Houston-connected couple helps Ukrainian refugees in Poland

Since the beginning of the war, we know that more than 8 million Ukrainians have fled their country. Today, more than 1.5 million Ukrainians live in Poland.

For several years it was called the Sichow Educational Foundation. Now it houses cross border house, a shelter for Ukrainian refugees. It was founded by Paul Kenevich and April Poole. April was born and raised in Houston. Paul is Polish, connected to Houston.

“Amber and I retired in Scotland. I have worked for ExxonMobil for over 20 years. I was transferred to Scotland to take care of my mother in her dying years, ”explained Paul.

“My mother-in-law was born here, and her dying words were, ‘Don’t forget Voycha, please don’t forget Voycha,’” added Amber, Rose’s home in Poland, where she ran a refugee shelter before fleeing to Western Europe during World War II. War.

“It’s interesting how history repeats itself,” Paul chuckled sarcastically.

In 2015, Paul and Amber were given the opportunity to move to Sichow Duzy, Poland, to establish an educational institution, the Sichow Educational Foundation, their dream. The couple did this until February last year.

Paul and Amber were on a date on Valentine’s Day. Paul explained that the two were drinking beer when they faced a question that would soon become their future.

“Someone asked the question: “What are you going to do when the first batch of refugees arrives, because there will be a war?” And I said we would open our doors, which we did.”

Amber added, “At first it was just three or four, then by March 8th it was full, we had 40 people.”

Amber’s nephew, Jordan Poole from Houston, moved from Texas to Poland to help run the orphanage. Jordan, a former HVAC Technician, contributes when and where he can. He said the sense of community is strong and that’s what makes the orphanage a special place.

Lyubov from Kyiv. She is the oldest refugee living at The Cross Border House. She came to Poland with her grandson last March. Her daughter and son-in-law remained to fight in the Ukrainian army.

“She wants peace, love and happiness. And she has hope that it will end soon.”

Maria, also known as Masha, another Ukrainian refugee living in the house, translated Lyubova from Ukrainian into English. Maria is only 16 years old.

“I lived in Kharkov.” Her school was bombed. “Yes, I (feared). I got up at 5 am, and very quickly, we got the most important thing.”

Maria speaks five languages. Ukrainian, Russian, English, Polish and French. She is currently attending an online school but hopes to go to college in Poland next year. She wants to return to face-to-face teaching. Mary has her own YouTube channelwhere she produces music and short films.

“This house means safety, we are all safe here, food, a place to sleep, warmth, and we all have each other to talk and communicate with. We are not alone here,” Maria explained.

“The idea is to help them get on with their lives… We want to help them start their own businesses,” Paul explained, adding that the couple needs help from their Houston community. “We have significant needs right now because we are struggling to pay our winter heating bills and make it to July before the school year, but we would like to keep attending classes, but it depends on the level of donations we receive.”

Paul and Amber applied for grants. They hope to raise enough funds to continue working as long as possible, but at least until the end of the school year for children, which is in July.

Exactly one year ago, the Border House opened its doors to the first Ukrainian refugee. Now 40 Ukrainians live here.