In the Media: Family escaping war finds refuge, hope through Boston Catholic Charities program

In a recent Channel 5 ‘5 for Good’ story, Catholic Charities Boston’s Welcome Circle volunteers Jean Anderson, and her husband David Small, shared the transformative experience they had helping to resettle a Ukrainian family in need. As professional musicans and music teachers, Jean and her husband felt it was no coincidence when their paths crossed with Ruslan Ramaznov, a Ukrainian pianist who had fled the war in Ukraine with his wife and two children. Today, thanks to the support of Jean, David, and the other Welcome Circle members, Ruslan and his family are thriving here in Boston.

Marjean Perhot, Vice President of Refugee and Immigrant Services at Catholic Charities Boston, who oversees the Welcome Circles program, said the need to support refugees is greater than ever.

“There are 112.6 million people who are on the move right now looking for safety, and that number is higher than we have ever seen,” said Marjean.

For Jean and David, starting a Welcome Circle was nothing short of life-changing.

“There are so many people who I think might really find joy and meaning in doing a Welcome Circle,” said Jean. “It’s one of the best experiences we’ve had in our lives.”

Read the full Channel 5 story here.