When Liudmyla and her two children fled Kiev, they never thought the war in Ukraine would last this long. What began as an urgent search for safety has turned into a long-term relocation to the United States, bringing with it the daunting task of building a new life from scratch. Fortunately, for Liudmyla and her family, JFS Richmond has been a vital lifeline throughout this unexpected journey.
Back in Ukraine, Liudmyla had an established career working in customs. In America, her reality shifted dramatically. For her first two years in the U.S., she was unable to work as she navigated the complex logistics of resettlement and childcare.
“The biggest challenge coming to America was learning a new language and a new place,” Liudmyla said. “I’m here by myself, without my husband. He’s still in Ukraine, and for me it’s a challenge to be here as a single mom.”
Knowing very little English before she arrived, Liudmyla was able to learn the language and build her confidence with dedicated help from JFS.
Despite these heavy hurdles, Liudmyla’s children—ages 13 and 10—are thriving, thanks in large part to the support provided by JFS Richmond. The organization stepped in to provide enriching opportunities that allowed the children to simply be kids during a deeply turbulent time.
“JFS has helped us a lot,” Liudmyla said. “They gave my kids the opportunity to go to summer camp, which they really enjoyed.”
Beyond camp, the children have blossomed in their new community. They are active on a local swim team, and one child is a gifted musician who plays the piano and violin, even earning a role in a production of The Nutcracker. Furthermore, her middle school-aged child’s hard work and resilience were recently rewarded with a scholarship to attend a local private school.
A cornerstone of the her family’s successful integration has been their regular attendance at the Welcome to America groups, organized by JFS Richmond and hosted at First Presbyterian Church.
For Liudmyla, these meetings are much more than social gatherings. They are a critical resource hub. The groups provide a safe space to make new friends and share vital, practical information about navigating daily American life, such as setting up banking accounts. More importantly, JFS brings in professionals to discuss applying for new refugee documents and navigating complex legal issues, with JFS Richmond generously covering the legal costs.
Today, Liudmyla has proudly re-entered the workforce and is employed at a local Marriott hotel. While her heart remains connected to her husband in Ukraine, she has found a supportive, empowering community here in Virginia.
Through summer camps, language education, essential legal support and the warm embrace of the Welcome to America program, JFS Richmond has helped her family turn a prolonged crisis into a beautiful story of resilience.
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