“I didn’t know where to start…”

When I first came to the United States, everything felt overwhelming. There were so many questions and processes I didn’t understand, and honestly, I didn’t even know where to begin.

At some point, I realized that I needed help — not just information, but someone who could guide me step by step.

That’s when I reached out to Ukrainian American House.

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“From the very beginning, I felt supported”

From my first interaction, I felt that I wasn’t alone anymore. The team was responsive, patient, and truly willing to help. The main support and care I received came from my case worker, Diana, who guided me throughout this entire journey.

Diana stayed in touch with me regularly, answered all my questions, and paid attention to every detail. No matter how small my concern was, she made sure I felt heard and understood. That gave me a sense of calm during a very stressful time.

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“Step by step, things started to fall into place”

With Diana’s guidance, I was able to navigate several critical steps in my transition.

One of the most important things for me was getting healthcare coverage. With support, I was able to apply for Medi-Cal and finally feel secure knowing I could take care of my health.

Diana also helped me schedule medical appointments, which I honestly wouldn’t have managed on my own at that time.

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“I started building my future”

But the support didn’t stop there.

I knew I needed to build my path toward self-sufficiency, and education was an important part of that journey. However, I didn’t know how to start the process here. With guidance from UA House, I was able to enroll in a college program.

Diana helped me understand every step, made sure I didn’t miss any deadlines, and supported me throughout the entire registration process. Today, I am studying and working toward a new profession — something that once felt out of reach.

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“It wasn’t just help — it was care”

What I received from UA House was not only practical support, but also emotional support. During a difficult period of adaptation, it meant so much to feel that someone truly cared.

I am very grateful for everything they have done for me, and I would absolutely recommend UA House to anyone who needs guidance, support, and a sense of community.

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Moving Forward Together

Stories like this remind us why our work matters.

At Ukrainian American House, we are committed to supporting individuals and families as they rebuild their lives in the United States — helping them navigate complex systems, access essential services, and move forward with confidence.

We are grateful to our dedicated team members, like Diana, and to our partners — including CDSS, PHI, and others — whose support makes this work possible. Together, we continue to create opportunities for people not only to adapt, but to truly thrive.