In Rocklin, more than 500 representatives of the Ukrainian community of Northern California took part in another “Ukrainian Kolo” gathering. The event brought together Ukrainian families who were forced to move to the United States because of the war, offering opportunities for communication, access to important information, family activities, and the development of youth leadership.
This was reported Ukrainian American House.
This year’s “Ukrainian Kolo” became one of the largest community events of the region’s Ukrainian community. The organizers noted that the main goal of the gathering was to strengthen mutual support among Ukrainians, provide practical assistance to newly arrived displaced persons, and create opportunities for the development of the younger generation.
One of the key events of the evening was the recognition of participants in the Youth Engagement for Success (YES) program. Over the course of several months, young Ukrainians worked on developing leadership skills, learned about educational and professional opportunities in the United States, and took part in trainings and community initiatives.
The organizers emphasized that the program is designed to help young Ukrainians build future careers, broaden their worldview, and become active leaders in their community.
A special guest of the event was Consul General of Ukraine in San Francisco Dmytro Kushneruk, who held an open meeting with the community. Together with the chairman of Ukrainian American House and CEO of USKO, Vlad Scots, he answered numerous questions from Ukrainians.
During the meeting, participants discussed the most pressing issues currently faced by Ukrainian families in the United States, including the issuance and exchange of Ukrainian passports, consular services, document processing, family and legal matters, and other administrative procedures important for Ukrainians living abroad.
Participants had the opportunity to ask their questions directly to a representative of the Ukrainian diplomatic institution and receive practical explanations.
At the same time, a separate festive program was held for children and teenagers. Ahead of Father’s Day, young participants made handmade gifts for their fathers, took part in creative activities, and joined family workshops. Guests were also treated to traditional Ukrainian dishes, with Ukrainian borscht holding a special place among them.
One of the popular parts of the event was a charity prize drawing. The prizes included televisions, computers, tablets, Jet Skis, and other valuable gifts provided by Ukrainian American House, partners, and sponsors of the event.
The organizers expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to holding “Ukrainian Kolo.” Special thanks were extended to Consul General of Ukraine in San Francisco Dmytro Kushneruk, Ukrainian American House chairman Vlad Scots, Ukrainian Federal Credit Union, partners and sponsors of the event, the Ukrainian Kolo volunteer team, the pastors and community of Resurrection Church, musician Oleh Karpiuk, and Ukrainian media and community initiatives in Northern California that helped spread information about the event.
Ukrainian American House noted that such gatherings have become an important platform for the integration of Ukrainians who arrived in the United States after the beginning of the full-scale war, as well as for the development of strong horizontal ties within the community.
Photo: Svitlana Iotko
Author: Inna Mikhno