Neighbors join forces to support Ukrainian refugee family

For the past six months, Ukrainians Olena, her mother Valentyna and her 1-year-old daughter have been staying in a shelter in the war-torn country after their home was destroyed in the first wave of destruction after Russia’s invasion. 

But with the help of the nonprofit WelcomeNST (Neighborhood Support Teams), the three are prepared to resettle in America while leaving their spouses behind. Cherry Hill resident Joanne Boden and Tabernacle resident Jill Foulk are spearheading the effort to get the family here, acting as team leaders for the South Jersey Refugee Connection, a branch of WelcomeNST that trains and provides resources to neighborhood groups to support refugees through the resettling process.