Updates: The War on Ukraine

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The sunflower, Ukraine’s national flower, is becoming a global symbol of solidarity.

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Last week, the world woke to the grim news of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Those impacted may be loved ones of yours or strangers – all are in our thoughts and prayers during this devastating time. Please join us, in whatever way is right for you, in uplifting the citizens of Ukraine and all those impacted by this and other wars in your hearts, in your actions, and in your prayers.

Inspiritus stands in solidarity with our Ukrainian neighbors and is resolute in our commitment to supporting refugees and those impacted by wars. Inspiritus has been a U.S. resettlement agency in the Southeastern US since 1981, and has long accompanied refugees and families impacted by wars throughout the world. Our teams empower refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants across Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee.

The Inspiritus network includes many beloved individuals with Ukrainian roots and ties who have themselves been refugees, staff, volunteers, donors and friends. We want to recognize and lift them up during this difficult time. We recognize the trauma and fear they are enduring now. We also recognize that war and the threat of war, such as this, can be retraumatizing for those who have made the US their home after enduring wars in their own countries. For all of us, seeing images of and hearing of the violence and threat that is occurring can induce fear and stress. We lift up each of you in our hearts and prayers.

We invite you to strengthen your hearts, join us in prayer, and advocate on behalf of those impacted by this developing war on Ukraine. At this time, here are a few ways you can help:

ADVOCATE FOR UKRAINIAN REFUGEES

TAKE ACTION! Join Inspiritus in urging the Biden administration to support Ukrainians here and abroad by:

  • Providing humanitarian assistance

  • Rebuilding a robust, well-resourced refugee program

  • Designating Ukraine for Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) or Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to protect Ukrainians already in the U.S.

  • Granting Special Student Relief (SSR) to allow eligible students from Ukraine to remain in the U.S.

After sending a message to the administration, join us in calling on Congress to urgently pass an emergency supplemental appropriations bill for foreign assistance to Ukraine, where a majority of the emergency funding would go to helping Ukrainian refugees in Europe.

WILL THE UNITED STATES WELCOME REFUGEES FROM UKRAINE?

At this time, the United States is not expecting to receive Ukrainian refugees. It is currently anticipated that Ukrainian refugees will be accepted by European nations. We will continue to watch and be ready to assist refugees from this war in the future, if the United States government makes the determination to do so.

Where will they go? At this time, Ukraine’s neighboring countries, including Poland, Romania, Moldova, Hungary, and Slovakia, have indicated they will accept Ukrainian refugees. Central Europe is already home to millions of Ukrainians, given the region’s close geographical and cultural ties to their home country. It is unlikely, however, that these nations could successfully support a surge of millions of refugees without the support of the U.S. and the wider international community.

We will continue to monitor this situation and update you on new ways you can help, if changes occur.

JOIN US IN PRAYER

We invite you to join with us in accordance with your personal faith and beliefs in prayer for those impacted by this war.

An Interfaith Prayer

Love and Peace,

We pray for all people — men, women and children—

whose lives are in peril in the Ukraine and throughout the world.

We pray for the vision to see

and the faith to believe in a world emancipated from violence.

Heal the wounds of mind, body and spirit that occur due to the violence in our world.

Help us to devote ourselves to the task of making peace in our own neighborhoods and around the world. No one is hidden from your love.

Help us be home to others. Help us manifest your love and peace to the world.

SHARE

Inspiritus stands in solidarity with our neighbors impacted by the war on Ukraine and we pray for peace, healing, and resolution for all of those impacted. We invite you to repost and share a message of support, on all social media platforms, for our Ukrainian neighbors including: #StandWithUkraine.

Thank you for your continued support for the important work of Inspiritus in empowering those impacted by wars, disasters, and life-changing events locally and abroad. We are grateful for your compassion and commitment to empowering survivors to go from surviving to thriving. Thank you!



Rev. John R. Moeller, Jr.
President & CEO,
Inspiritus

Photo cred: NBC News