Iryna and Poly Petrus
Donation protected
Dear Friends,
From 2015 to 2020 I had the pleasure of teaching a course at the Ukrainian Catholic University graduate program. During that time I came to know and see first hand the character of the Ukrainian people. These are hard working, warm, caring people who love their country and their freedom.
During my time in Lviv I came to know many of my students, consulting with their companies, and coaching them. Unfortunately, with the Russian invasion their lives have changed dramatically. As many Ukrainians have left, I helped a number of my former students with their flight. One individual, Iryna Petrus and her five year old daughter Poly Domanska have made their way to the States, traveling across two continents, and through some treacherous situations.
They are now looking to settle in the Twin Cities. However, Iryna and her daughter need help. When they left Lviv they took only that which they could carry, leaving their home, husband, and father behind, not knowing if they will be ever able to return, and if they do what will be left. Today Poly is afraid to sleep alone as she still hears the explosion of bombs. For them to settle here they essentially have little to nothing. Iryna needs help as she plans for the future of: housing, Health Insurance, schooling, daycare, transportation, clothing - the general basics of every day living. Iryna is eager to work, she holds masters degrees in Engineering and Human Resources. But she can’t work at any job until she receives her TPS designation (Temporary Protected Status). Unfortunately, it can take the DHS and Immigration Services up to 8 month to approve. So until she receives this designation, she and Poly could be deported back to Ukraine if she earns a penny. Any support you can make will be greatly appreciated.
During my time in Lviv I came to know many of my students, consulting with their companies, and coaching them. Unfortunately, with the Russian invasion their lives have changed dramatically. As many Ukrainians have left, I helped a number of my former students with their flight. One individual, Iryna Petrus and her five year old daughter Poly Domanska have made their way to the States, traveling across two continents, and through some treacherous situations.
They are now looking to settle in the Twin Cities. However, Iryna and her daughter need help. When they left Lviv they took only that which they could carry, leaving their home, husband, and father behind, not knowing if they will be ever able to return, and if they do what will be left. Today Poly is afraid to sleep alone as she still hears the explosion of bombs. For them to settle here they essentially have little to nothing. Iryna needs help as she plans for the future of: housing, Health Insurance, schooling, daycare, transportation, clothing - the general basics of every day living. Iryna is eager to work, she holds masters degrees in Engineering and Human Resources. But she can’t work at any job until she receives her TPS designation (Temporary Protected Status). Unfortunately, it can take the DHS and Immigration Services up to 8 month to approve. So until she receives this designation, she and Poly could be deported back to Ukraine if she earns a penny. Any support you can make will be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Tom Dybsky
Organizer
Steve Dybsky
Organizer
Minneapolis, MN