We are pleased to introduce you to the newest SLO4Home supported family, Arsen, Olena, their four year old son Aaron, and Arsen’s mother Olha. Despite only arriving in late April, they have made quick progress settling in northern San Luis Obispo county with the help of stellar volunteer Chris Mossing and a group of supporters who have assisted in meeting all of their needs.
The family previously lived a calm life in Kharkiv, Ukraine before Russia invaded their home. Arsen and Olena were immediately terrified about what this conflict meant for their young son who had recently been released from a hospital stay. With the help of a family friend, they were able to shelter in the basement of a local preschool building with 50 other people. After fleeing Ukraine and enduring a painful family separation, the whole family was reunited and able to temporarily relocate to Bulgaria where they were matched with SLO4Home for long term resettlement in the United States.
Olena, Arsen, Olha, and Aaron have been warmly supported by SLO4Home volunteers since they stepped off the plane in San Francisco. From their fully furnished apartment in Paso Robles to clothing, food, job search assistance and support navigating the confusing world of U.S. healthcare, volunteers have assisted the family in laying the foundation for a successful future here.
An important part of resettlement is creating opportunities for joy again. While refugee families have a great deal to accomplish in a short period of time, SLO4Home helps not only with the necessities but also familiarizing new arrivals with our wonderful Central Coast home and the many opportunities for fun and educational experiences here. Arsen and Olena particularly enjoy visiting Avila Beach with Aaron and recently received a car enabling not only their job search but some great beach trips to beat the heat.
Save the Date!
Recently Arsen and Olena were reflecting on their experience with SLO4Home so far and had this to say, “This is the best thing that happened in our lives because people wanted to help us. There are so many volunteers who just want to help.” We could not provide the high quality support offered to every family without the dedication of our volunteers and generosity of donors.
On September 14th, SLO4Home will be hosting our annual Summer Soiree fundraiser. This is an opportunity to spend an evening enjoying delicious food, meeting SLO4Home supported families, and raising money to help many more families in the future just like this one. Keep an eye out for an invitation arriving shortly!