On the morning of February 24, 2022, Maryna was awakened by a telephone ringing at 5:30 a.m. Maryna’s brother was on the line with devastating news: the war in Ukraine had begun.

Living in Koriukivka, a town in northern Ukraine near the Russian border, the family had only hours to make life-altering decisions. Valeriy rushed into the city to understand the situation, while Maryna packed essential belongings for herself, Valeriy and their two young sons—Heorhiy, 7, and David, 8.

By 10 a.m., the family was on the road, driving away from the border. Crossing the Desna River bridge was critical. Their car was among the last to cross before the bridge was mined and later destroyed. Over the next several days, the family traveled across Ukraine, sleeping in their car, eating whatever food they could find and narrowly avoiding danger, including a Russian air attack in Ternopil.

After weeks of displacement and months of uncertainty, the family was able to return home briefly in April 2022. Soon after, they received an invitation to interview with the U.S. Embassy about a Green Card lottery they had won before the war.

The process was long and complex, requiring medical examinations in Bulgaria and months of waiting to meet travel requirements for their family dog, Anabel. Finally, the family was approved to immigrate to the United States.

When they arrived in America, the family faced a new challenge. They had no connections, no housing and no clear path forward. Through social media, they were connected with fellow Ukrainian immigrants, who helped them find their first place to stay in Richmond.

It was at this critical moment that JFS Richmond became a lifeline.

JFS welcomed the family and began providing comprehensive, ongoing support, helping them navigate housing, basic needs and the complex process of starting over in a new country. More than assistance, JFS offered stability, guidance and a sense of community at a time when the family had lost nearly everything familiar.

"JFS gave our family the opportunity to feel solid ground under our feet, to feel safe, and to start a new life here in the USA,” Maryna said.

Today, the family is rebuilding their lives in Richmond with the continued support of JFS. What began as a journey defined by displacement and survival has become one of hope, belonging and new beginnings.

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