Our Mission
Empowering Ukraine’s future by supporting young women who have stayed in their homeland during the darkest times, helping them grow as leaders, volunteers, and changemakers to rebuild their communities and preserve their identity.
Our Values
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Bias for Action
We refuse to stand by and simply watch. Instead, we act decisively, adapting swiftly to meet the challenges of the moment.
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Staying Human
We work on the ground, connecting face-to-face with those we serve, treating them with dignity, respect, and cultural sensitivity.
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Empowerment
We honor individual freedom by providing direct financial aid, and empowering refugees to take control of their own lives and decisions.
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Community
We unite volunteers, donors, and refugees to create a collective force for good, building something greater than ourselves.
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Independence
While we collaborate with other organizations, our unwavering loyalty is to the people we help and the community we build together.
Our Story
It began in February 2022, when Natasha and Semyon Dukach of Boston, MA, saw an urgent need to help those fleeing the war in Ukraine. Using $7,000 of their own funds, they travelled to Romania and distributed direct cash aid to families crossing the border on foot. This simple act of compassion grew into Cash for Refugees, a grassroots organization that provided direct financial assistance to displaced Ukrainians. Over the course of 2.5 years, with 27 aid trips and countless shifts on the ground, the organization offered immediate relief to thousands.
But as the war continued, we recognized the need for a more sustainable approach to support Ukraine’s resilience. From this understanding, See Forward Ukraine was born—a new initiative built on the lessons of Cash for Refugees. This program shifts the focus to empowering the next generation of Ukrainians, particularly young women who stayed in the country amidst unimaginable challenges.
These women are not only enduring the war but volunteering tirelessly to rebuild their communities and preserve their heritage. By providing them with leadership training, mentorship, and educational opportunities, See Forward Ukraine helps these changemakers rise to the challenge of shaping Ukraine’s future.
We believe that empowering local leaders is the key to sustainable resistance and long-term recovery. Our mission has evolved, but our commitment remains steadfast: to stand with Ukraine and its people every step of the way.
