At least 500 new Ukrainian refugees have settled in central Kentucky. That’s according to Victor Selepina with the Ukrainian Pentecostal Church. The Jessamine County church has been active in welcoming and helping those families fleeing the war with Russia. In speaking with these refugees, Selepina said many would like to return to their European homeland when the war ends.
“They want to go back. They have homes there. Some of the ones that haven’t been destroyed yet. They have homes there. They made a pretty good living. And they want to see Ukraine thrive,” said Selepina.
Selepina said there remains a need for additional sponsors for families. Also, he said a tractor-trailer sits on the church property to collect donations.
“Winter clothing, generators, anything that we can get. We do have a container or tractor trailer sitting at our church parking lot at 1101 Brannon Road.”
Selepina, who has helped coordinate the refugee ministry, said donations can be dropped off there on Tuesdays and Fridays from 1:00 to 4:00. Selepina noted many of the refugee families stay with church members until they can secure housing.
Here's the entire interview with Victor Selepina:
