Refugees served: 235

Here are the ways we help Ukrainian refugees every day.

Services

Here are the ways we help Ukrainian refugees every day, along with some success stories.

Finding housing

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We identify housing resources, guide clients through the process.

State benefits

We help clients apply for state benefits throught Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), including SNAP.

Social Security

We help all clients quickly acquire their US social security number.

Job search

We assist clients during their job search by reviewing openings, working on resumes and cover letters, and providing personal connections and referals.

Computers

We provide free refurbished computers and tablets upon request.

Utilities

We assist clients with setting up utility accounts at their apartments.

Public transportation

We guide our clients on how to purchase and use Charlie Card.

Drivers license

We guide clients through our state requirements for aquireing a driver's license.

Summer Camp

We sponsor children at overnight camps at no cost to the families.

Health care

We provide assistance with obtaining MassHealth coverage, selection of a subplan and finding a doctor.

Household goods

We help our clients settle into their new housing by providing bedding, cookware and other essentials.

Work authorization

We help clients apply for Work Authorization.

Bank account

We assist clients with opening a bank account.

Air conditioners

We provide window air conditioniong units when needed.

Public school enrollment

We provide assistance with getting all school age children enrolled in local schools.

Car service

Our volunteers often drive clients to places when their means of transportation are limited.

Movers

We assist clients with moving their belonings to their new apartments.

English classes

We offer free weekly online group classes for clients with three different skill leves; as well as free one-on-one classes as needed.

Furniture

We help clients furnish their homes through donations and other free sources.

Career counseling

We provide career counseling for clients and help them adapt to the US workplace.

Bicycles

We provide free refurbished bikes upon request.

Health-related needs

We help clients find a doctor, get to urgent care, locate a specialist, navigate MassHealth, and identify providers that speak Russian or Ukrainian.

Senior employment

We provide assistance for senior clients with enrollment into subsidized employment programs.

Driving lessons

We connect clients with driving schools.

Car purchase

We help some clients find a suitable vehicle and guide them through purchasing it.

Olga's List aims to meet the urgent, short-term needs of Ukrainian refugees, as well as their longer-term need to promote the success of their integration and acclimatization in their new homes. Through the lived experience of our fully volunteer team and leadership, we have gained valuable insights into the housing market, job market dynamics, and available resources in Massachusetts. This knowledge equips us to offer practical advice and assistance to refugees in finding affordable housing options, navigating the competitive job market, and accessing crucial services such as healthcare, education, and language support throughout the provision of our services. Click on an option below to learn more about the services we provide.

If you are a refugee or someone aiding a refugee, click below to apply for help from Olga's List.

Housing Assistance

Resettling in Massachusetts presents a unique set of challenges for individuals and families seeking to rebuild their lives. One of the most significant hurdles is the exorbitant cost of housing in the state. Massachusetts consistently ranks among the highest in terms of housing expenses, making it exceptionally difficult for refugees and immigrants to secure affordable and suitable accommodations. The scarcity of affordable housing options, coupled with high rental and property prices, can lead to housing instability and the risk of homelessness.

To support refugees with their housing needs, we provide guidance and support to help refugees find safe and affordable housing options. Specifically, we:

Connect refugees with rental resources
Assist with housing applications
Provide information on tenant rights and responsibilities
Connect refugees with host families
Refer refugees to partner agencies for cash assistance for housing

Education

We are dedicated to facilitating access to educational opportunities for Ukrainian refugees that address the need for English language acquisition and we recognize the significance of language proficiency in supporting successful integration and improving employment prospects.

We offer the following classes:

English as a Second Language (ESL) classes offered online at three levels: entry level, intermediate, and conversational English
Financial and economic empowerment workshops
Other workshops on civic engagement, employment preparation, sexual harassment, child abuse

Healthcare Information and Enrollment Services

We work to ensure that Ukrainian refugees can access essential medical care by providing information and referrals to health services and resources. We understand the importance of language accessibility in healthcare, and therefore we prioritize connecting our clients with bi-lingual medical providers in our community.

Our Healthcare services include:

Assisting with Health Insurance Enrollment
Connecting clients with a Primary Care Physician (PCP)
Raising awareness and fostering Preventative Care measures, such as regular medical screenings
Providing information and referrals to healthcare services and resources

Emotional Support and Community-Building

Many of our clients have endured profound trauma due to military activities, which have resulted in the destruction of their homes, schools, daycare centers for their children, and medical facilities. Many of our clients have lost family members and friends, and are in need of emotional support.

To promote emotional and behavioral wellbeing, we offer the following services:

Organize community adjustment and support groups
Refer clients to mental health service providers
Facilitate wellness activities and social gatherings that help build a refugee community, as well as connect Ukrainian families to local, host communities

Employment Training and Support

We understand that securing employment is a vital step towards self-sufficiency and successful integration and we aim to empower Ukrainian refugees with the tools and resources they need to navigate the job market, enhance their employability, and achieve their career goals in the United States. We offer Ukrainian refugees several distinct options to enhance their employment prospects and succeed in the job market, including:

Referral system to MassHire
Resume Writing courses
Interviewing Techniques course that includes role plays and mock interviews
Referrals to Senior Community Service Employment Programs (SCSEP) for low-income adults over age 55

Transportation

To support refugees with transportation needs, we provide the following:

Advise on transportation options, including public transportation
Driver's license application support
Exploring ride share options, cycling, and other alternatives

Pet Care

Many refugees arrive with their cherished pets and are often surprised by the expenses related to veterinary care and the general upkeep of owning a pet. We help refugees by:

Providing guidance on accessing affordable veterinary care, pet supplies, and resources
Connecting refugees to a free pet food program at the Boston MSPCA

Home Furnishing

In addition to helping refugees obtain housing, we support them in furnishing their homes with necessary items – from beds and dressers to cribs, kitchen tables, linens, clothing, cutlery, and toys. Our team of volunteers manages the process that includes:

Reaching out to local communities for needed items
Picking up donated items
Delivering furniture to refugees' homes across the Boston area

If you wish to help by volunteering, donating money or supplies, or offering housing, please click below:

housing

education

healthcare

mentalhealth

employment

transportation

petcare

homefurnishing