Like you, we have been moved by the scenes of families being split, and mothers and children forced to flee danger and abruptly leave their homes in Ukraine.

Based on trusting friendships of 20+ years that originated in Romania, a small group of friends (mostly attorneys) have joined forces in an initiative called Casa Prietenilor Ucraineni (House of Ukrainian Friends) to assist refugee mothers and children who have crossed into Romania and are in need of medium-term respite and accommodation.

Through a collaboration with the owners of a modest pensione in Braila (a Romanian border town that has been receiving thousands of refugees), we have secured the entire pensione comprising 11 private rooms (each with ensuite bath, desk/chair, Wi-Fi), dining rooms, and common areas. In addition, we have arranged that our refugee-guests be provided a full breakfast and dinner each day (as well as snacks, fruit and bottled water throughout the day), access to self-service laundry, and weekly supply of basic necessities (e.g. diapers, detergent, toiletries). We have been able to secure this room/board/service arrangement for the nominal cost of ca. €20/day/person, and can host up to 28 persons (mothers and children) at any one time.

This entire undertaking is personally managed and implemented (internationally as well as locally on-the-ground) by a core group of long-time professional colleagues and friends, ensuring all donor-funds are flow-thru and immediately applied directly towards food, accommodation and supplies at the pensione.

By providing a communal setting for similarly-situated mothers and children at the House of Ukrainian Friends…we believe that mothers will be able to collaborate, share information and ‘take comfort in numbers’ -- and children will have the opportunity to play, and simply be, together. Wonderfully, the pensione is also situated close to Braila’s Ukrainian church, which is presently doubling as a local command-center for other charitable organizations / services offered to Ukrainian refugees.

We recognize this is a ‘drop in the bucket’ in terms of the broader need that exists. But it nevertheless is something directly impactful that we (together) can do now, to make an important and timely difference in the lives of some women and children forced to seek refuge in Romania.

Our project team has contributed considerable funds and time to this initiative, reflective of our strong belief in its mission. But we cannot do it alone, and kindly ask that you consider contributing. You can learn more about Casa Prietenilor Ucraineni through its web site: https://ukrainianfriends.house

Thank you!!

Important Note: Any donor-funds received that exceed the need of Casa Prietenilor Ucraineni’ (‘House of Ukrainian Friends’) in deploying its mission shall be donated to the aforementioned Ukrainian church in Braila, Romania or such other reputable charitable organization (with similar objectives of assisting Ukrainian refugees in Romania) as reasonably determined by a supermajority vote of the project team.