Help Welcome the Tymoshenkos to Safety and Hope

We are Lenn and Melissa and our family is sponsoring a family of four from war-torn Ukraine who have just been approved through the U.S. Uniting for Ukraine program. They will live in our home until we can collectively secure rental housing and employment and they can soon be self-sufficient.

Originally from Bakhmut, Ukraine (now completely destroyed), Artur, Natalia, Mariia (11) and Daria (5) lived in Dnipro for the past eight years until that city was attacked, the apartment building next to theirs destroyed and friends killed. “We understood that life there is impossible. We took what would fit into our car’s trunk and gave away the rest.” They made their way to Poland, hoping for approval to come to the U.S. to escape the proximity to war.

“Mariia and Daria are fond of dancing, sewing and rainbow colors, and dream of going to school in person and making friends. Artur and I dream of a home that we don't have to leave. We are ready to work hard and develop. Our children dream of simple childhood happiness. They have already seen too much in their lives.”

Each time we speak, the Tymoshenko family stresses their desire to not be a burden in any way on us or our country. Artur, a computer programmer, is hopeful that he will be able to secure a job and begin working soon after they arrive. They will all take ESL classes to become proficient in English and are eager to get settled so the girls can begin school in late August. They will arrive in late June with only backpacks, so are truly starting from scratch.

We invite you to be part of welcoming the Tymoshenkos. Funds collected through GoFundMe will go toward their land and air travel from Poland, as well as rent, utilities, transportation once in Virginia, furniture and other household and personal essentials to get them started. We, along with Artur, Natasha, Mariia and Daria will be grateful for anything you feel called to do. Note that these donations are not tax deductible.

All funds will be administered and tracked by our family and any funds above what is needed by the Tymoshenkos will be directed to other Ukrainian families, coming through the U.S. Uniting for Ukraine program.

We join the Tymoshenko family in thanking you!

Lenn & Melissa