Yuliia S. is a caring mother from Ukraine. When war broke out in her country, she fled with her husband and two children. They left behind everything they knew—home, jobs, friends, and family. Starting over in a new country with little money and no clear plan felt very hard.
The first few months in the U.S. were especially tough. The family didn’t speak much English and didn’t understand how things worked in their new home. They struggled to find housing, enroll the kids in school, and handle everyday tasks. Without a local support system, even small things felt overwhelming.
During this difficult time, Yuliia turned to JEVS for help. She explained her situation and asked for support. The JEVS team helped her enroll her daughter in school, apply for public benefits, and get important documents.
With those first steps complete, Yuliia began searching for a job. She had worked as a teacher assistant before, but not having a driver’s license made getting to job interviews harder. Thankfully, JEVS connected her with the Driven2Drive program. With their help, she earned her license, which gave her more freedom and better job options.
At first, Yuliia didn’t believe she could find a job in her field. She thought she might only find cleaning work. But the JEVS team believed in her and searched for jobs that matched her skills. They found a teacher assistant position at a local daycare and helped her get an interview. Yuliia got the job!
She felt thrilled to accept the position. Now, she works in a job she enjoys and does well in. She feels thankful for the support from JEVS and excited about what’s ahead.
Yuliia’s story shows how strong people can be when starting over—and how the right support can change a life. Today, she continues to grow and inspires others who face similar challenges.