The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has displaced millions of people across Europe. One of those individuals is Yuliia, 35, a former police officer and chemist from Ukraine.
She and her 8-year-old son fled Ukraine as the conflict began, seeking safety in Poland. When she first arrived she needed to find a way to support herself; her first job was cleaning at a hotel for truck drivers. This work was hard, and the hours challenging, but for her it was a place to start rebuilding her life in a new country.
Now, Yuliia is more settled. She found shelter through an IOCC Church partner, a local Orthodox priest who revamped his parish house and moved his family into town so that refugee women and children could have a place to stay. For a time, Yuliia conducted choir at the parish and is now working with other women in the house to open a bakery together. “I want to stay in Poland,” she told staff. “I want to find a job and a flat.”
“This program helped me when I needed it most,” Yuliia added. “Because of this help, I could … ensure the safety and well-being of my child.”
Your almsgiving through IOCC helps people facing conflict and disaster around the world. This Lent, make a gift that changes lives in the spirit of Christ’s love.
