Meet Ukrainians Mykola and Olena Shevchenko. They and their two small children were admitted to the United States on humanitarian grounds this past August. 

Mykola has a bachelor’s degree in economics and finance. He has extensive expertise in import processes and operated an import business until leaving Ukraine in 2022.  Olena has a bachelor’s degree in accounting and worked as an accountant in Ukraine. 

Like so many others, the Russian invasion upended their professional lives. Mykola lost his import business, and Olena lost her job, leaving the family destitute. Schools closed when the war started, leaving their children and many others behind. Electricity, water, and heat became scarce commodities. 

Family safety became paramount. There were constant drills due to systemic attacks.  The bombing destroyed the airport near their home. There are no bomb shelters in most of Ukraine, so there is nowhere to hide. If their home was bombed and collapsed, it could be days or weeks before rescuers found them. 

Facing that possibility, Olena and Mykola accepted the chance to leave Ukraine for the safety of their family. They were lucky: they received humanitarian admission to the United States because they had sponsors to bring them here. Still, they needed help to get back on their feet and re-establish themselves with housing, employment, transportation, and basic needs. 

USCRI enters – thanks to supporters like you.

USCRI helped the Shevchenkos apply for health care, food assistance, household items, a pre-paid mobile phone, and other vital benefits. USCRI provided access to a furniture bank, where they furnished their new home for $180. Because USCRI helped the Shevchenkos receive Social Security numbers and work authorization, they secured a three-bedroom home rental. 

The Shevchenkos qualified for USCRI’s employment program, allowing them to settle into their new home and meet basic needs. This support enables arrivals like Mykola and Olena to concentrate on learning the language, securing employment, and rebuilding their lives here in the United States. The employment program provides crucial support such as rent and utility assistance, additional funds for daily living costs, and school enrollment costs for their children. 

Your support makes new lives possible for people like the Shevchenko family. 

Mykola is planning to re-establish his import business in the United States. Meanwhile, to make ends meet, he is completing his training for a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), giving him excellent employment prospects. Olena is quickly learning English, and their oldest child is enrolled in kindergarten. Mykola’s employment as a commercial driver will resolve their transportation issues, freeing up the family’s one car for Olena to work outside the home and build community connections.