a community of Ukrainians
There is so much need and difficulty in Ukraine. We are making a difference with our support. We are also helping by sharing our learnings through this experience. The unexpected outcome is creating a new community of Ukrainian families in Transylvania County (as well as neighboring counties) that are in touch and supporting each other.
Tanya Rymska, Ilona Bryan, and Katrina Bryan
When Ilona Bryan (middle) met Leckie Rives, he volunteered to sponsor her mother, Tanya (left), to come to the US under Uniting for Ukraine. Tanya had fled Ukraine and was living in Poland. TVCC assisted with the process by providing advice on filing the USCIS I-134 form. The family is living in Hendersonville, NC, and is being supported by their sponsor, Leckie.
Vitaliy Smolin
Dema Barishnikov, pastor of Destiny Church in Brevard, introduced us to Vitaliy and Natalia Smolin and the Open Door Foundation in Ukraine. Dema and Vitaliy are childhood friends. The ODF is currently providing housing for refugees in Odessa, Ukraine. TVCC supports the Open Door Foundation as they provide housing for those Ukrainians displaced by the war.
A 5400-mile trip
Many Ukrainians have fled their country to find safety in bordering countries. And many have made the 5400-mile trip to Western North Carolina.