Oleksandr & Katharine: A Journey of Resilience & Friendship
“What if, when you look at another human being, rather than thinking about all the differences between you and them, you remember how much you have in common? You could say and do things to reduce fear and anxiety, to encourage and uplift. If you can do this, you will certainly learn something, and your happiness will increase. You might even make a new friend.” – Katharine
Over the last couple of months, the conversation around refugees and those with protected immigrant statuses has shifted dramatically, bringing uncertainty for many. But one thing remains unchanged: the resilience, strength, and inspiring stories of refugees. In the face of evolving policies and rhetoric, their journeys remind us of the courage and hope that define the refugee experience.
One such story is that of Oleksandr and his family.
Life Left Behind
Oleksandr and his family are from Kyiv, Ukraine—”one of the most beautiful and ancient cities in Europe,” as he describes it. Before Russia’s invasion forced them to flee, he and his wife, Viktoriia, built a life they loved. They had just moved into a new apartment with a stunning city view. They were thriving in their careers—Oleksandr as a theater director, artist, and teacher, and Viktoriia as a leading editor in advertising and publishing. Their children were also flourishing, with their teenage son pursuing his passion for football and their grown daughter beginning her career as a theater and cinema actress.
Tragically, the beautiful life they had built together came to an abrupt halt when war broke out. As they searched for a safe place to go, they learned about a special U.S. program for Ukrainian refugees. After gathering the necessary documents and securing a U.S. sponsor to support their travel, they waited for approval to enter the United States. However, when they sought to leave, many adult men in Ukraine were restricted from traveling due to emergency conscription for men between the ages of 25 and 60. When their application was finally approved, it came with heartbreaking news—Oleksandr would have to stay behind, separated from his family.
After 10 long months, Oleksandr was finally able to be reunited with Viktoriia and his children.
“When I flew from Chicago to Memphis, my wife, children, and a whole group of American friends met me right in the airport hall,” Oleksandr recalled. “They were holding a Ukrainian flag, flowers, and posters that said: ‘Welcome to the United States!’ It was amazing!”
Now reunited, Oleksandr and his family faced a new challenge—rebuilding their lives in a foreign country. But thankfully, they wouldn’t have to do it alone.
New Hope with World Relief
Immigrants face many challenges when they leave their home country, but for refugees, the journey is even more daunting. Forced to flee, they often arrive in a foreign country with no connections, shared language, or clear path forward. They leave behind not just their homes but their friends, family, careers, and passions. How do you begin to rebuild a life from that?
“When I flew from Chicago to Memphis, my wife, children, and a whole group of American friends met me right in the airport hall. They were holding a Ukrainian flag, flowers, and posters that said: ‘Welcome to the United States!’ It was amazing!”
Oleksandr
For Viktoriia and her children, that question began to find answers through World Relief Memphis. While Oleksandr remained in Ukraine, waiting for permission to reunite with them, Viktoriia connected with World Relief and began navigating the first steps of rebuilding.
With the support of their caseworker, Iryna, they secured housing, found work, and enrolled in school and ESL classes. When Oleksandr was finally able to join them, he, too, found a job and began English courses at World Relief’s Connect Language Center. Together, they were no longer just surviving—they were taking the first steps toward thriving in their new home.
After settling into a routine in their new life, Oleksandr knew that if he wanted to deepen his connections here and continue his career as an artist, he would need to progress his English skills. He longed to create again and connect with the arts community in Memphis. He realized he needed help making those connections and shared his goal with Iryna. Before long, she paired his family with Conversation Partner Volunteer Katharine.
An Unexpected Friendship
Katharine has always been drawn to immigrant stories and the richness of other cultures. Having begun volunteer work with Ukrainians in 2022, she was eager to find more ways to support those who had fled the war. One day, after reading a local article about Ukrainians in Memphis that mentioned World Relief, she immediately signed up to volunteer. Katharine shared her experience working with the Ukrainian community during her onboarding, which led her to connect with Iryna. Recognizing a perfect fit, Iryna suggested she meet with Oleksandr as a Conversation Partner. This role would not only help him practice his English but also introduce him to American life and the Memphis community.
Through Iryna’s connection, Katharine set up a meeting with Oleksandr. From the first meeting, they knew they would be great friends. With the help of interpretation from Oleksandr’s daughter Daria, Katharine learned about his interests and experience with art and theater. In that first meeting, Katharine asked if Oleksandr would teach her one of his stage exercises to break the ice. “He tried to teach me how to project my voice correctly. I failed miserably. But we had fun trying!” She shared how their laughter could be heard so far down the halls at the World Relief Memphis office that a few people even peeked in the door to see what was happening!
After this bonding first meeting, Katharine and Oleksandr quickly became true friends. They talked through the hard questions of what it means to protect your family in the city, the practical ones like how health care in the U.S. works as well as what the art scene is like in Memphis. The arts quickly became their most common topic of conversation, especially after Oleksandr showed Katharine photos of the artwork he had had to leave in Kyiv. Katharine liked one of the paintings so much that she asked if she could commission something similar, Oleksandr agreed. “We went to the art supply store, and now the first painting he created in the U.S. is in my home. And I have accidentally become a collector of Oleksandr’s art because he keeps painting things I love.”
Sharing Art with the World
Inspired by visiting the colorful murals and the art museums in Memphis with Katharine, Oleksandr’s passion for connecting with the art community was sparked further. Using the little connections she had with friends in the art world, Oleksandr was able to become a member of the Bartlett Artist Association. Over the Winter holidays, Oleksandr was featured in his first art gallery in the U.S., the WKNO Gallery. He could hardly describe his emotions when he found out his art would be displayed.
“I was completely overcome with emotional joy and inspiration! I suddenly felt that some new, interesting, amazing, exciting American period was beginning in my artistic work!”
Since Katharine’s first commission, Oleksandr hasn’t stopped painting. He has transformed a space into an art studio in his home, dedicating every spare moment to creating and experimenting with new styles and techniques. Katharine has been amazed by his relentless creativity and artistic range.
“In the past several months, he has explored six or seven completely different styles of art. And what’s astonishing is that he masters them all. The quality of his work, no matter the style, is incredible. Honestly, he blows me away.”
With his family’s and Katharine’s unwavering support, Oleksandr has fully embraced this new chapter. In just over a year, he has completed more than 30 paintings, showcased his work at the WKNO Gallery, secured an exhibition at St. Francis Hospital, has 5 new works accepted for an exhibit at Memphis Art Salon, and has sold five pieces to private collectors—all while balancing a full-time job to support his family.
Looking to the Future
In their short time in the U.S., Oleksandr and his family have already achieved so much. He and his wife, Viktoriia, are employed and pursuing their passions. Their son is thriving in high school and making his mark on the soccer team. Their daughter is already continuing her acting and dancing career in New York City. Yet, Oleksandr still has dreams he hopes to fulfill. He envisions opening his own art studio to mentor and inspire young artists, giving back to the community that has embraced him. And one day, he dreams of showcasing his work in his favorite gallery in the city—the Dixon. Katharine has no doubt that he will get there. “He has the talent, the vision, and the perseverance. I believe in his art, and I believe in him.”
A Life-Changing Connection
For Katharine, forming a friendship with Oleksandr has been a profoundly eye-opening experience. Witnessing his journey firsthand has given her a greater understanding of the refugee experience—one that is shaped by immense loss but also by remarkable resilience. “The effort needed to create a new life in a new place is astounding,” she reflects. “It is humbling to witness.” Despite the challenges of adapting to a new country, Oleksandr continues to create and inspire.
Katharine hopes that Oleksandr’s story will encourage others to step forward and support refugees in whatever way they can. “There are an almost infinite number of ways to help others,” she says. “If you think you’d like to work with refugees, I heartily recommend making a connection with World Relief. Even just an hour a week can make a difference.”
“There are an almost infinite number of ways to help others. If you think you’d like to work with refugees, I heartily recommend making a connection with World Relief. Even just an hour a week can make a difference.”
Katharine
As she looks to the future, Katharine remains committed to supporting Oleksandr in any way she can. Above all, Katharine hopes to see her community continue to grow in its warmth and welcome for newcomers. “What if, when you look at another human being, rather than thinking about all the differences between you and them, you remember how much you have in common?” she asks. “You could say and do things to reduce fear and anxiety, to encourage and uplift. If you can do this, you will certainly learn something, and your happiness will increase. You might even make a new friend.”
What started as an effort to help a refugee family has turned into a true friendship that has enriched both of their lives in ways they never expected.
Right now, as funding for humanitarian programs is diminishing, families like Oleksandr and Viktoriia’s need your support. You can make a difference when you stand in the gaps with us in these four ways:
Give to provide families with case management services to navigate the job market, healthcare needs, and the American school system.
Advocate to share your support for refugees and other immigrants by calling and emailing your representatives to support robust and compassionate immigration policy reform.
Pray for our newest neighbors in this time of uncertainty, those no longer able to travel and reunite with family, and our new government leaders as they make decisions impacting resettlement and other humanitarian programs.
Serve like Katharine and get connected with your immigrant neighbors as a Cultural Companion, Good Neighbor Team, Career Mentor, Youth Mentor, and more!
Writer: Kara Spencer
Communications Coordinator at World Relief Memphis, a graduate of Harding University, & proud Memphis native.
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