You can help bring Ukrainian families to America

As Zelenskyy’s army tightens its summer offensive and after Prigozhin played “dog chase car,” Welcome Circles are making critical arrangements to bring Ukrainian families to the United States.

Currently, the U.S. Government is allowing 100,000 Ukrainians to come to America.

In response, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has set up Welcome Circles as the unit to provide the financing and support for families coming to the United States.

At the local level, in the Main Line, the Welcome Circle of Narberth’s Saint Margaret Parish has partnered with Saint Joseph’s University and Saint Colman Parish in Ardmore.

According to organizer Joe Barone, “We have to raise $50,000 to demonstrate to the U.S. Government that we can support a family of three. We are close to raising the amount.”

Barone urges, “Any financial support now would be most appreciated. We have the paperwork ready to be submitted to the U.S. Government once we secure the $50,000.”

On Sunday, June 25, at each Mass held at the Saint Margaret of Antioch Church, Barone was accompanied by Beth Ford McNamee, Ed.D., Associate Director, Office of Campus Ministry and Adjunct Professor in Educational Leadership at Saint Joseph’s University.

Their efforts are inspiring local individuals and families to contribute to the goal of raising $50,000 as soon as possible. Every penny counts, no donation is too small.

In the Philadelphia area, the Welcome Circles initiative is being coordinated by Catholic Social Services.

The Saint Margaret’s Welcome Circle will be bringing a family to take up residence in Narberth in late July or early August.

Essential financial support provided by generous readers will help this family pay rent, buy groceries, clothing, and household items, obtain medical care, and cover other living expenses until “they are on their feet.”

Saint Margaret School will be enrolling the school-aged child free of charge and the Narberth Athletic Association will make it possible for the child to participate “gratis” in all sports.

The Welcome Circle effort is being coordinated with The Ukrainian Education and Cultural Center in Jenkintown.

A tax-deductible gift, checks should be made out to “Saint Margaret Church – Ukrainian Family” and sent to “Rectory Office, 208 Narberth Avenue, Narberth, PA 19072.” Donations can also be made via the project’s online GoFundMe page.