite the major language barrier. Sadly, a few days after our introduction, we received word that their sponsor family demanded they leave, placing them in an unthinkable situation.

The sponsor family invited the three of them to Florida to escape the Russian invasion. They had to provide proof of being financially responsible for them for up to two years, giving them time to learn more English and gain employment. Slavic is a massage therapist, with incredible knowledge and experience, and Dasha works in the beauty field utilizing permanent makeup (eyeliner, lipstick, eyebrows, etc). Prior to demanding they leave, the sponsor did get them established with drivers licenses, social security cards, and work permits, so at least they helped a little. Sadly, the gentleman sponsor is facing mental healthy issues and is in a period of manic depression. (This comes from the female sponsor, who is also planning on leaving the home.)

Through no fault of their own, Slavik, Dasha, and Anastasiia are now in limbo. They left their war-torn country in hopes of finding safety and security in the USA. However, now they are in a country with no home, very little money (they sold their vehicle, businesses, and belongings just to fly here), and no resources to aid them. Their choice was to find a way back to Ukraine, where Dasha's parents are already in occupied territory and their home rattles with bomb explosions daily as Russian forces have almost claimed their city, or find assistance to stay here.

We invited them into our home as of Thursday (2/23/23) evening to not leave them homeless. Unfortunately the program that facilitated their coming to Florida does not provide any resources in these situations. In fact, we have not been able to find any information to this having happened before. We are doing everything in our power to help in any way we can.

Asking for assistance is not something Mike and I do, however this isn't for us. While we have created this, any gifts will be given directly to the family. We have created this as a way to aid this sweet family in a situation (I think we can all agree) we never want to be in ourselves. Thank you for any way you may be able to contribute.