On October 1, 2026, the Ukrainian Foundation organized a Museum Art Therapy event at the Portland Art Museum, bringing together more than 30 participants from different Foundation programs.

Led by art therapist Liuba Gonina, ATR-BC, the event focused on “From Strength and Identity to Belonging and Inner Peace.” Participants explored works of art, shared their thoughts, and reflected on personal experiences, identity, and what helps them feel connected and at peace.

The evening also gave participants a chance to meet new people, reconnect with others, and spend time together in a welcoming environment. Before visiting the museum, the group gathered at a Japanese café to enjoy refreshments and conversation.

This activity is one of the ways the Ukrainian Foundation supports the well-being of the Ukrainian community in Oregon. Through art, shared experiences, and opportunities for connection, the Foundation helps participants manage stress, build relationships, and feel more connected to their community.

The Ukrainian Foundation is pleased to share how funds raised through the festival have been put to use. The war continues, and Ukrainian defenders need medical supplies and other essential equipment every day. Partners in Ukraine continue to reach out to the Foundation for assistance with tactical medical supplies.

One of the most frequently requested items is a small but potentially life-saving piece of equipment: a tourniquet, used to temporarily control severe bleeding from an arm or leg. When applied correctly, it can help prevent life-threatening blood loss and give an injured person valuable time until professional medical care is available.

1,000 Tourniquets for Ukrainian Defenders

Thanks to the funds raised, the Ukrainian Foundation purchased 1,000 tourniquets for Ukrainian defenders. All 1,000 have already been shipped to Ukraine.

This achievement represents a tangible result of the community’s generosity and support at Ukrainian Day 2026.

Preparing for the Cold Season

Tourniquets were not the only supplies provided. Cold weather presents additional challenges for those serving on the front lines, and the Foundation also arranged essential items to help defenders stay warm.

The following supplies were purchased and shipped to Ukraine:

• Self-heating patches for hands and feet to provide warmth in cold conditions
• Warm socks
• Clothing

These items may seem simple, but for someone spending long hours in a cold trench or at a frontline position, warm socks, suitable clothing, and heating patches can make a meaningful difference.

Behind Every Number Are People

For the Ukrainian Foundation, 1,000 tourniquets, every pair of socks, and every item of clothing represent more than supplies or statistics. Behind each item are people who made this assistance possible.

Some spent months preparing for the festival. Others volunteered on the day of the event, made donations, supported the fundraising effort, or attended the festival to show their solidarity with Ukraine. Everyone contributed in their own way, and the result was a shared achievement.

The Ukrainian Foundation extends its sincere thanks to all sponsors, donors, partners, volunteers, and community members who continue to support Ukraine.

Even thousands of miles from home, we can take meaningful action to help Ukrainian defenders. Together, we can make a difference and bring essential support to those who need it most.

We remain hopeful for Ukraine’s victory. Together, we can do more.

We thank our public health partners for this meaningful acknowledgment and for their continued collaboration. Together, we are building bridges between trusted information, accessible care, and the communities we serve.

The program aims to prevent alcohol, drug, and other psychoactive substance use, develop emotional resilience skills, support mental health, and strengthen the Ukrainian community in Oregon. Since its launch, PHOCUS has brought together over 30 active participants who regularly attend educational lectures. Over the past year, the PHOCUS team organized a summer picnic at the scenic Lake Oswego, an open session during the 2025 Ukrainian Day celebration in Portland, and now—a special end-of-season event on the water.

Participants who attended the most lectures were rewarded with an unforgettable experience: a cruise aboard the legendary Portland Spirit. Launched in 1994, this modern riverboat has become a true symbol of Portland. Its route travels along the picturesque Willamette River, passing under the city’s famous bridges—from the historic Steel Bridge to the vibrant Tilikum Crossing, known as the “Bridge for People.” The journey offered breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding green hills.

During the retreat, participants enjoyed great company, a delicious lunch, and warm autumn weather. A key part of the program was an art therapy session with Lyuba Gonina, helping participants relax, engage in creativity, and restore inner balance.

PHOCUS educational lectures are led by Olha Parker, PhD, a licensed Addiction and Substance Abuse Counselor in Portland. Her lectures combine practical advice, psychological support, and modern knowledge on preventing addiction and supporting those in need.

The program also featured Serhii Mertsalov, the long-time host of PHOCUS, who has extensive experience working with individuals with substance use disorders in Ukraine as a harm reduction psychologist. In the U.S., he collaborates with Olha Parker and contributes to Emotional Support Groups with Lyuba Gonina.

The PHOCUS program is open to the entire Ukrainian community in Oregon, with no restrictions regarding immigration status. Lectures are offered both in-person and online, combined with art therapy practices to create a space of trust, support, and personal growth.

Participation in PHOCUS offers an opportunity to gain valuable knowledge, meet like-minded peers, learn to support yourself and loved ones, and contribute to a healthy, united community.

phocus@ukrainian.foundation
503-946-9261

KPTV FOX 12

See the article at FOX 12

https://www.kptv.com/2025/08/22/one-day-closer-1000-tourniquets

Video Interview with Yuriy Boyechko, the president of Ukrainian Foundation

This April, we hosted the second annual “Leleka” conference — an event that continues to grow in size, importance, and emotional depth each year. It brought together over 100 Ukrainian students from various school districts, teachers, experts, volunteers, and members of the Ukrainian community from Oregon, Washington, and even California. As the president of our school’s Ukrainian Club, I believe that this conference isn’t just another event in the academic calendar. It’s part of a greater journey we are taking together — a path where we learn to support one another, discover new opportunities, share experiences, and make friends. Of greatest value — we remember who we are as Ukrainians.

The “Leleka” Conference is an initiative of our Ukrainian Club, brought to life with the inspiration and guidance of Nataliia Zybachynska, and with the support of our school, partners, and the Ukrainian community. This event holds more than learning, choosing a future career, or preparing for college. It’s about the power of community, mutual support, and preserving our identity in new life circumstances. We live in a new country, speak a new language, study in a different system — yet we strive to preserve what is ours: our language, our culture, our values. When we come together at events like this, it’s a special moment — we inspire each other, we share, and we grow together.

This year’s conference brought together truly incredible speakers — representatives from top universities, educators, entrepreneurs, doctors, community leaders, artists, and activists. Among them were people who, not long ago, sat in high school classrooms and now study at Portland State University and UC Berkeley, work for major companies, or launch their projects. Their stories, advice, honesty, and inspiration were a true gift to every participant. They spoke about finding your path, staying strong through uncertainty, believing in yourself even in difficult times, and staying true to your Ukrainian identity — in everyday life, in your values, and your relationships with others.

One of the most emotional quotes I remember came from a girl after one of the workshops:
“This was the first day I wasn’t afraid to speak Ukrainian at school.”
And that’s exactly why we host “Leleka.” So that every Ukrainian child, no matter where they are, knows that their language is not a barrier, but a treasure. Their culture is not something to hide, but something to carry proudly into the world. Their identity is not a weakness, but a source of strength.

Preparation for the conference lasted over three months. These were weeks of planning, daily after-school meetings, phone calls, emails with speakers, discussions about the event format, creating posters, videos, and workshop materials, rehearsals for the hosts, searching for partners, and countless big and small tasks. There were challenges — time constraints, technical issues, nerves before speaking. But that’s where the true value lies: we learned how to work as a team, develop leadership skills, negotiate, ask for help, and take responsibility. We realized that we have a voice — and that voice deserves to be heard.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who supported us and helped make “Leleka” a reality:
North Clackamas School District, Ukrainian Foundation, Be First Communications, KANON Magazine, Libri Event Decor, DAWN Inc., Sunrise Family Medical, Portland State University, and all the volunteers, speakers, parents, and teachers who put a part of themselves into this event. Your support is more than just help — it is your faith in us, in our future, and our strength as a Ukrainian community.

See you at Leleka-2026!
We are already dreaming, planning, and feeling inspired about next year.  We are confident that there will be many great ideas to discuss, more stories to tell, and new steps to take.
But most importantly, we stand united more than ever, facing our future together.

Photo by Khrystyna Kryhina

On February 24, the Ukrainian Foundation participated in a gathering of Ukrainians in Oregon at Portland’s main square to commemorate the third anniversary of the Russian-Ukrainian war. This event was initiated by the nonprofit organization DAWN Inc. and its president, Yulia Brokdorf, and received support from all significant nonprofit organizations working with Ukrainians and mobilizing resources for Ukraine.

Representatives from Ukrainian Care, which delivers bread to cities in central and eastern Ukraine, treated attendees to traditional Ukrainian bread. They also showcased one of the last batches of salt produced by the renowned Artemsil plant before it was shut down due to enemy shelling in 2022. Notably, this essential product is now mostly imported from Turkey, Poland, and even Egypt.

“Dreams for the Homeland” were collected at the Ukrainian Alliance tent, a women’s organization focused on supporting women at the front and providing tactical medicine.

“Ukraine needs our voice. Ukraine needs your voice. I want to thank all of you here today for leaving your comfort and coming out despite the weather,” emphasized Yuriy Boyechko, president of the Ukrainian Foundation. He mentioned that fundraising to support Ukrainian defenders is ongoing, and every donation is significant. The Ukrainian Foundation also continues to provide informational and educational support to Ukrainians who have arrived in the U.S. under the U4U program, assisting them in finding and paying for housing. It is worth noting that in August, for Ukraine’s Independence Day, the Ukrainian Foundation traditionally hosts Oregon’s largest festival for the Ukrainian community.

The February 24 event, recognized as the Day of Valor, also featured musical performances by the choir “Lisova Pisnya,” the children’s choir “Svitanok,” and artists Darka Dusty and Ivanka Oliynyk.

The sense of community, Ukrainian songs, and the unwavering belief in victory have always been—and will continue to be—the core values that inspire Ukrainians to strive for victory and beyond.

Zabava-2025 was more than just a festive celebration; it provided the Portland community with an opportunity to come together and meaningfully support Ukraine. Thanks to the generosity of all who attended, $3,495 was raised during the event. This amount will be used to purchase 132 tourniquets, vital life-saving medical supplies that will be sent to the brave defenders on the front lines in Ukraine.

The impact of this contribution cannot be overstated. These tourniquets will play a crucial role in saving lives and providing immediate medical assistance to those in need. With your support, these life-saving tools will soon be in the hands of those protecting Ukraine’s freedom.

We are incredibly grateful to our wonderful community for making Zabava-2025 a success. Every donation, ticket sold, and moment of support has contributed to our goal of making a real difference. Your generosity will have a lasting impact on the lives of those who need it most. We will continue to keep you informed about the journey of these tourniquets as they make their way to Ukraine, ensuring they are used where they are needed the most.

The night featured unforgettable performances that added to the excitement of the celebration. We extend special thanks to the outstanding musicians and performers who made the evening memorable: the incredible band Lisova Pisnya, the talented Inna Kovtun, the energetic DJ Deltaplane, and the captivating @Taseeya. Their music and energy set the perfect tone for the night, keeping everyone dancing throughout the evening.

We would also like to express our deepest gratitude to our steadfast partners, @PolishLibraryBuildingAssociation, whose unwavering support continues to play a crucial role in the success of our initiatives. Additionally, a heartfelt thank you goes to all the participants, volunteers, and supporters who helped make the event possible. Your dedication and hard work ensured that the evening ran smoothly, allowing everyone to enjoy a fantastic time while supporting a cause that truly matters.

As we move forward, we remain committed to keeping you updated on the next steps to ensure that these life-saving tourniquets reach their destination. Your contributions are helping to save lives on the front lines in Ukraine, and we could not have achieved this without you.

We look forward to seeing you at future events and continuing our mission to support Ukraine. Together, we can make a difference. Thank you once again for your generosity and support—your compassion is making the world a better place.

On November 25, 2024, the Ukrainian Foundation held a Holodomor Remembrance event for the Ukrainian community in the Portland metro area. Community members gathered at St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Orthodox Church to honor the victims of the Holodomor. This man-made famine claimed the lives of millions of Ukrainians in what was then Soviet Ukraine from 1932 to 1933.
Tetiana Pytel, the event’s host, created and shared a visual presentation detailing the timeline of the Holodomor. She also incorporated facts about two other famines into her narration. Many attendees admitted they had never learned about these famines in school but had heard stories from their families. Everyone was genuinely moved by the recollections and appreciated Tetiana’s presentation and wealth of historical detail.
A highlight of the evening was Tetyana Chub’s performance of three lyrical compositions, including “Plyve Kacha,” a well-known Ukrainian folk mourning song. This song served as a poignant reminder of what unites us in grief. Tetyana’s soulful singing resonated deeply with everyone present. Her powerful voice conveyed the pain and suffering endured by those who experienced the famine, paying tribute to those who perished during this tragic period in Ukraine’s history.
At the event, attendees had the opportunity to share their own family stories related to the Holodomor. They also made candles to light later at home and placed them on their windowsills at sunset to remember all Holodomor victims.
At its 82nd Oregon Legislative Assembly in 2023, the Oregon legislature designated the fourth Saturday of November each year as Holodomor Remembrance Day. Senate Bill 583 aims to raise awareness about one of the greatest human life losses in the 20th century.
The Ukrainian Foundation extends its gratitude to everyone who helped organize the Holodomor Remembrance event and to those who attended and shared their personal stories. The gathering served as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the Ukrainian people and the importance of commemorating those who suffered and perished during one of history’s darkest chapters. Participating in events like this helps unite our community and preserves our shared history.
We would also like to thank Father Volodymyr Yavorskyi and St. John the Baptist UOC in Portland for allowing us to use the church’s facilities to host this event.

Various activities were offered for visitors, depending on their age, hobbies and preferences. For those willing to try folk art, there were master classes on Petrykivka painting, weaving, pysanka’s painting, flower wreaths and traditional motanka dolls.

Technology fans could compete with a robot, developing a techno club, and visitors could also test their level in table tennis.

Festival partners from the Clackamas County Public Health Division and the Multnomah County Health Department spread the information about important preventive health programs, required school vaccinations and free health offices. At the same time, representatives from the Portland Parks & Recreation offered free tree plants.

In addition, at the event it was possible to get information about various programs and services from sponsors Ukrainian Federal Credit Union and Maidan Plaza. Consultations were provided for Ukrainians who came under the United For Ukraine program.

Visitors had a choice of many goodies and a rich musical program. The star of the event was People’s Artist of Ukraine Oksana Bilozir. Together with her, the guests of the event sang well-known authors and folk songs.

The Ukrainian Foundation is grateful to everyone who helped make this holiday unforgettable – our tireless volunteers, friends, partners and visitors!

The Independence Day of Ukraine in Oregon united the local community – people of different ages, genders, professions and experiences, but with the ONE belief in VICTORY!