KSB Employees Part of Team Helping Ukrainian Family
Dixon is welcoming its first of two families relocating from war-torn Ukraine this Thanksgiving Week. Former KSB Board Chair, the Honorable Doug Lee, has led an effort to match Dixon with Ukrainians that desired to start new lives in the United States. A team of KSB employees and fellow Dixonites have been securing housing, furniture, funding, food, and everyday items many of us might take for granted.
The trip from the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv to Dixon is over 5,100 miles. Even in the best of circumstances, that is quite the journey for a family with a 7-year-old girl and 3-year-old twin boys. While the efforts of KSB employees and all involved have been sizable, more is still needed to help with the families’ initial living expenses as they get settled. If you’d like to donate, you can use this link or visit any Midland States Bank or Sauk Valley Bank location in person to do so: https://app.autobooks.co/pay/welcoming-ukrainians-to-dixon
In addition to Doug Lee, KSB CEO Dave Schreiner has led the Housing and Basic Necessities Team, Chief of Staff Nancy Varga has led the Finance & Employment Team, and Director of Patient Advocate Andrea Cook has led the Benefits & Healthcare Team. Marketing Coordinator Megan White has lent her support to the group by helping launch a social media presence and Medical Staff Coordinator Sarah Vogeler has been an asset in keeping track of donations and checklists. Other community members support the following:
- Stephani Chandler – Employment Focus
- Mary Oros & Amber Schmidt – Welcome and Orientation to the area
- Margo Empen – Education and Language support
Director of Inpatient Services Ermir Ramadani also joined the team, lending his support and connecting Crest Foods with the group. This effort hits close to home for Ermir, who has first-hand experience fleeing a war-torn country and relocating to the Sauk Valley. As a four-year-old, Ermir’s family fled Kosovo, traveling more than 150 miles by foot to begin the journey.
Stay up to date on their journey on Facebook at Welcoming Ukrainians to Dixon | Facebook
