TOLEDO, Ohio — It's been 600 days since Ukraine was invaded by Russia and since then thousands of families have been displaced. For the refugees stepping foot on new soil, the experience can be emotional.
Many of the refugee families have taken a trip that can take over 24 hours from bus to train to plane.
Once they arrive in the United States, refugees like the Melnyk family say they are grateful for their safety but still fearful for the loved ones they leave behind.
It took eight months for Volodymyr Melnyk and his family to get a sponsor for refugee status, but after a lot of patience, the family of four is finally in America.
"I'm happy to be here with my family in a safe place," Melnyk said.
Melnyk said his family had to flee because Ukraine is now a complete war zone.
"The Ukraine is now not safe. In all territories, Ukrainians are unsafe," Melnyk said. "The air bombs are falling everywhere."
Now, the 39-year-old father along with his wife, Olena, and his children, 13-year-old Artem and 18-year-old Karina, will look for jobs and build new lives in Toledo.
They say they are grateful to the many organizations that have got them this far.
One of those organizations is Toledo Helps Ukraine, which has helped bring 18 families to safety in the U.S.
"It means the whole world to us. My family has been fighting along with Ukraine against these bullies (Russia) for 600 days," Alona Matchenko, co-founder of Toledo Helps Ukraine, said. "Today is the 600th day since Ukraine entered this war."
Melnyk will be looking to continue his work as a mechanic. His wife would like to continue teaching students with special needs, his daughter has an associate's degree in pharmaceutical science and plans to continue her education, and his son is excited to finish the eighth grade.
The next goal for the organization is to educate Americans on what continues to take place in Ukraine.
"Nov. 11, please join our event at the indoor theater in Maumee we will be showing a movie from 6 to 9 p.m., '20 Days in Mariupol,' a movie about Ukraine," Matchenko said. "It's a wonderful opportunity for you guys to see what's actually happening."
People fleeing the war in Ukraine can seek refuge in the United States on a temporary basis known as humanitarian parole, with the support of a sponsor in the United States.
Toledo Helps Ukraine is still in need of sponsors. For more information on how to sponsor a family, visit Toledo Helps Ukraine's website at this link.