Ukrainian Family Welcome Circle

The photo above is the Hapii family who we are bringing to Akron in April as refugees and parolees from Ukraine.  Sadly, the family has experienced the horrors of the ongoing war firsthand.  We are a Welcome Circle, a group of parishioners from St. Francis de Sales, St. Paul’s, and Holy Ghost parishes.  Welcome Circles are authorized by the USCCB and the federal government.

As sponsors our job is to provide housing, household furnishings, furniture, appliances, clothing, internet, food, transportation, household tools, legal aid, English lessons, driver’s training, many types of orientation, find employment, and all basic needs of life.  This is quite a list, and it will take some time, but our Welcome Circle is 100% committed to accomplishing all of it!  Our goal is to have them self-sufficient within 12 months.  The family is eager to work hard to accomplish this.

So far, we have accomplished the following:  arranged housing, acquired a full inventory of household goods and furniture, bikes for the family, a washer and dryer, and have raised $15,000.  But to make this all happen successfully we need to raise at least $40,000-$50,000 plus acquire a reasonably priced, dependable used vehicle for a family of five. We receive no government funding.  This is a daunting task, and we are working very hard, but we and the family need your help and prayers.

This weekend, raffle baskets will be displayed in the Memorare Center after the Masses on March 2nd and 3rd.Stop by to see the prizes and buy your tickets. The proceeds will go to the Hapii family’s needs.  The raffle will take place at a spaghetti dinner at St. Paul’s parish, 1580 Brown St, Akron, OH 44301 on March 9th from 4:30-7:00 pm in Boeke Hall.  $12 for adults, $8 kids 12 and under.

Next weekend, there will be a second collection for the family during the Masses on March 9th and 10th.

We have set up a GoFundMe page.  Go to GoFundMe.com, click the magnifying glass icon to search, type in Akron Ohio for Ukraine, then do NOT click “done”, but click on the search tab.  Please share the GoFundMe page with all your family and friends—this is very important!

Mother Teresa said, “If you cannot feed a hundred people, then feed just one.”

Jesus said, “Whatsoever you do to the least of My people, that you do unto Me.”

We thank you for all prayers and support of any amount you can give!

Any questions, please contact Fr. Jeremy or Chris Ross at 330-620-8108

 

Affiliations
4019 Manchester Road
Akron, OH 44319
Ph: 330.644.2225
Email: ParishOffice@stfparish.com
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