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Ukrainian Refugees in the Bay Area Receive Housing and Life-Saving Medical Care through JFCS
Olesia and her family were living in Kyiv when the war started. That very day, she and her husband, Volodymyr, packed their two children, ages 15 and 22 months, and a few belongings in the car and left.
The roads were nearly impassable due to traffic from people fleeing the war, and the family had to stop frequently to shelter from incoming bombs, which was especially difficult as their oldest daughter, Yaroslava, relies on a wheelchair.
Olesia, Yaroslava, baby Lukas, and Volodymyr during happier times in Ukraine.
Olesia and her family were living in Kyiv when the war started. That very day, she and her husband, Volodymyr, packed their two children, ages 15 and 22 months, and a few belongings in the car and left.
Baby Lukas, Volodymyr, Yaroslava, and Olesia
The roads were nearly impassable due to traffic from people fleeing the war, and the family had to stop frequently to shelter from incoming bombs, which was especially difficult as their oldest daughter, Yaroslava, relies on a wheelchair.
Within 30 days, Yaroslava’s health had stabilized and, with help from JFCS, the family found long-term housing and Yaroslava was enrolled in school.
The children are slowly getting comfortable again, and most importantly, are beginning to make friends and feel at home. “I don’t know where we would be without JFCS,” says Olesia. “Thank you for everything.”
JFCS’ Local Ukraine Relief Efforts
Olesia and her family are just one among many who have been affected by the war in Ukraine. Locally, we have helped dozens of families with housing, food, health care, and legal services, in collaboration with partners, including Congregation Beth Sholom and several Jewish Community Centers.
This is possible thanks to your generosity. As always, JFCS stands ready to welcome more individuals and families, ensuring no one struggles alone. We are reaching out to those who have signed up to volunteer or offer aid as opportunities arise. Thank you!
Photos from the Front Lines
Our partners on the ground in and around Ukraine are also continuing their valiant effort to support refugees, who are primarily women and children. IsraAID shared the following images of their team in action.
IsraAID professionals at their welcome center on the Moldovan-Ukrainian border greet a young family who has just arrived seeking refuge.
Emergency shelters include child-friendly spaces that help Ukrainian kids begin to feel safe again away from home.
Volunteers and staff work together to unload essential supplies, which are provided thanks to donations from supporters like you.
A young Ukrainian girl proudly shows off the artwork she created. All photos courtesy of Maxim Chumash/IsraAID.
How to Give Help
- Legal Aid Volunteers. Attorneys, law students, and legal assistants—your help is needed! Please contact [email protected] for information and to sign up.
- Public Policy. Your voice is needed! Find out how you can advocate for policies supporting refugee entry to the US and family reunification. Our online tool allows you to contact your elected officials in minutes.
- Housing. For those who may have housing for refugees, please contact Irina Klay at [email protected].
- Volunteering. New! Volunteers are needed to drive local refugees to appointments. To get involved, please complete this form on our website.
- Donations. Give to the JFCS Emergency Fund for Ukrainian Relief
How to Get Help
- Resources. Find valuable information and contacts on our Ukraine Response Resources page.
- JFCS Legal Services Consultations. JFCS assists with refugee aid and reunification for those with family members overseas. Please complete the Legal Consultation Request form to schedule a consultation.
- JFCS Mental Health Support. JFCS is a resource for mental health support for all ages. Please call 415‑449‑1212.
We are thankful for your compassion and continued involvement. Together, we ensure greatly needed resources are available in this painful time.
JFCS stands ready to welcome more individuals and families—as our community has for decades—and to ensure no one struggles alone.