On the one-year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine

Rochester, NY… – Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, more than one-third of Ukrainians have been forced from their homes. Today, 11 million Ukrainians are registered as refugees and are living in countries around the world that have offered them shelter as the war continues and shows little signs of resolution. Over the past year, Catholic Charities Family and Community Services (CCFCS) has helped more than 800 Ukrainian individuals resettle here in Rochester and expects to help hundreds more in the coming months. Much of this work is made possible with a $776,328 grant from the Bureau of Refugee Services at the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, under the federal Uniting for Ukraine Program.

“CCFCS stands by our Ukrainian brothers and sisters who are fleeing war,” says Getachew Bashir, Refugee Department Director. “Together with our community partners, we are committed to making sure they have everything they need to find safety and stability in Rochester.”

CCFCS’ Refugee Resettlement Program is providing Ukrainian refugees with basic supports such as food, transportation, and housing, along with referral to other providers for health, education, and other needs. Our case managers also offer assistance with job training, job search and placement, and our Immigration Program is providing legal immigration assistance and referral. Individuals interested in supporting CCFCS’ efforts to resettle Ukrainians coming to Rochester can find more information on our website.

About Catholic Charities Family and Community Services: Catholic Charities Family and Community Services provides housing, employment, and coordination of care to help people of all ages and all walks of life live independently with dignity, while facing the challenges of addiction, aging, mental illness, HIV, poverty, developmental disability, and immigration.