Help Welcome Ukrainians

While we all held out hope that an invasion of Ukraine would not materialize, these past months brought the heart-breaking news of Russia’s aggression against the peaceful citizens of Ukraine. War inevitably results in tragedy and loss for everyone involved. We stand with Ukraine and against the decision of the Russian government.

Any humanitarian crisis is cause for concern within our organization, but especially when it touches the lives of our staff. We stand beside our staff and clients of Ukrainian descent with support and prayers for them, their friends and family, their homeland, and its people.

We stand ready to assist anyone seeking refuge in the U.S. as a result of all of this and are actively working to resettle Ukrainians in New England. Keep scrolling to learn how you can help.
 

Donate to Help Resettle Ukrainians

Your gift will empower neighbors like Ukrainians seeking refuge and others to build healthy, independent, and sustainable lives.
 

Latest Updates:

  • Ascentria has welcomed more than 100 Ukrainians in Massachusetts
  • The Biden Administration announced that it will accept 100,000 Ukrainians to the U.S.
  • Ukraine is designated for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) - effective on March 3, 2022, and will remain in effect for 18 months! This new designation of TPS for Ukraine enables Ukrainian nationals (and individuals without nationality who last resided in Ukraine) currently residing in the United States to file initial applications for TPS, so long as they meet eligibility requirements.
  • Many Ukrainians entering the United States are not yet eligible for refugee resettlement funding through the federal government. Your help is needed!

 

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How to Help

Offer Employment Opportunities

We are looking for employment opportunities for Ukrainians in Massachusetts. If you are interested in providing employment opportunities, please fill out our form by clicking the link below. Please share this call for employment with your community.

Offer Employment
 


In addition to financial contributions, we are in need of household essentials. Please use our Amazon Wishlist (linked below) to donate items such as bedding, plates, glassware, and more that will help Ukrainian families and individuals get settled in their new homes!

Donate an Item

We are in need of a space to store donated furniture.

If you have an available space near West Springfield, MA that would be suitable for storing donated furniture pieces, please contact us!
What is happening with Ukrainians coming to the US?

On March 24th, the Biden Administration announced that the US would welcome 100,000 Ukrainians into the US. The Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (US State Department) is responsible for determining how many Ukrainians will be admitted via the US Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), which is the traditional resettlement program. PRM will work with all nine of the US Voluntary Resettlement Agencies (Volags) to determine how many Ukrainians will go to each region of the country.

Ascentria works with two of the Volags – Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services and Church World Service, in resettling through offices in West Springfield and Worcester, MA and in Concord, NH.  As of this moment we have received no guidance as to timing, numbers or placement of Ukrainians coming to the US.

Will Ukrainians be treated in a similar manner as the Afghans who were evacuated from Kabul in August?

While we are hopeful that PRM will develop a similar program for Ukrainians as was provided for the Afghans, that determination has not yet been made. There was a small number of Ukrainian refugees who were awaiting placement in the US before the Russian invasion took place, and those people will likely be among the first arrivals.

How many Ukrainians are in the US today?

There are over 1 million people of Ukrainian descent in the US today, with the largest concentrations in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and the Pacific Northwest. In addition, there are over 10,000 Ukrainians in the Springfield, MA area. This is significant as many Ukrainians will likely be placed with family reunification as a goal.

Will there be many unaccompanied Ukrainian children brought to the US?

It is not anticipated that many children will be placed in the US. As of today, there are only three children under the care of the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR).
Will Ascentria be resettling Ukrainians?

While we have had no discussions with our Volags about numbers, timing or location, we stand ready to assist Ukrainians as we have been assisting all refugees for over 20 years.

How can I help?

There was a tremendous outpouring of community support as we resettled over 600 Afghan evacuees since last September. Many people made financial contributions and volunteered in numerous capacities.  Many more formed over 50 Neighborhood Support Teams throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire that provided support for Afghan families within their communities.  We are hopeful that people will respond in a similar manner to help both Ukrainians and all refugees that we will resettle. 

What items can I donate?

We're currently accepting a variety of items at our West Springfield office, such as:
  • Gift cards
  • Mattresses (new or good condition)
  • Toiletries
  • Infant formula
  • Bedding supplies
  • Household essentials
  • Bus passes
  • First aid supplies
  • Tablets and/or computers
  • Cell phones

Does Ascentria help other refugees?

Yes! Ascentria works with our national partners to assist refugees from countries all over the world. We help resettle refugees year-round in New Hampshire and Massachusetts.

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Follow Ascentria on social media channels and share our posts about the crisis in Ukraine. The more educated people are about international events like this, the more likely they are to care and take action.

 
 
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Ascentria Care Alliance Services for New Americans

11 Shattuck St, Worcester, MA 01605
425 Union St, West Springfield, MA 01809
261 Sheep Davis Rd, Concord, NH 03301

EIN: 04-2496563