Lynn and Paul Schwartz of Menomonie are sponsoring an Ukranian family through North America for Ukraine.
The family escaped to Poland when Russia invaded in February of this year, and their village is still in occupied Ukraine. The family includes Khurmat, Yuliia, Nikita, and Kiril. Khurmat is 38 and has worked in home construction. Yuliia is 41 and has worked in construction estimating, banking, store management, and most recently, owned a large men’s clothing store. All the inventory was taken by the Russian soldiers. Nikita is 18 and has graduated high school and started college in Ukraine. He wants to be an engineer. Kiril is 13. He will be enrolled in Menomonie Middle School. Once they find help with plane tickets, they will be on their way to Menomonie.
The Schwartzes will provide room and board for the family and are seeking donations for additional expenses. For example, a work permit is about $500 per person. The goal is to secure three of these permits, as Nikita wishes to work part-time and continue his
chooling. The parents are eager to start work and begin paying their way, but it takes about 3 months for the work permits to be issued. In the meantime, they will work on improving their English through English Language Learner classes at CVTC as well as working with Chippewa Valley literacy volunteers. St. Joseph Church is acting as the non-profit to be the recipient of the donations, so gifts are tax deductible.
Checks can be made out to:
St. Joseph Parish
910 Wilson Ave.
Menomonie, WI 54751
Donations can also be made online at https://www.menomoniecatholic.org/givingdonations.
Please indicate the donation for the Ukraine sponsorship.
Contact Lynn Schwartz at lynnwi@yahoo.com with questions or if you’d like to know other ways you can assist this family.