March 20, 2026
UPDATE ON OUR WORK IN UKRAINE
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The situation in the Middle East has taken over. The war in Iran, Lebanon and the continuing
instability in the West Bank and Gaza Strip is consuming the world’s attention. It is also weakening
Ukraine indirectly. Sanctions are being lifted on Russia, weapons are being allocated to the Middle
East. Ukraine’s only strength in this is their defense industry, in particular drone technology, is now in
demand. This provides Ukraine with a negotiating position, potential income, but also the risk exists
that by supporting others, attention and resources will be diverted from Ukraine’s own war.
Russia has no interest in ending the war, coming to a ceasefire or negotiating an end to the war
without a full surrender of Ukraine, Ukrainian territory, all on Russia’s terms. Sadly, we do not see an
end to this war in the immediate future. We fear it will continue. Support from America is almost
nonexistent. The rare minerals deal has gone nowhere. The ability for European Union nations to
purchase military weapons from America on behalf of Ukraine will be heavily impacted by America’s
need for these very same weapons for their war with Iran.
Our Kyiv office and our coordinators continue their work under truly arduous conditions. They do this
through constant bombings, sirens, blackouts, and leaving their homes for shelters. Life is so easy
for us and unbearably difficult for them.
We are preparing the distribution of orphan stipends for the first half of 2026. The status of orphans
and coordinators continues to be in flux. We continue to communicate with most of our coordinators
and transfer funds to most of our orphans.
We continue to transfer money to Ukraine via Self Reliance Financial NY Federal Credit Union. Self
Reliance is now covering in full the cost of the money transfers. This is tremendous financial support
provided to us which we are extremely fortunate to have. We continue to be grateful to the dedicated
staff at Self Reliance.
Our policy continues to be not to turn down anyone who requests our assistance during this dire
situation in Ukraine. We help families and individuals who are destitute, who have lost their homes,
and who are overwhelmed with medical needs.
Only through the generosity of our benefactors, donors and sponsors, and the valor of our staff in
Ukraine, are we able to perform this work
Sincerely,
Victor Czartorysky
Chairman
Orphans’ Aid Society
OUR GRATITUDE TO SO MANY WHO DONATED
March 20, 2026
During this past Time of Giving, we wish to extend our gratitude to so many of you who donated generously to our cause and the support of orphans in Ukraine.
Some of you donate regularly throughout the year, others annually. Some of you, having the fortune ofworking for companies that match charitable donations, provide the documentation for your employers tomatch your gifts to OAS.
We have also received donations from the estates of deceased and continuing donations from trusts set up bythose who passed on. One such continuing donation from a trust is from a person who chose to remainanonymous. As we appreciate the donations from this person, we also are saddened that we will never knowthe identity of this generous soul.
Additionally, we receive donations from third-party charities and nonprofits, and from anonymous donors, who choose these venues, either as individuals or through their employment, to support us.
Lastly, we again thank the Wolodymyra and Stefan Slywotzky Family Trust for their true generosity as wethank all of you who remember us every year. Your support is crucial to our work, especially during these verydifficult times.
Sincerely,
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Board of Directors
Orphans’ Aid Society
Consider a Bequest to OAS in your Estate Planning
HELPING ORPHANS SINCE 1992
With over 25 years of experience, the Orphan's Aid Society (OAS) has been providing relief for the orphans of Ukraine, helping them gain independence and lead productive, fulfilled lives.
Learn more about the history of the organization and what we do.
Please reach out to us directly to inquire about orphans currently available for sponsorship.
Read about our various branches, programs, and sponsorship types.
Our Fallen Members
Lucy Lebedowicz – Board Member
Halyna Mohylnytzka – Coordinator for Odessa
Halyna Antonenko – Coordinator for Mykolayiv and Kherson
Nadia Holobyn – Coordinator for Ivanofrankivsk
Pavlina Kirienko – Coordinator for Brovary
“Never to be Forgotten”
in memoriam
MARIA JOWYK
May Her Memory Be Eternal.
Maria Jowyk founded Orphans Aid Society in 1992 to aid and support orphans in Ukraine. Over the years, through Maria Jowyk’s hard work, OAS grew into a grass roots organization throughout Ukraine. Thousands of orphans became recipients of Maria Jowyk’s love and care. They received monetary aid, clothing and support. Many finished higher education, became professionals, and went on to lead full, productive lives. As a result of Maria Jowyk’s dedication, persistence, and love for Ukraine, Orphans Aid Society thrives to this day, continuing her great legacy.
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Board of Directors
Orphans Aid Society
Maria Jowyk, OAS Founder