Mentor Family Network Organization

The Mentor Family Network Organization (MFNO) was formed to fill the gap of managed temporary housing and placement support for Ukrainians looking to come to Canada. In the beginning first arrivals were taken to the house provided with food clothing and support for getting identification as well as official appointments. The families were supported through registration for school job searching and arranging medical appointments. MFNO was able to provide additional support to a family with what was needed for their autistic child. Most newcomers have little or no English and MFNO connects newcomers with different service organizations arranges appointments provides transportation and translation support. Some newcomers are in need of urgent medical and dental care and these priority situations are addressed immediately. Since the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET) program started we had more newcomers but they didn’t have place to go after two weeks temporary hotel provided from government. The directors of MFNO bought a house independent of the charity for ongoing use to help newcomers first few months until jobs and financial stability could enable the family to become independent. Our reputation has spread internationally and people are contacting MFNO from abroad to confirm that they’ll not be alone in new country and have support. Many reporting that they wouldn’t make this big step in their life not knowing if they would be welcomed in Canada. For many months it was a typical story - single mom with two boys left their bombed out home in Ukraine then waited in Poland for a Visa to Canada. Kids didn’t have the proper winter boots or clothes and the hotel didn’t provide food. Finally upon arriving in Canada MFNO helped register the kids in school and found job for mom and secured before and after school program for boys. The school boys received donated laptops printer and lots of school supplies. MFNO spends considerable