Support Families in Ukraine and Worldwide

Olena fled Ukraine with her 12-year-old daughter after the full-scale war began, seeking safety in Italy where her sister lived. Initially expecting a short stay, she soon realized they would need to rebuild their lives in a new country.  “You realize that you need to move on,” she explains. “You need to integrate, learn the language, take care of the child and take care of yourself, in order to ensure that my child's life is in no way different from other children.”

Through the IRC Women’s Center in Milan, Olena received help with legal documentation, school enrollment for her daughter and integration support. Over time, she secured work at a large hotel in Milan, where she now holds multiple roles.

Despite the difficulties of adapting to a new culture and being separated from loved ones in Ukraine, Olena finds strength in her daily routine and the kindness of those around her.

“Just keep moving forward,” says Olena. “Why? Because I have a child by my side. I can't be sad, I can't stop. A child – that's what keeps me moving forward.”

How is the IRC supporting refugees in Europe and around the world?

Every year, the IRC supports thousands of asylum seekers with livelihood programs aimed at improving their well-being, employability and entrepreneurship. Over the past decade, we have seen firsthand how refugees have strived to rebuild their lives against the odds, proving what is possible when refugees are embraced by their new communities.

Donate now to support the IRC's life-changing work in Europe and worldwide. We are on the frontlines providing critical aid to crisis-affected people in more than 40 countries, including places on the 2025 Emergency Watchlist.