Community event ParaSOLka
Assistance to Ukrainian refugees in Sacramento during the war in Ukraine.
Event Announcement
UA House warmly welcomes you to Ukrainian community meetings in Sacramento. You can communicate with other Ukrainians, make new friends, discover a lot of essential and interesting information about living in the United States and much more! Join us!
Location
5948 Pecan Ave, Orangevale, CA 95662
Date
Every Saturday
Time
undefined to undefined pm
Topic: First steps in the USA
Special Guests:
Alex Tavarian
Immigration Attorney
Ilya Kiseliov
Co-founder of the TeachBK project
ParaSolka Event Description
In 2021, Ukrainian American House together with SOL Church developed the ParaSOLka project with the goal of providing new immigrants from Ukraine and the surrounding countries a place to socialize and get various forms of assistance. “Parasolka” which translates to “Umbrella” was purposely chosen as it symbolizes safety, aid in tough times, and unity. Since its inception, ParaSOLka has held 60 events and served approximately 15,000 individuals.
The events take place every Saturday from 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm and offer complimentary food and drinks. It takes over 25 individuals to prepare over 350 meal portions for each event. So far, ParaSOLka has prepared 20,000 meals at the cost of over $50,000.
ParaSOLka’s services
We also focus on resettlement services, especially finding housing options. This also includes essential aid packages made up of items, such as linens, blankets, towels, dishes, pots and pans, and more. To this day, ParaSOLka has issued about 100 such packages at the cost of $500 each.
Collectively it takes at least 60 volunteers to run the program who strive to create an atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable, safe, and at home. It offers guests the opportunity to get the services they need or simply engage with fellow community members. The goal is to allow them to feel comfortable.
The program often includes presentations and speakers from various organizations such as the Department of Human Assistance, Covered California, World Relief, International Rescue Committee, as well as California State Representatives. Sometimes separate informational events are held to address complex questions about a specific program. For example, the last such event was dedicated to the opening of the Uniting for Ukraine program and was attended by nearly 500 individuals.
ParaSOLka in the Media
ParaSOLka actively advertises the community on social networks such as Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. On local radio, representatives and volunteers often participate in various programs that promote the Ukrainian community. In Slavic newspapers, many write about the project as the largest project of the city for immigrants. The program maintains an active Facebook page and various Telegram groups where people can leave their ads, ask for help, write their needs, look for housing, work, contacts, ask for advice, and more.
Additionally, the program offers recreational services for children. Parents can even leave the child under the supervision of volunteers while they attend the main event. Volunteers oversee recreational activities, arts and crafts, and various educational games.
Within the ParaSOLka framework, events such as festivals, holiday celebrations, and concerts also take place. The Ukrainian Independence Day celebration draws more than 3,000 attendees. For large events, popular artists, singers, musicians, and famous Ukrainian individuals are invited. This helps new immigrants experience a familiar and comfortable environment in the United States.
Achievements
100
essential aid packages distributed
15,000
individuals served
60
events held
over
$50,000
spent on food
25
individuals to prepare each event
20,000
meals distributed
over
60
volunteers collectively involved
over
$50,000
spent on essential aid
Parasolka - Assistance to Ukrainian Refugees In Sacramento
Once the war in Ukraine broke out ParaSOLka recognized the need to shift its focus to helping the Ukrainian refugees and dedicated all efforts to putting a plan in place at the California and Mexico border. There they helped process and resettle nearly 10,000 refugees under the Uniting for Ukraine Program.
Uniting for Ukraine provides a pathway for Ukrainian citizens and their immediate family members who are outside the United States to come to the United States and stay temporarily for a two-year period of parole.
Within its capabilities, ParaSOLka provides aid and assists with setting up services in the following areas:
Translating & Interpreting
Uniting for Ukraine Registration & Processing
Housing Assistance
Work Authorization
Human Assistance (MediCal, CalFresh, CalWorks, CAPI)
Women In Care (WIC)
Social Security Services
Grade School & Higher Education Registration
DMV (DLs, Vehicle Registration)
Banking & Finance
Communications (Phone & Internet)
Food & Clothing
Healthcare Services
Vehicle & Home Insurance
