Who we are
We are a team of volunteers who were once newcomers to America. Each of us left Ukraine for different reasons and faced unique challenges, from finding an apartment to landing a first job, or filing taxes. We needed someone who understood what immigrants and refugees are going through and could lend a hand.
Though time has passed, the challenges newcomers face remain the same. When russia launched a full-scale war on February 24, 2022, many Ukrainians came to the United States. We have been helping them in many ways, but saw an opportunity to do more, that is how Hugspace was born.
Our mission is to help you navigate the rollercoaster of emotions with immediate, empathetic, and confidential support. Think of us as your emotional GPS, here to reroute you when life gets bumpy!
Why Hugspace?
Hugspace is a warm line, an academy, and a peer community created by Ukrainians for Ukrainians. We all need a safe space to talk and feel understood. While the U.S. programs for refugees exist, they often lack cultural support. That is why we created Hugspace — a space, where you can get a hug — physical or emotional. Studies confirm that hugs ease pain, anxiety, and depression.
Our peer navigators are fluent in Ukrainian, English, and Russian and are just a call away to support you through the resettlement journey. We also partner with certified trainers to teach stress management, meditation, and breathing exercises.
