GRACE's Story

Greenbelt Refugee Aid Committee (GRACE) began just after the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 25, 2022. We watched in horror as a peaceful, contented and progressive country saw millions fleeing the brutal assault. To date, according to UNHCR, over 6 million have fled the country and another 5 million are internally displaced.

     We decided to do something. This led to a petition to the Greenbelt City Council for financial assistance, which issued a proclamation of support in March of that year. Fundraisers were held. Films and articles were created telling of our plans to bring Ukrainian refugee families to Greenbelt.

      Our Greenbelt community reacted generously and positively.  We formed a 501c3 charitable organization and have collected several thousand dollars in donations, plus a grant from the City of Greenbelt – money that is being used to pay rent and provide services while our new arrivals get on their feet. GRACE partners with Lutheran Social Services, an organization that has been helping refugees come to the USA and adjust to their new life since 1917.

       After connecting with a refugee family to sponsor through the Uniting for Ukraine program, we spent months filling out voluminous government forms and applications and preparing a place for them to live.

        Finally, in May 2023, we brought our first family, a single mother and her two young daughters, to Greenbelt. We provided an apartment furnished nicely with mainly donated furniture. They are receiving the benefits they are entitled to as they adjust to this new life. The children are doing well in school. Mom is learning English and is on a career path.

        In November of 2023, Lutheran Social Services identified a second family in need of our help, another mother with two young daughters who will be arriving in Greenbelt in late December.  She is married and her husband is in Ukraine working and caring for his ailing mother. Healthy, draft-aged men are not allowed to leave Ukraine. Since nowhere in Ukraine is safe, we admire his courage and dedication and are happy to help. We and our refugees are very grateful for all the support our community has given.