Lidiya, a mother of four, arrived in Poland with her family in March 2022 after fleeing the conflict in eastern Ukraine. Moving abroad with her husband and four children – including one child living with autism – was incredibly stressful. They were fortunate enough to find a hotel room to move into, where the whole family is currently lodging. Lidiya worked as a sales manager in Ukraine, but she is unable to dedicate any time to work because of the extra care her son requires.
Lidiya learned about an IOCC financial assistance program from her priest at the local Orthodox parish, and her family qualified to receive support. The program—operating with support from UMCOR and implemented through IOCC and partner ELEOS—provides cash assistance to refugee families in need. With these funds, Lidiya and her family were able to purchase essential items, including medicine for her son, clothing for her children, and educational equipment such as study desks and chairs.
Lidiya had this to say about the program: “I express my profound gratitude to these organizations for their support. This assistance has reinvigorated my faith in humanity and helped foster for us a renewed sense of hope.”
