Family reflects on journey to Rochester after fleeing war-torn Ukraine

Rochester, N.Y. — Friday marks one year since Russia invaded Ukraine.

Over the last year, Catholic Charities Family and Community Services has helped more than 800 Ukrainians resettle in Rochester.

Alina says her family of three had a perfect life in Ukraine — good jobs, many friends and frequent visits to her parents who lived nearby.

But one year ago, she and her husband, Andrii Pinskyi, awoke to explosions in their home country.

"We really didn't know what to do," Andrii said.

"We just left as fast as possible."

Three hours later, the family was in a car headed for the Polish border.

They packed one suitcase, expecting to return home in a week.

One year later, they've lived in three countries — Poland, Germany and now the United States.

"So much things changed in our life," Andrii said.

The family received help from Olesia Gladka, an immigration specialist with Catholic Charities who had previously fled Ukraine herself.

After receiving help from the organization, Gladka was hired to help other refugees.

"My biggest hope is once I call my mom and she would say 'No air raids anymore, no hiding in a shelter. We won,'" Gladka said. "So that’s my ultimate goal and ultimate hope to hear those words."

In Rochester for three months now, the Pinskyis are studying English at Monroe Community College. They hope to find new jobs soon.

Their 8-year-old daughter is enjoying school. They say she's adapting well, but they want to make sure she knows about all they left behind.

"We teach Veronika a good sense about Ukraine," Andrii said.

"It’s not only war in Ukraine," he continued. "It’s many positive things in Ukraine — what was happening before the war — and we are proud of them."

Click here for information about supporting efforts to help resettle Ukrainians