Consider Joining a Caring and Compassionate Sponsorship Circle

by Todd Geise

The situation in Ukraine is dire. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine forever changed the lives of 43 million people. In addition to the thousands of deceased citizens and destruction of vibrant cities and peaceful villages, reports suggest that 12 to 15 million Ukrainians are displaced, with approximately half of them residing in neighboring countries.

In April 2022, the Biden administration announced that 100,000 Ukrainians could enter the US as humanitarian parolees through the Uniting for Ukraine program, and upon entry, be granted legal status in two years. Ukrainian program applicants would also require a sponsor with legal status in the US who could assure the applicant’s wellbeing and financial stability while here.

To sponsor and support a Ukrainian individual or family, Jewish Family Services of Western New York (JFS) has launched Sponsorship Circles, which are groups of five or more volunteers who commit to at least six months of support. We are therefore seeking caring and compassionate individuals to be part of these caring circles who can assist with needs for housing, work preparation, school readiness and enrollment, getting around town, and learning the English language.

More than 200 Ukrainians have already arrived in Western New York, and we are reaching out to them to let them know that assistance is available. However, we anticipate the arrival of several hundred more in the near future.

If you are interested helping to change lives and in forming or joining a sponsorship circle, please contact our Ukrainian Sponsorship Coordinator, Dasha Valuyskaya at dvaluyskaya@jfswny.org or by phone at (716) 261-8959.

Todd Geise is Director of Marketing at Jewish Family Services of Western New York