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Natalia arrived from Ukraine in August 2024 and joined the POC's ESL Conversation Groups (3-4 times weekly) while she waited to register for Harper or D211 classes. She came to the United States with her husband, two children, and her mother. They initially settled in Round Lake before moving to Palatine.
Natalia loves sharing her life experiences and appreciates the diversity within POC. She is incredibly grateful for the volunteers who support her as an individual and a community member. Since arriving in the USA, she obtained her driver's license, used the Palatine Public Library as a study space, and became a POC Ambassador to educate others on POC services and programs.
Natalia became a POC Ambassador to share her volunteer experiences in Ukraine, where she and a group of women cooked for hospitalized defenders (soldiers) in a home kitchen, which led to a nearby college offering them kitchen space. The group grew, and the college encouraged students to participate as well. The support of food made the soldiers feel sentimental about home. The women made containers of nuts and honey for the soldiers to keep in their uniforms for quick nourishment.
Natalia and her family have assimilated very well into Palatine. They joined a neighborhood church, where her daughter sings in the choir. Her daughter also joined the ICompete Program dance classes at the Community Resource Center. On top of that, Natalia homeschools her children in their Ukrainian language and culture.
This story beautifully illustrates the power of community, collaboration among local organizations, and the unwavering perseverance and resilience of the entire family. We are so glad they are a part of the POC family.
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