About the Ukrainian Refugee Project
The Ukrainian Refugee Project directly supports the Future for Ukraine center through a partnership with the Pallottine Order. The Future for Ukraine center provides permanent housing and essential services to Ukrainian women and children who have escaped the devastation in their war-torn country to seek safety in Poland.
The Beginning of Hope.
The Future for Ukraine center is one of the first long-term solutions being constructed by the Pallottine Order to provide a ray of hope to those who have not only lost their homes during the invasion, but in many instances their families and friends as well. Located in the town of Oltrarzew, the center is just a 15-minute train ride from Warsaw.
A 100-year-old academy, located in a lovely rural setting, has been donated by the Pallottine Order to permanently house guests from Ukraine. The academy, set on ten wooded acres and once occupied by the Germans in WWII, will house hundreds of families. Though small, the two-room units with a bath and small kitchenette will provide dignity and a sanctuary for those who have nothing.
This is the first of many permanent housing projects to be undertaken by the Pallottines. In addition to the current project, future projects are being planned throughout Poland.
Retrofitting work on the center is already underway. The Pallottines have donated $800,000 (all their reserves), the Polish government has donated $800,000, and the City of Oltarzew has built a recreation area next to the center and donated a school to the Ukrainian children.
This leaves a balance of $1.4 million to complete the renovation.
The Future for Ukraine center, along with future locations, located in retrofitted structures, will feature small apartments, cafeterias, kitchens, large commercial laundries, and conference centers.
The Polish Government has committed to pay for the Ukrainians’ meals prepared by center for Ukraine organizers, and the Polish health care system is offered free to the Ukrainians.
And providing safe accommodations is just the beginning.
Working Together for Those with Nothing.
In addition to providing housing and meals, the Future for Ukraine center offers professional educational and psychological support to help these victims cope with their overwhelming situation.
The City of Oltrazew will reopen an old school next to the center to teach Ukrainian children the Polish language so that they can one day be assimilated into the newer school next door.
World-renowned psychiatrist Beatrice Rutishauser Ramm and her specially trained staff have volunteered to provide mental health support to help the children process, and ultimately overcome, the trauma they have experienced so they can once again participate in educational opportunities.
The City of Oltrazew will reopen an old school next to the center to teach Ukrainian children the Polish language so that they can one day be assimilated into the newer school next door.
Career counselors and trainers have also been secured at the center to help the mothers adapt to a new environment.
Some mothers will return to Ukraine, but the goal is to help those who have nothing to assimilate themselves and their children into a safe environment while providing dignity.
A Note of Support from the Mayor of Oltarzew.
