TYLER, Texas — **EDITOR'S NOTE -- the video attached was produced in March 2022.
The Tyler Sister Cities organization is planning to transfer $25,000 to Jelenia Góra after collecting funds for the last two weeks.
On March 31, Tyler Deputy City Manager Stephanie Franklin spoke with Mayor Jerzy Łużniak of Jelenia Góra, Poland. The call took place over Zoom and was facilitated by the Tyler Sister Cities Liaison Mickey Slimp.
"We value our relationship and can't even imagine the crisis and concern," said Stephanie Franklin. "We will keep this in the forefront of our residents. Our community in Tyler is working to raise funds that will have an impact on what your City is doing to help the refugees and the people of Ukraine."
Currently, Jelenia Góra is assisting their sister city in Ukraine and providing aid and shelter to about 3,000 refugees. City officials said that the number could increase as upwards of 100,000 more refugees have arrived at the Polish border.
"600 refugess are hosted by the City," said Mayor Łużniak. "We are providing food and accommodations for them. Another 1,800 refugees are hosted by Jelenia Góra citizens in their homes. With the donations, we can continue to provide food, shelter and accommodations."
Mayor Łużniak said that the Ukrainians arriving in their city are from diverse backgrounds, but the language barrier and knowledge of Polish laws have made it difficult for professionals like lawyers and doctors to find employment. This led the city to start offering Polish language classes to refugees immediately upon arrival.
"Every dollar is valuable to help them overcome difficulties they are having with relocating to a new city," said Ukrainian Liaison Tetiana Kartseva. "When they are here and safe, they see the support. When we communicate with friends and family in Ukraine they use a "+" sign to indicate they are OK. Every time we communicate, I tell them the world is standing with us in real deeds, not just words."
All donations made to aid Ukraine through the Tyler Sister Cities will be wired directly to Jelenia Góra.