Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Greensburg Hosts Ukrainian Newcomers

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The last day of July 2023 marked the first day that our community welcomed Ukrainian newcomers to Westmoreland County. Eight individuals will have traveled here by the end of the week, from all over the East Coast, seeking a safe place to live, work and worship.

Each family had to flee from the Russian invasion and try to start a new life in the United States. All of them are now seriously considering moving to Westmoreland County.

It will take several weeks to collect and translate their resumes, schedule more job interviews, find them housing and childcare and assist them with learning English. Please pray for these families that they continue to persevere and that they will eventually find comfort in Westmoreland County.

The day began with a prayer service, breakfast and meeting with Diocesan, community and business leaders. Our visitors discussed employment opportunities at area companies, and toured the community including Twin Lakes Park, Greensburg Central Catholic Junior-Senior High School, Arnold Palmer Regional Airport and downtown Greensburg. The Diocese, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Greensburg, the Economic Growth Connection and many area businesses including General Carbide Corporation have been collaborating for more than a year to launch this initiative, which fulfills our mission, in the spirit of Jesus Christ, to bring help, hope and healing to God’s people as the charitable, service and outreach arm of the Bishop and the Diocese of Greensburg.

We are showing Christ’s mercy to those displaced by the war, and also bolstering the workforce by providing a support network for Ukrainians looking to resettle here.

Representatives from General Carbide Corporation, Redstone Highlands Communities, TSI Titanium, Smail Auto Group, Re: Build Manufacturing, Kennametal Inc, Elizabeth Carbide Components, Saint Vincent College, Adelphoi, Rizzo’s Malabar Inn, Crabtree PA and DeLallo among others showcased more than 200 open positions between them to Ukrainian Newcomers via an informational Zoom earlier this month. We sincerely thank you!

The breakfast sponsors included Deacon Bill Hisker, Three Rivers Orthopedic and Spine Products, The Economic Growth Connection, Smail Auto Group, the Westmoreland Chamber of Commerce and Seton Hill University.

Thank you as well to the Archeparchy of Philadelphia and Fr. Oleh Seremchuck who assisted with translation services, as well as two students from Saint Vincent College.
Western Pennsylvania is home to the fourth largest Ukrainian population in the United States, after past waves of immigration totaling more than 40,000 people.

Efforts are now underway to build a bilingual caseworker program through Catholic Charities. If you are interested in assisting with this program or are considering making a donation, visit www.ccharitiesgreensburg.org to donate online.