How to Help Ukrainians with Disabilities: The Long Road Ahead

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Summary

Ever since Russia invaded Ukraine, Galyna, the Joni and Friends in-country coordinator in Ukraine—alongside other Joni and Friends partners in the region—has organized rescue efforts and ongoing care for people with disabilities. Galyna joins the podcast again (listen to part 1) to continue her conversation about the war and what happens to Ukrainian refugees after they cross the border. Tune in to hear Galyna’s updates and find out how you can help.

What happens to Ukrainian refugees with disabilities after they cross the border?

Since the beginning of the war, Joni and Friends has assisted people with disabilities (along with family members and caregivers) to safety. Across the border, on-the-ground partners receive refugees and provide for immediate and ongoing needs.

Thankfully many government and private organizations are working in Ukraine and surrounding nations to assist refugees. 

But, as Galyna says: “No government institutions are thinking about [evacuees’] spiritual care. And there are problems there, and pain. It’s like a tree that was taken with its roots and put somewhere in an absolutely different place.”

A recent event hosted almost one hundred people at a location along the sea. One woman at the retreat shared that the beauty of the location and the love she experienced made her think about the glory of God and the greatness of his love. Many other people expressed that they were touched by the care they received through Joni and Friends, and showed new openness to God and his Word.

Some families at the International Family Retreat said they wished time would stop so their experience with Joni and Friends would never end. 

Galyna said, “I’m very grateful to the team from Joni and Friends who came to serve, because they were a great blessing for these families.”

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Colossians 2:6–7

What long-term needs do Ukrainian refugees face?

Galyna says, “I know that many families affected by disabilities want to come back. Some already returned back to Ukraine, especially those who are from the central and western parts. But many people… they just cannot return. They don’t have homes. Their homes are totally destroyed.”

Galyna often asks herself what will happen to refugee families in a year.

Will the European Union still support them? Who will provide for their medical needs, equipment, food, housing, and other necessities? Even if people can return home, they will have to rebuild everything. Homes, businesses, and lives will be gutted. Infrastructure has been decimated. Even if the war ends soon (which appears unlikely), critical needs in Ukraine will only increase for the foreseeable future.

How can you help Ukrainians with disabilities?

“The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.”

Leviticus 19:3

You may never visit Ukraine or have the opportunity to welcome refugee families into your community or home directly.

But even from across the world, Christians can help the most vulnerable people in conflict zones like Ukraine. Here are things you can do:

“My name will be great among the nations, from where the sun rises to where it sets. In every place incense and pure offerings will be brought to me, because my name will be great among the nations,” says the Lord Almighty.”

Malachi 1:11

In addition to prayers, you can send material help to Ukrainians in need. For only $100 you can provide disabled Ukrainian refugees with long-term support: safe housing, food, hygiene products, medical care, and trauma recovery therapy.