Horses, Refugees, Food

and Flickering Lights

Huh?

Yes, those seemingly random words are all connected.

As you may know, Olga's List has relied on federal funds since 2023 to keep its operations going, supplementing that grant with smaller project grants when needed. That federal funding is coming to an end on September 30th. In spite of this, Olga's List keeps going, keeps defying the odds, keeps fighting so that our Ukrainian refugees aren't left in the dark again.

Click the countdown above or visit OlgasList.org/Donate to help us keep the lights on and continue supporting our almost 1000 Ukrainian refugees.

In early spring, we offered a small group of our female clients a chance to come together for wellness, yoga, and peace, and spend the weekend at Kripalu, a restorative retreat in the Berkshires. The retreat proved transformative and healing to our clients, many of whom deal with extraordinary stress and anxiety related to the war in Ukraine, immigration worries, and food insecurity.

At Olga's List, we pride ourselves on offering innovative and diverse ways for our clients to strengthen their mental health and work through complex emotional situations. In addition to trips to Kripalu and our art therapy workshops, we offered our refugees a chance to try equine therapy. Our clients spent a few hours with some cute horses, their caretakers, and mental health professionals at Julie Lovely's barn. Our refugees got to process their past trauma and continue their healing journeys through meditating with and caring for the horses.

But none of this work happens without advocacy; we keep fighting so that our Ukrainians will not be forgotten.

In June, Olga participated in Refugee Council USA's Advocacy Days in Washington D.C. During the summit, she met with senators and their aides, strengthened bonds with other community leaders, and reminded friends in Washington that Ukrainian refugees are settled in the United States, wanting to work, and are in desperate need of support after the cuts to SNAP benefits and other assistance took effect.

In the immediate aftermath of the federal government's decision to cut our refugees' access to SNAP benefits, we sprang into action. Olga's List raised funds and partnered with organizations to jump-start the "Feed Your Ukrainian Neighbors" initiative. Supporting our clients who were now thrust into severe food insecurity. Unfortunately, the situation has not improved.

This summer, we have partnered with FoodLink in Arlington to deliver dry goods and necessities to our clients. We also received a grant to deliver food to our clients in Worcester County. We're extremely grateful to all the organizations that have helped us keep our clients fed during a difficult time. Many of our clients have been waiting months for their work permit reauthorizations and therefore have no way to earn income and feed their families. This summer we've managed to deliver food to 59 refugees. The assistance we provide is keeping our clients healthy in more ways than one.

As summer comes to a close and autumn starts making its presence known, we want to throw a potluck to welcome the new season and recharge for the fight ahead. Please join us for a potluck on September 12 from 12- 2 pm at the Back Bay Fens. Bring food and friends, and enjoy Ukrainian music, face painting, artisan vendors, and more!

Click the potluck banner to RSVP or head to our Facebook page. We can't wait to see you!

Help us navigate this new chapter of uncertainty and keep our lights on! Help us keep serving our Ukrainian clients. We are their safe space, helpers, and safety net.

To become a supporter of Olga's List, head to OlgasList.org/Donate