The United Ukrainian American Relief Committee (UUARC) is a Philadelphia-based nonprofit that has delivered humanitarian aid to Ukrainians since 1944. Ukrainians helping Ukrainians. Here is how it grew, from neighbors assisting displaced families to a global network of support.
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Our work began during World War II, providing assistance to Ukrainians displaced by war and living in refugee camps across Europe. In the years that followed, UUARC helped more than 70,000 Ukrainian refugees resettle in the United States, giving families the opportunity to rebuild their lives and establish new beginnings.
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, our mission expanded to support Ukrainian refugees from Poland and other Eastern European countries. By the 1970s and 1980s, UUARC was also helping Ukrainian communities in Yugoslavia and South America, with particular emphasis on schools, orphanages, and educational opportunities.
In 1985, UUARC established a self-sustaining microloan program in Brazil, empowering families and communities to build economic independence. Since its inception, the program has provided more than $1 million in loans, demonstrating our commitment to creating lasting opportunities rather than temporary solutions.
Ukrainian Americans in Philadelphia come together to help families displaced by World War II. A local act of compassion becomes an enduring mission.
More than 70,000 Ukrainian refugees resettle in the United States.
Support grows for Ukrainian refugees from Poland and other Eastern European countries.
Schools, orphanages, and educational opportunity for Ukrainian communities in Yugoslavia and South America.
A self-sustaining microloan program in Brazil builds economic independence, with more than $1 million in loans to date.
Following Ukraine's independence in 1991, UUARC responded to the economic and social challenges facing a newly independent nation. As Ukraine transitioned away from the Soviet system, many families experienced poverty, weakened social services, and limited access to essential care.
UUARC expanded its humanitarian programs to support orphanages, schools, hospitals, children with disabilities, and vulnerable elderly populations. Initiatives included a USAID-funded grant program for children with disabilities, ambulance and medical equipment donations, the Adopt-a-Grandparent program, and numerous community assistance projects.
Throughout these decades, our Assistance Committee continued providing direct support to thousands of individuals and families facing hardship.
With Ukraine's independence, UUARC expands support for orphanages, schools, hospitals, children with disabilities, and vulnerable older adults. The Assistance Committee begins direct help to people facing hardship.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2014, followed by the full-scale invasion in 2022, brought extraordinary new challenges to the Ukrainian people. Once again, UUARC answered the call, mobilizing humanitarian aid, medical supplies, emergency assistance, and community support for those affected by war.
For more than eight decades, our mission has endured through wars, displacement, independence, and rebuilding. What began as a commitment to helping fellow Ukrainians has grown into a lasting legacy of compassion, resilience, and service.
Today, we are preparing for the next chapter. UUARC is embracing a new generation of supporters, volunteers, creative thinkers, and community partners, modernizing how we connect with people, share our stories, raise funds, and deliver humanitarian assistance. Our work is far from finished, and we remain committed to standing alongside the people of Ukraine.
Russia's invasion brings a new emergency. UUARC answers with medical supplies, emergency aid, and sponsorship for wounded soldiers and their families.
Generations of volunteers and supporters gather in Jenkintown to celebrate a mission sustained by community.
Following Russia's full-scale invasion, volunteers and donors mobilize once more to send medical equipment, supplies, and relief to Ukrainians in need. See the impact.
New ideas. New partnerships. New generations of giving.
Two leaders and three community organizations joined forces in 1944 to build what became UUARC.
Founder and longtime leader of UUARC.
Led the Detroit committee that merged with UUARC in 1944.
A founding organization.
A founding organization.
A founding organization.
For over 80 years, UUARC has brought people together to make a difference. With your support, we will continue that mission for generations to come.
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