Helping Moldova assist Ukranian Child & Parent Refugees

Добый день! Buna ziua! That is Good afternoon! in Russian and Romanian, two of the languages spoken in the country of Moldova.

My name is Kathryn Mallory. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor and Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor. I work in Fairbanks, Alaska specializing in Child/Parent Relationship Therapy Play Therapy.

professional webpage:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/dome-arts-llc-fairbanks-ak/455266

In January 2022 I began formal study of the Russian language; in February 2022 Russia invaded Ukraine. Since that time, I have continued to study Russian with the faith that improving my ability to communicate in Russian would be a link to helping children and families which have left their countries due to the on-going war in the Ukraine. United Planet, a non-profit 501(c)3, helped me make that link:

https://www.unitedplanet.org/

The country of Moldova continues to experience the largest influx of Ukraninan refugees per capita. The Sunflower Community Center in Chișinău

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W51K-6Jj7k0

&

https://nonprofit.xarxanet.org/interview/andrei-esanu-strong-families-and-peaceful-family-environments-contributes-stable-society

is a non-profit NGO which provides Ukrainian refugee children and Moldovan families in need with educational support, mental health counseling, social services and food and hygiene supplies. At The Sunflower Center my work as a Child/Parent Play Therapist will be mulitlingual. I can "speak" the universal language of children: play. After this--in order of proficiency--I speak English, Norwegian, Russian and Romanian.

I depart for 6 weeks in April 2025, and will provide updates as I prepare and as the work proceeds in Moldova. Though this is my first visit to Moldova, I hope to return and continue therapeutic work with children and famiies in Eastern Europe in the years to come.

Your donation is tax deductible and supports my work at The Sunflower Center, and, by extension, United Planet, the non-profit organization that makes outreach like this possible. We thank you for your support.