3 years of helping Ukrainian refugees
3 years of helping Ukrainian refugees
A gala ceremony was recently held to honor the TraNa Relief Association, a charitable organization led by Natalia Travilina, a woman who has dedicated her heart and energy to helping Ukrainian refugees and other displaced persons in difficult life situations.
After 35 years of living in the United States, Natalia Travilina knows the importance of reaching out to someone when they need help. Today, Natalia creates new support formats that unite people, strengthen their spirit, and help them build the future.
Online courses, warm meetings, cultural programs, excursions, concerts, celebrations, useful educational events, and humanitarian aid are just a small part of what the TraNa Relief Association does: 145 events and meetings attended by 4,071 people, 45 online educational sessions attended by 2,600 participants, and daily consultations and support via a Telegram channel and thematic chats. The TraNa Relief Association operates seven days a week, seven days a week, including holidays.
Every refugee can receive information, advice, and practical assistance: finding a job, enrolling in a course, receiving legal advice, and resolving everyday issues—from opening a bank card to buying a car. Natalia created a system where people receive daily support—emotional, social, and practical. She gave people the opportunity to be together, speak their native language, listen to their native music, find friends, and build a future.
In an interview, Natalia noted the important collaboration with the Manhattan School of Computer Technology, where Ukrainian refugees receive employment assistance after intensive training and graduation. Renowned attorneys Oksana Davydova, Tatyana Segal, Elena Denevich, Laura Rosenberg, and others also made significant contributions to the TraNa Relief Association , providing free consultations and support.
Dozens of refugees attended the reception at the Baku Palace restaurant to express their sincere gratitude to Natalia and the entire TraNa Relief team—the volunteers, lawyers, educators, partners, and politicians who made this mission possible—and to meet their compatriots and establish lasting connections. The gala evening was not only a celebration but also a symbol of unity and mutual support. People who contributed to the organization's development and helped refugees took the stage.
One of the recipients was Philip Nuzzo , a distinguished American conductor who worked with an orchestra in Kharkiv in the 1990s. Upon receiving the certificate, he recounted how, upon seeing news of the war in Ukraine on television, he recalled a bright, cultural, and resilient city. Today, many refugees attend his concerts—music has become a therapeutic and a source of strength for them.
Warm words were expressed to Randy Peers, President and CEO of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce , whose advice and support were invaluable.
A particularly touching moment was the speech by Ukrainian refugees who came on stage to personally thank Natalia. She cried—and they were tears of joy. TraNa Relief is more than just a relief organization; it's a strong and united family!
Certificates of honor were presented by both government officials and the TraNa Relief Association itself to those who helped the ministry mission.
Thanks to sponsors, many refugees received gifts, and in the lead-up to Thanksgiving, traditional turkeys.
From the author
While writing the article, I recalled the first days of the war. A call to my brother in Kharkiv, his words: "I can't evacuate. I'm a doctor. People need me." I painted a picture—a burning city, a train carrying people into the unknown, Ukrainian flowers, and two people huddled together to keep from being afraid. I later donated this painting to an auction to support the wounded.
I remember how we collected packages—clothing, food, medicine—and loaded it all onto a large truck near the editorial office of the newspaper "R. Reklama," which has been helping people for 30 years. We posted ads for assistance, courses, and meetings. We did everything we could. Later, at the JCH of Bensonhurst Employment Center, I saw how much good they had done and continue to do for refugees from Ukraine and other countries: health insurance, free home attendant courses, accounting, CDL, English, security, and a vibrant employment department. JCH of Bensonhurst and the employment department created a free store for refugees, where employees and kind people brought personal items.
In interviews with our newspaper, refugees said: "Natalia, thank you for everything. For helping us endure in a new country, for the warmth you give, for the enthusiasm with which you continue to serve."
If you need help and support or would like to contribute, please contact us on social media or through the website: www.TraNaRelief.com. You can also make a donation through Zelle or PayPal: [email protected]
Marina Lagunova
