About Friends of Ukraine Refugees

The Friends of Ukraine Refugees (FoUR) is a charitable nonprofit organization based in Wenatchee, Washington. We help refugees escaping the war in Ukraine arrive and establish their lives in the Central Washington region.

Why We Started

On February 24, 2022, the Russian Federation launched a full-fledged war on Ukraine. To address the needs of Ukrainian refugees in Central Washington, volunteers formed Friends of Ukraine Refugees on May 11, 2022. 

By June 30, the organization was assisting 21 refugee families in Chelan, Douglas, and Grant counties. By the end of 2022, more than 50 families had settled in Central Washington. As the war continues, refugees continue to arrive. FoUR provides immediate support to families as we are able.

FoUR is Volunteer Driven

We are a group of community members, retirees, clergy, and professionals who formed a committee to help welcome Ukrainian refugees who have been relocated to North Central Washington after fleeing armed conflict in their country. 

We meet regularly in Wenatchee, Washington, and always welcome additional volunteers. Right now, we are working on securing housing for all the families and lining them up with immigration attorneys so they can get work visas and be on track to provide for their families. 

Board Members

  • Russ Speidel

    Russ Speidel

    President

  • Suzi Pitts

    Vice President & Volunteer Coordinator

  • Rev. Dr. Keith Madsen

    Rev. Dr. Keith Madsen

    Secretary

  • Dee Ann Gregg

    Treasurer

  • Rebecca Britt

    Rebecca Britt

    Recording Secretary

  • Maria Hansen

    Maria Hansen

    Board Member

  • Phil Gregg

    Board Member

  • Jerry Lisewych

    Jerry Lisewych

    Board Member

  • Former Board Members

    • Barbara Tilly

    • Jon Volyn

Our Impact

At our first event, more than 300 people attended and we raised $22,000 to help stabilize refugees from the war in Ukraine.

Since then, we’ve been able to help more than 50 Ukrainian refugee families as they settle here in Central Washington. Learn more about our impact by reading the Friends of Ukraine Refugees 2023 Annual Report.

Ukrainian refugees who have recently relocated to North Central Washington sing their national anthem at a benefit concert in May 2022.

Sponsors & Partners

There are many individuals and organizations sharing their time, talents, and goods to benefit our refugee friends. FoUR wishes to thank the following sponsors and partners for their support.

  • Speidel Bentson LLP

  • Chelan-Douglas Community Action Council

  • GladSong

  • Grace Lutheran Church, Wenatchee

  • Serve Wenatchee Valley

  • Slavic Baptist Church of East Wenatchee

  • First United Methodist Church of Wenatchee

  • My Girlfriend’s Closet (Women’s Service League of NCW)

  • Wenatchee Senior Center

  • Wenatchee YMCA

  • Cashmere Middle School Bike Repair Club

  • Faith Presbyterian Church, East Wenatchee

  • Cashmere Presbyterian Church

  • NCW Foundation for Youth (grant)

  • Wenatchee Confluence Rotary Foundation (grant)

  • Sunrise Rotary Club (grant)

  • Confluence Health & WVMG (grant)

  • Town Toyota Center (grant)

  • Community Foundation of NCW (grant)

And a special thanks to the many local citizens acting as liaisons and interpreters to help us communicate with refugee families. Thank you to all for your support!

How You Can Get Involved

Consider volunteering or donating to support Ukraine refugees in central Washington. Your contributions make a difference every day!