Olena’s Story
A Mother’s Burden, A Child’s Hope
Olena Topolenko is a bright young girl living through the quiet chaos of war. Her father is currently serving on the front lines, leaving her mother to care for three small children alone. With no steady income and the constant worry for her husband’s safety, Olena’s mother is doing everything she can to keep the family together. But each day brings new challenges — putting food on the table, keeping the children warm, and facing the future with no certainty. Despite the fear that surrounds her, Olena still finds moments to be a child. She loves to draw, hum softly to herself, and sometimes pretends she’s in a classroom full of friends, learning to be a teacher—her dream. But dreams are difficult to hold onto when reality demands so much. There are nights when the family has no heat, and mornings when breakfast is uncertain. Still, Olena’s mother carries on, because she has no other choice.
How We Stepped In
These small acts of compassion made a big difference—not just in meeting basic needs, but in letting Olena’s mother know that she isn’t alone. It’s a reminder that behind every statistic is a family fighting to stay whole, and a child trying to keep dreaming. Through the support of our donors, Olena’s family received:
Emergency groceries to last through the month.
Winter clothing and boots to stay warm.
Connection to a local mothers’ support group.
A Journey with Purpose
Witnessing Resilience in the Shadow of War
I traveled to Ukraine to attend the Black Sea Security Forum in Odesa — a high-level gathering of political leaders, diplomats, defense officials, and humanitarian advocates. The forum was held in the historic Odessa Opera House, bringing together global voices to discuss Ukraine’s fight for democracy and the future of transatlantic security. But my journey began with something unexpected—at the Moldovan border, the agent checking my passport recognized me from Alaska job fairs we held in Chisinau. He had worked in Larsen Bay and Naknek for Ocean Beauty Seafoods. Thousands of Ukrainians and Moldovans have passed through our programs to work in Alaska, and at that moment, the war felt both vast and deeply personal.But my journey began with something unexpected—at the Moldovan border, the agent checking my passport recognized me from Alaska job fairs we held in Chisinau. He had worked in Larsen Bay and Naknek for Ocean Beauty Seafoods. Thousands of Ukrainians and Moldovans have passed through our programs to work in Alaska, and at that moment, the war felt both vast and deeply personal.
From Chisinau to Odesa
The drive was quiet and beautiful—rolling hills lined with grapevines and apple orchards eventually flattened into the plains around Odesa. On the outskirts, the signs of neglect and decay are clear. But within the city itself, life pulses forward. Despite being just 90 miles from the front lines, Odesa is full of life. Sidewalk cafés bustle, restaurants are busy, and people gather in the streets—refusing to let fear steal their everyday joys.
The Forum and Its Message
The forum featured eight panel discussions and speakers such as former President Petro Poroshenko, former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and ambassadors and MPs from across Europe. Topics included:
NATO’s evolving role as a peace keeper
Drone warfare and security technology
Religious persecution & humanitarian response
The global moral responsibility
Why It Matters
This isn’t just a conference report—it’s a glimpse into how ordinary life persists under extraordinary pressure. From border crossings to café tables, from bomb shelters to opera houses, Ukraine’s spirit remains unbroken. By staying engaged—through aid, advocacy, and international solidarity—we don’t just support a country at war. We stand for the right to live freely, joyfully, and with dignity — even in darkness.
Real People, Real Lives
On Monday morning, after returning from Ukraine, I traveled from Warsaw to Puławy, Poland, to visit one of several refugee centers supported by the Ukraine America Initiative. At the center, I met with our volunteer coordinator, Agata Czopek, and the director, Mihal, to review current operations. The shelter currently houses 28 adults and 34 children, ranging in age from 7 days to 77 years. Among them is baby Maksim, the youngest resident.While at the center, we met Anastasiia, a 35-year-old mother from the Sumy region. She’s working toward opening a bakery near the shelter and proudly showed us the empty building she hopes to renovate into her new business.
What Happened During the Journey?
Most of these individuals arrived in Poland with almost nothing. Your support makes visits like these possible—and brings direct assistance to people who need it most.
Supporting Young Achievers
That evening, we joined the Space Beavers LEGO Robotics team at a school in Kozimierz to celebrate their second-place finish at an international competition in Greece — an achievement made possible thanks to funding from the Ukraine America Initiative and the Tschetter Family Foundation.
Reconnecting with Sofia and Her Family
The next morning, we traveled to Opole, where we met Valentyna, Igor, and their daughter Sofia. Two years ago, Sofia, who has spinal and neurological issues, received a wheelchair from us. Now, she needs a medical stabilizer to help her stand and build strength.
Anastasiia’s New Beginning
While at the center, we met Anastasiia, a 35-year-old mother from the Sumy region. She’s working toward opening a bakery near the shelter and proudly showed us the empty building she hopes to renovate into her new business.
A Quiet Moment
Before leaving, we visited another shelter in Opole where we support several families. I reconnected with people we’ve met on past trips. Toward the end of the visit, I stepped outside and sat beside a 95-year-old woman from Kharkiv. We didn’t even need to speak; she held my hand silently in the sun.