Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund Established to Support Refugees

The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties has created a community-wide fund in response to the military conflict in Ukraine and the probable arrival starting this year of a substantial number of Ukrainian refugees in the community. 

Established with $50,000 in funding from the Ronald and Sheila Cuccaro Family Fund of the Community Foundation, the Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund will direct all contributions received to Utica’s refugee resettlement organization The Center to support its work assisting arriving Ukrainians and preparing them for life in the Mohawk Valley and elsewhere in the U.S.

“In times of crisis our community has always come together to help, and our history shows that we welcome those fleeing conflict and turmoil elsewhere,” said Alicia Dicks, Community Foundation president/CEO. “Our partners at The Center need all of us right now, and I urge our partners and community residents to follow Ron and Sheila Cuccaro’s generous example and do what they can to support the organization and, through it, the Ukrainians who will soon be our neighbors.”

Individuals, businesses, organizations and other funders can donate to the Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund online at foundationhoc.org/Ukraine.

"The Center is currently building capacity in anticipation of increased Ukrainian arrivals, working closely with the local Ukrainian community to support family reunification and assisting to ensure that Ukrainian refugees are able to arrive here as quickly as possible,” said Shelly Callahan, executive director of The Center. “Donations secured through the fund will support the work of our organization, including housing costs, household goods, food, clothing, employment supports, case management, cultural orientation, and other essential services necessary to rebuild their lives here in the city and region."

Contributions to the Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund will aid The Center’s work in our community. A list of resources for those who also want to support relief efforts in Ukraine is available at foundationhoc.org/Ukraine.

More information about The Center’s work in the greater Utica area is available at www.thecenterutica.org.