Camas Welcomes Ukrainian Refugees with Open Arms

of stories were helpful and inspiring. Thank you very much. I hope we meet like this more often.” A committee at CSD is indeed being organized to hold regular gatherings for added support and resources, and other local agencies are also stepping up. “Funds are being raised through the Camas Children’s Fund to provide educational pursuits and some rent assistance to bridge the gap,” said Shallberger. “Student stability in their academic pursuits while the families adjust to their new life is the surest way to generational prosperity in the midst of starting over.”

The support is going both ways. One mother who attended the December gathering lives near the FCRC and stops by regularly to help sort clothing. “She is more helpful to the

FCRC than I believe we have been to her but she says, ‘I have free time,’” said Shallberger. “One of those times, she came ready to share her story. She took out Google Translate and communicated a nightmare. Their home has been completely destroyed by the occupation. She said, ‘We had a good life.’ I promised the ongoing support of the community. She nodded and said, ‘It will be a good life here too.’”