Rivertowns Group Raising Funds To Bring Ukrainian Family To U.S.

RIVERTOWNS, NY — A group of volunteers in the Rivertowns is seeking donations so that they can bring a Ukrainian refugee family to live in the Hudson Valley.

The Rivertowns Welcome Circle has been certified by HIAS, the global Jewish nonprofit that protects refugees, as a group committed to raising funds and other support to assist refugee families with initial living expenses.

All funds donated to the welcome circle will go specifically to securing a rental property and its security deposit, as well as kitchenware, clothes, transportation, groceries and other expenses.

Under the United States government’s “humanitarian parole” for Ukrainian refugees, the welcome circle is required to make a substantial commitment to support the family until they are able to do so themselves.

The program lasts for six months or until the family is self-sufficient. The family will have parolee status for a period of two years for their temporary stay. The refugees will be able to look for and accept employment when they get to the U.S.

Suzy Barnett, chairperson of the Rivertowns Welcome Circle, told Patch that her organization is hoping to get $25,000 in donations, with a little more than $3,300 already raised.

She said they aren’t necessarily waiting for the entire amount before setting things in motion.

“Right now we need money for the basics,” Barnett said, including first and last month’s rent.

The organization is also looking for in-kind donations, such as furniture and other household goods.

“It’s all hands on deck,” Barnett said.

She said, when the group feels comfortable financially, it can begin the process of bringing the family to the states.

The circle is “six people strong,” Barnett said, and will reach out to other volunteers who can contribute.

“We are looking for greater community involvement,” she said.

More information on the Rivertowns Welcome Circle can be found on its website.

Donations, which can be made securely through this link, are tax-deductible because the welcome circle has partnered with Chabad of the Rivertowns, which is. 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

Anyone interested in volunteering may do so through this link.