Today, we are all Ukrainians.
The lives of millions of people are being turned upside down by Putin’s decision to send the Russian military to invade Ukraine. The courage of the Ukrainian people in standing up against that military this unprovoked aggression is inspirational.
We see Western leaders as well as common citizens standing up to provide military and non-military aid in significant amounts. We see leaders from three Western countries even travel to Kyiv to meet President Zelensky despite continuing Russian artillery attacks and bombardments in a show of solidarity with Ukraine.
Many of us want to help and many have already done so through established organizations like UNICEF, Doctors Without Borders, Save the Children and many others. There are, of course, always those who will take advantage of crises to siphon off donations for themselves. It can be difficult or impossible for us as individuals to identify the honest help channels from the heartfelt-sounding scams.
That is the mission of Ukrainian Assistance, Inc. We are a newly-formed non-profit corporation established by three friends, Ukrainian-born classical musician Andre Dyachenko, Venezuelan-born classical musician Yennifer Correia and Houston lawyer Phil MacNaughton and supported by many others. We will accept donations from those who want to help the Ukrainian nation and people and we will transfer those donations to local Ukrainian organizations and volunteers on the ground whom we have determined are converting donations into actual assistance to Ukraine and to its people.
Who we are
Yennifer
Venezuelan violinist, Yennifer Correia enjoys a versatile career as an orchestral musician, educator, and chamber musician. Having performed worldwide across North America, South America and Europe, she has appeared on stages including the Lincoln Center, Teatro Teresa Carreño, and most recently at Carnegie Hall in a tribute to Philip Glass.
Andre
Andre Dyachenko currently serves as the principal clarinetist with Memphis Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Dyachenko has performed as a member Minnesota Orchestra, Houston Symphony, Houston Grand Opera and as a guest principal with Seattle Symphony Orchestra and Arkansas Symphony Orchestra.
Phil
Phil MacNaughton is a general practice attorney in Houston, Texas representing international and domestic business entities, non-profit organizations and individuals in many industries. He has served on the boards of several nonprofits and has hosted many international students.
Our priorities: First, to get resources inside Ukraine. Clothing. Travel costs. Food. Medical supplies. Non-lethal military equipment such as bullet-proof vests, helmets, and radios. Second, to assist Ukrainians leaving their homes in Ukraine.
Andre is fluent in Ukrainian and Russian, as well as English. Having grown up in Kharkiv, he can reach out to friends in establishing and checking on-the-ground needs for assistance.
We will partner with established organizations and volunteers on the ground without any middlemen who might potentially have conflicting interests.