ABOUT REFUGEE MINISTRY AT ST. JUDE
Helping to rebuild lives torn asunder by war
As part of our ongoing commitment to living the Gospel through action, St. Jude’s Refugee Ministry continues to support Ukrainian families displaced by the brutal war in the region.
To learn more about how you can help the Refugee Ministry's efforts, contact the parish office.
Refugee Ministry: Latest News
Refugee Ministry Update - August 2026
Embracing with Compassion
St. Jude Parish continues to accompany refugee families with practical support, friendship, and a welcoming community.
Recently, parish volunteers hosted a joyful picnic for more than 12 Ukrainian families—over 40 people. It was a peaceful afternoon of food, fellowship, and rest for families who are enduring displacement, uncertainty, and hardship.
One family shared their heartfelt gratitude, calling the gathering “a true celebration here in the USA” and “a beautiful, peaceful, and blessed time of rest.” Another mother expressed it even more eloquently: “Thank you for your mercy, your open hearts, and for generously sharing your love.”
Their words remind us that this ministry is about far more than material assistance. It is about welcoming others with dignity, recognizing Christ in those who suffer, and helping families know they are not alone. “For I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” — Matthew 25:35
This our fourth year of outreach to refugee families and thanks to your generosity, we have been able to continue providing essential support and opportunities to these families. Every act of kindness—food, household goods, transportation, financial help, or simple friendship—makes a real difference for families rebuilding their lives. In 2026, our parish has provided over $40,000 in financial assistance for rent, food, utilities, visa renewal fees, and other critical needs.
We are deeply grateful to all who support this ministry through prayer, service, and generosity. Your care brings hope, stability, and a sense of home to families starting anew.
If you feel called to help, we invite you to make a gift to the Refugee Ministry— by check, cash or online at St. Jude (Fund:118-Refugee Support) - Microsoft employees are eligible for matching contributions (others should check with your employer).
For more information on the refugee ministry contact Vinod Nazareth at v29nazareth@gmail.com.
With gratitude,
Welcome Circle Refugee Ministry
Refugee Ministry Update - March 2026
💛 Welcoming the Matsevetska Family: Last month, our parish Welcome Circle began supporting — Yurii, Katie, and their 14 year old daughter, Sonya. After arriving from Kyiv in 2023 and living self-sufficiently in Redmond, the family suddenly lost all their income when their United for Ukraine (U4U) re-parole application was delayed and their work permits expired. As a result, Yurii lost his job, and the family suddenly found themselves with no income.
Like so many families caught in this predicament, they faced deep uncertainty while trying to manage the costs of housing, transportation, utilities, food, and the practical challenges of surviving without income. In response, our Refugee Ministry rallied around them - a comprehensive plan and budget was created to help them meet their essential needs including rent, car payments, groceries, clothing, and other basic expenses until their
re-parole application is approved.
The family is deeply grateful for the support they have received. As they work to regain stability, Yurii has offered to volunteer to help others in need, Katie is receiving her certification in accounting and through the generosity of a parishioner Sonya is receiving tutoring in math and continues her middle school education with resilience and hope. They’ve also visited the Holy Innocents Food Pantry for assistance with groceries and food. The family attends mass at St. Jude’s and are grateful for the welcome they’ve received. Though challenges remain, they know they are walking this journey surrounded by a parish community that is accompanying them with compassion, dignity, and steadfast hope.
🏆Congratulating the Raynko Family: After over a year of support from our parish, the family is now fully self-sufficient and independent. Genna’s re-parole visa and work permit is approved and his employer was delighted to welcome him back. Their 10 year old twin boys are thriving in school and the family is eager to give back to our parish community. Recently, they shared their gifts by preparing a delicious Ukrainian borscht for our International Breakfast — a beautiful sign of gratitude and connection.
💛 Thanks from the Koldych Family: Maryna completed her full mouth orthodontic treatment thanks to our financial support. She received upper and lower jaw implants — our investment of $11,000 has transformed her health and quality of life. Maryna continues to work full time to support her family. Her three teenage children have learned English and adapted beautifully to life here. The family extends their heartfelt thanks to our community for walking with them on this journey.
🙏 Support for the Kumza Family: Our ministry is providing short term assistance to Teodizii & Natalia, an elderly couple facing significant health challenges and financial strain. They are at risk of falling behind on essential obligations and our support will help them navigate a particularly challenging period.
We are deeply grateful for your prayers, donations, and time. Every act of kindness brings hope as these families continue to resettle and find stability and peace. Let us remain a parish of compassion and courage. We ask for your continued contributions and generosity to support the refugee ministry. You can donate online at https://pushpay.com/g/stjude-redmond (Fund:118-Refugee Support) - Microsoft employees are eligible for matching contributions (others should check with your employer).
With gratitude,
Welcome Circle Refugee Ministry
Refugee Ministry Update - July 2025
Dear Friends,
As part of our ongoing commitment to living the Gospel through action, St. Jude’s Refugee Ministry continues to support Ukrainian families displaced by the brutal war in the region. Thanks to your generosity, we’ve helped provide housing, food, transportation, and emotional support to those rebuilding their lives in our community. Our dedicated volunteers have offered rides, assisted with job opportunities, delivered essential goods, and shared meals that remind these families they are not alone. We wanted to take a moment to share some updates on the families we’ve been walking alongside:
🙏 Yemelianova family:
Yulia and her two children moved to Switzerland early last year to be closer to her husband and extended family. She recently sent an update that I’d like to share:
Good afternoon, Vinod, glad to hear from you! We are doing well. We recently visited our Ukrainian friends in Vienna, and just yesterday I returned to Switzerland. The children are on vacation now, and school starts soon. Yesenia, in 0th grade, has learned a little French. Leonty is shy about speaking but understands a lot! He’ll begin weekly hockey training in September.
Things in Ukraine are very bad, especially in our city (Kherson). We lack weapons, and the city has been heavily destroyed. My husband’s parents’ house was destroyed, but thankfully my dad and other relatives are alive. It’s very hard for them, though he tries not to show it. We try not to dwell on the bad and focus on hope—it gives us strength.
I’m so grateful I had the chance to meet all of you. We always remember you with warmth. Your kindness and support will never be forgotten. Please say hello to your family and everyone who knows me.”
🏡 Raynko Family
With the help of our volunteers, the Raynko family recently moved into a new apartment in Woodinville. We continue to assist with monthly rent payments and have provided furniture and other essentials. Geanna, the father, works full-time and supplements his income with handyman jobs. He’s obtained a business license and takes on small projects like landscaping, painting, concrete, home repairs and fence building.
🌙 Koldych Family
Maryna and her three teenage children live in Redmond and are adjusting well. Maryna works full-time on the night shift to support her family. The children have learned English and adapted beautifully. Maryna continues to face serious dental challenges and requires full-mouth orthodontic work. We’ve supported her first phase of treatment with $7,000 for upper implants.
We are deeply grateful for your prayers, donations, and time. Every act of kindness brings hope as these families continue to resettle and find stability and peace. Let us remain a parish of compassion and courage.
With gratitude,
St. Jude’s Refugee Ministry
