FoundationAnnualReport2022

by William McFadden, a retired Methodist pastor representing My Neighborhood Alliance of Lorain County, about sponsoring a Ukrainian family. The church, which already supports several local, national, and international non-profits, agreed to the request. “It was the right thing to do,” says John. “We committed to support the family by paying for their rent in a duplex in the area for one year and month-to-month after that until they could support themselves.” Church members acted quickly to ready the duplex for the new occupants, cleaning and furnishing the home entirely with donations from church members and others in the community. Ihar, Valeriia, and Mark made the journey from Long Island to Ohio by Amtrak just two months later. “The house is the biggest blessing for us. It has amazing energy. We feel as though God is flying over us, and the angels are whispering,” says Ihar. “The people of the church are incredible. They furnished the house from top to bottom with everything we needed. What they did for us came from the heart, and we are grateful.” Church members have continued to support the young family as they adjust to life in the United States. A group of about 20, under the unofficial leadership of John Hill, Dianne Urdzik, and Craig and Cathy Bennett, assist them with grocery shopping, take them out to dinner and local events, such as the Vermilion Ice A Fair, and have helped them begin the immigration process. They have addressed their medical needs, arranging for dental care, chiropractic services, and routine blood work. Aware that Firelands Regional Medical Center Pediatrician Dr. Nataliya Bumagina is from Ukraine, John contacted Alice Springer, director of The Foundation for Firelands, about accepting Mark as a patient and giving him a well-baby checkup. Dr. Bumagina had immigrated to the United States from Ukraine with her family in 1998 for economic reasons and was sympathetic to Ihar and Valariia’s plight. “Dr. Bumagina was more than willing to see Mark, and The Foundation for Firelands covered all costs associated with the visit. It is our privilege to help this very deserving family in any way we can,” says Alice. Despite the unimaginable ordeal the young family endured, Ihar and Valeriia are optimistic about their future and adapting to their new life. Now that Ihar has his driver’s license and social security card, he is looking for a car and employment in the IT sector. Valeriia is focused on Mark’s well- being and exploring her new environment. “Our psychological scars and wounds will heal, but we have changed,” says Ihar. “We both have huge spirits. Because of what we’ve been through, we are not afraid of anything. We want to live normal lives and raise our son in peace.” Firelands Regional Medical Center Pediatrician Dr. Nataliya Bumagina is from Ukraine and was more than willing to see Mark as a patient. 23