La Crosse Welcome Circle

Tatiana and Artur from Ukraine arrived in Minneapolis in late June, through Poland. Welcome to America!
L to R: Jan Gallagher, Tatiana and Artur, Lisbeth Reynerston (their sponsor) and Karina, an amazing teenager, who arrived last November.💙💛

Veronika Lemishenko performed a benefit harp concert in June to raise funds for her fellow Ukrainians impacted by the Russian invasion, on her first United States tour. Olga displayed her creative bakery from her new business, Bee Creative Confectionery https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=bee%20creative%20confectionery and Karina, our teen artist, showed art work.

Sister Sarah Hennessey and Sr. Meg Earsley, FSPA, gave these darling dolls to Vikii, and they are very loved!

Grateful to share Memorial Day's meaning under the American flag on Grandad Bluff, with some of the Ukrainian newcomers in La Crosse, and the La Crosse Welcome Circle and friends. They know the terror of losing their democracy.

We welcomed Lena and Vikii from Dnipro, Ukraine (she flew out of Poland and Germany) in May, at the Minneapolis airport. They are both excited to be in La Crosse and we love introducing them to local summertime activities including the movie theater, kid snack shopping, YMCA and our city's Rec Dept. swimming pool.

Our Welcome Circle was pleased to make several presentations around town and some of the Ukrainians were featured on TV for their amazing journey. Let us know if you'd like a presentation or introduction (even 5 minutes) at your organization.

Hannah was named Employee of the Month at Viterbo not too long after she started. Proud of her!

Since our last posts, our families have flourished in employment and general adjustment to the US! Olga started a baking/confectionery small business, with the special help of small business incubator expert, Jan Gallagher. It is called Bee Creative Confectionery, and may be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=bee%20creative%20confectionery

We are excited that Hanna began employment. She was a talented baker and cook in Ukraine. She now assists with cooking, and is delighted to have this new opportunity. This was her first day of work. Look at that smile!

Downtown Rotary through Scott Chorski as host graciously welcomed the new Ukrainians to their holiday party.

Mayor Mitch Reynolds and the Ukrainians had a good time visiting during an early Thanksgiving dinner with Lisbeth's international students and host families.

The littlest one started school today. He met the principal, had an introduction to the building and more. Guesses how long before an e-translator isn't needed any more?

We had a borscht party two days after arrival and it was good! We also had a chance to meet some of the other new Ukrainians through the federal Uniting for Ukraine program that other wonderful La Crosse area people have sponsored. We are happy to walk you through the steps of sponsorship.

Getting settled in La Crosse.

Picture of our Rabbi Brian and Thomas picking up the families after their 10 pm landing in Chicago.

Our La Crosse Welcome Circle greeted 6 fatigued, excited, appreciative Ukrainians to the US via O'Hare Airport on November 10, just 11 days ago. Since then we have helped to navigate a comfortable beginning in La Crosse and have been "rewarded" with many smiles, a huge pot of borscht, and the satisfaction of helping these new families get started after the terrible war atrocities they have experienced -- as did many of our ancestors. Some pictures to follow. Join us in learning more about our Welcome Circle project:https://www.interfaithleaders.org/la-crosse-welcome-circle.html

Financial donations are a priority because they will assist with all basic needs including housing, transportation, and personal items. To donate online, simply click on this link: https://www.flipcause.com/hosted_widget/hostedWidgetHome/MTYxODA4
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If you prefer to donate by check, please make it payable to Couleecap, Inc. and write LWC on the memo line.
Mail checks to: Couleecap, Inc. Attn: LWC
201 Melby Street
Westby, WI 54667

Housing and Transportation
In the meantime, the most important needs are housing and transportation, especially for the first six weeks after arrival. Empty apartments, houses, and available cars will have a tremendous impact on helping our newcomers resettle here.

In-Kind Gifts
The Ukrainian newcomers arrive with little more than what they can carry. Gift cards can be sent to the above mailing address or emailed to [email protected]
Please consider gift cards to Target, Festival, Walmart, Woodman's Foods, Hy-Vee, Kwik Trip, etc.
Our website has a wish list for in-kind items.

Sponsor
In order to come to the United States, each newcomer must have a sponsor. The La Crosse Welcome Circle is experienced in completing the paperwork, and can offer all the help needed in filling out forms. Sponsorship does not include opening one’s own home for housing or offering full financial support.

Volunteer
As the Welcome Circle goes forward, it will be seeking volunteers to help with everything from school registration, to signing up for social services, to setting up housing and more. We will be asking for experts in the fields of education, health care, including mental health, employment, and other areas.
Some volunteer opportunities will be as simple as providing a ride to the grocery store or doctor’s office, while others will require more time and expertise.

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Thank you for sharing your love!

Dear Friends,
As the assault on Ukraine continues to intensify, and thousands are killed and wounded, thousands of its citizens are being displaced. Many of them will not be able to return to their homes, which have been destroyed by the Russian armed forces.
The La Crosse Welcome Circle (LWC)
To help those affected find new homes here in the Coulee Region, seven members of our community formed the La Crosse Welcome Circle (LWC) in an effort to assist Ukrainians who wish to temporarily resettle here in southwestern Wisconsin. Though many will return to their homeland when possible, the LWC offers peace and hope in the meantime.
The LWC is a member of HIAS, an international resettlement organization started in 1881. Most recently, HIAS aided Afghans in their resettlement all over the U.S. With its guidance, the LWC can assist Ukrainian newcomers in navigating their environment, including government programs, social services, and finding jobs and housing.

The La Crosse Welcome Circle has identified the steps needed to assure an easy transition, but we need your help in expanding the important work we do to include the rest of the Coulee Region. Our goal is to ensure newcomers are settled and on their own, including financially, within six months. Currently, Ukrainians have a two-year limit in the United States.
LWC has teamed with Couleecap, Inc., a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization, to receive donations and to disburse funds. This ensures that all donations are tax deductible and all expenses are carefully audited.