Over the past nearly 4 years, we have had the honor and privilege of helping many people in cities, towns, and villages all across Ukraine. Below are the stories of three families who represent thousands of others, each with their own challenges, each with their own suffering.
The Lygushas, a family of five, live in Pancevo, a small village in Ukraine of less than 2,000 people. Their home is somewhat primitive; a wood burning stove is the only source of heat. Samvel and Yulia Lygusha have three children: Alexey, 14, who is currently studying in Romania; Nicole, 11; and Zlata, who just turned 1. Three years ago, their house collapsed. Fortunately, they were able to borrow money from relatives and buy the house next door, but they had to replace many possessions that were destroyed along with the house. The family has had to rely on JRNU and the community for support. Nicole attends a rural school, and Yulia stays home with baby Ziata, and maintains the household. Samuel is visually impaired but manages to work part-time to supplement the limited pension he receives. The family struggles mightily to make ends meet and has endured great hardship due to the very difficult economic conditions resulting from the war. JRNU provides ongoing support, ensuring the family has essentials for daily life.
Sergey Medvedev, 57, is disabled, but for many years he managed to help out a great deal within the Jewish community. Currently he is unemployed. Mr. Medvedev lives with his wife who works as a nurse in a kindergarten; she earns the minimum wage. Most of the couple's money is spent on medications and medical care. In the winter, the family does not have enough money for heat. There are no opportunities for extra work as a result of the ongoing crisis. They count on JRNU and for food and other essentials.
Dmitry Tymchuk and his mother Lilia live in Salkovo, a village of 1,500 residents, on the banks of the Bug River. Dmitry has Down syndrome, and is cared for by his mother and grandmother, Zhanna; his parents are divorced. They live in a small apartment with a wood-burning stove. There are few opportunities to find work in the village, forcing Lyla to travel to Poland at times, to earn money for the family. Zhanna cannot work at all as she is needed at home to care for Dmitry, helping him with daily living skills. Lilia cannot earn enough money to provide food, heat, and clothing for her family, and also pay rent and other essentials. JRNU helps out, ensuring they have heat and food.
Thanks to our generous donors and committed staff and volunteers, we are able to help these families, reminding them that they are not alone and not forgotten. Together we save lives and restore hope.
