Ukrainian Refugees Welcomed In Somerset County, In Need Of Help

SOMERVILLE, NJ — Helping others has been "a little bit of a tradition" for Elizabeth Eisinger's family, who has recently taken in a Ukrainian family that fled their war-torn country.

Her Italian grandmother housed Jewish refugees in the past, her father was an immigrant who fled the Nazis, and Eisinger herself was an exchange student in Finland for a year.

"I know the importance of having people to help," said Eisinger to Patch.

In August, Liudmyla Bohyatr (45) along with her daughter Yuliia (24) and son Ivan (17) came to Somerville for a fresh start in America through "Uniting for Ukraine."

Eisinger took in the family whom she says are absolutely "lovely." While Eisinger is helping out the Bohyatr family, she says they are really helping her in their own ways.

The family has filled her 3-bedroom Somerville home with love. They care for her when she is sick, are giving her older dog Diego extra love, and helping around the house by mowing the lawn, making dinner, and organizing boxes.

"They have been really helpful," said Eisinger. "They are really warm and friendly."

However, the family is hitting some issues with getting settled in the area. None of them have their driver's licenses as they didn't need them in Ukraine. They also don't have any credit in the U.S. And renting is presenting challenges.

They want to stay in Somerville for the walkability of everything and easy access to transportation. Eisinger set up a fundraiser to help the family get their own place.

"The goal is to have their own place and start their own lives here. They are enjoying living here," said Eisinger who has taken them to every Somerville event since they arrived including the car shows, women's night out, etc.

Eisinger said the family's best option for their situation is to pre-pay a year of rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Somerville.

The cheapest Eisinger has found is about $1,600 for a month or $19,200 for the year.

They have already saved enough for the first and last months' rent due to donations from Eisinger's generous friends.

All three are looking for suitable employment. In Ukraine, Liudmyla was the director of a preschool. Ivan was a student and Yuliia worked in digital marketing for several companies.

Ivan is currently a Sophomore at Somerville High School, where he is focusing on learning English, but also taking US history, physics, math, art and gym.

Eisinger knows their goal is ambitious but she says "Remember - this is a Ukrainian family, and if there's one thing the world has learned this year, it is how resilient and ambitious the Ukrainian people are! (And Liudmyla, Yuliia and Ivan have learned how generous Americans are)."

To learn more about the family or donate click here.

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