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НАШЕ ЖИТТЯ • Січень-Лютий 2025 13 women were my age, came to the U.S. at about the same time, stayed in the NE Philly area, and started activities for oth - er women. They opened dance schools, held Sip and Paint events, planned trips around the U.S. and to theaters, formed choirs and book clubs, you name it. So, I joined them. There was one caveat: so as to be open to all post-Soviet Union immigrants, the activities were most - ly russian-speaking. When I asked why none of these Ukrainian women were members of the UNWLA, it turned out that none of them knew what it was, even though one of them lived only half a mile from its svitlytsia . After the russian invasion, I started gathering aid at my house and at my wedding photographer’s apartment complex. When I could no longer af - ford to ship the supplies to Ukraine, I started driving them to the Ukrain - ian Center in Jenkintown, where the UNWLA was leading its humanitar - ian efforts. This is where I was finally able to join my branch. I felt welcomed from the very first meeting, and the dream that I had given up on finally came true. I found myself once again surrounded by strong, powerful, smart women. We started working through various options to promote Ukrainian heritage and aid those in need. It felt like home, and as if I had known these women forever. They were so open and welcoming that joining the branch was effortless and exciting. It also felt like we were growing continuously; we went from just a few to 17 members. We worked together, bonded, stayed at each other’s houses until late at night preparing for events, met each other’s families. During times of constant work and no play, we realized that our members were giving so much of themselves that they were starting to burn out. Our solution was “Branch 10 Retreats.” We would go away for a weekend, get to know each other, and build not only volunteer relationships but also true friendships. We have supported each other when any of us was going through a personal experience, whether medical, tragic, or happy. We cared about each other and broke many stereotypes and poor jokes about women's friendships. We were united, strong, and together. We continue to celebrate each other’s achievements as our own; we stop what we are doing when our help is needed. We encourage each other and complain and brag to each other without fear of being judged or envied. I cannot share the experiences of others, but I can share one of my own. I recently had a baby, and I was surrounded by an amazing support system of my family, my friends, and my Soyu - zianky. I consider myself extremely fortunate. During a very long and difficult delivery, guess who I was texting from the hospital room? That’s right, my Soyuzianky. Now, imagine the power of baby hand-me-downs from 10+ moms, followed by an amazing baby shower — we were left needing pretty much nothing for the baby. My posestry supported me on those long nights with an infant and even responded to my midnight mes - sages, “Is this normal?” Their visits started at the hospital and continued for months afterwards. They drove for an hour to watch the baby because I couldn’t walk, brought meals, and watched the baby while I slept or showered. They even came to be with me when I said, “Tomorrow is my first day home alone with the baby, and I’m scared.” They showered my son with such love that you would think I have many sisters. And I am not talking about one or two Soyuzianky — I am talking about the entire branch pretty much developing a schedule to support me with my child. It was a project! Branch 10 members, fall 2024. Continues on page 19 The Halvorsen family — Dan, Luka, and Solomiia — on Vyshyvanka Day, May 2024.
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