We are reaching out for your support. We’re working to bring a family to Harvard that has been torn apart by the war in Ukraine.
Ira lived in Harvard as a beloved au pair back in 2007-8 and has strong ties to many families in our community. You might remember her at the pond or the Farmers Market.
Now a mother and wife, Ira needs help relocating her young family back to the States to safety.
When Ukraine was invaded, Ira and her 2-year-old daughter, Arina, and their two cats fled to Germany, where they have been living in the offices of the company where Ira has worked for more than 10 years.
They’ve been separated from Ira’s husband, Vlad, for over six months. Ira had hoped to return home as soon as it was safe, but their town has been devastated as the war continues. Ira and Vlad are from Dnipro, 20 minutes north of the (Russian-controlled) Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
The Greayer family has sponsored their visas through USCIS’s Uniting for Ukraine program, and we all are helping to reunite their family and bring them back to Harvard to start their life again. They arrive Oct 18.
To assist with the monumental task of starting over in a new country, we’re asking for donations. Cash is helpful but so are in-kind donations—housing, transportation, home goods, phones, auto, etc. Feel free to reach out to us with ideas.
We have partnered with WelcomeNST, a 501(c)3 charity. WelcomeNST is helping us to help Ira, Vlad, and Arina. Through them, 100% of your tax-deductible donation will go to Ira, Vlad, and Arina to get them here and to restart their lives.
Our fundraising page can be accessed at https://give.classy.org/welcome2USA.
If you’re available to help in any way (financially, with in-kind assistance, or by donating your time) please contact Rochelle (Rochellegreayer@gmail.com), Shannon (Shannon.r.kelley@gmail.com), or Jen (Jennysundeen@gmail.com).
Thank you so much for your generosity, kindness, and support!
Rochelle Greayer, Pinnacle Road
Jen Sundeen, Scott Road
Shannon Kelley, Eldridge Road
