Since Russia invaded Ukraine in early 2022, thousands of Ukrainians have sought safety and security in the United States. The Foundation’s Ukrainian Legal Services Grant Program is helping to meet the unique civil legal needs of Ukrainians seeking a new life in Ohio.

After a terrifying escape from Mariupol, Ukraine, during the Russian occupation, Klara Bzovsky* and her children sought a safe relocation to Ohio under the Uniting for Ukraine program. Ms. Bzovsky was eager to escape not only the war but her abusive ex-husband, who was physically and psychologically abusive to her and her children.

In partnership with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, the Foundation recognized that Ukrainians like Ms. Bzovsky would require legal assistance to establish stability in the United States. With support from the Foundation’s Ukrainian Legal Services Grant Program, a Foundation grantee helped Ms. Bzovsky apply for and obtain Temporary Protected Status and extend her parole status so that she could work. The grantee is also helping Ms. Bzovsky apply for asylum through the affirmative asylum process.

Since the Ukrainian Legal Services Grant Program began in late 2023, Foundation grantees, including Ohio’s legal aids and other nonprofit civil legal service providers, have helped more than 3,000 Ukrainians like Ms. Bzovsky. The Foundation has worked closely with grantees to improve services to arriving Ukrainians, offering a continuing legal education course in February to help nonprofit lawyers grow their skill set.

The Ukrainian Legal Services Grant Program has been so successful that the State of Ohio extended it into 2026, ensuring that Ukrainians will continue to have access to essential civil legal services to secure long-term stability.

“This grant program has been a true partnership,” said Angie Lloyd, the Foundation’s executive director. “So many organizations have come together to help arriving Ukrainians, and with the State of Ohio generously continuing the program, we’ll be able to expand this life-changing, critical work.”

As for Ms. Bzovsky, she and her children are thriving in their new home. Safe from the war and her ex-husband’s abuse, Ms. Bzovsky is learning English. She loves her new job at a local bakery, and her children are excelling in school. For the first time in a long time, her future is bright.

*Name and photo have been changed to protect client privacy.

The Ohio Access to Justice Foundation is the largest funder of civil legal services in Ohio. A gift to the Foundation supports legal aid’s work.