All across the U.S., small Ukrainian community organizations are having a big impact—uniting people, mobilizing support, and keeping Ukraine in the public eye. What often begins with a cultural gathering or peaceful rally often grows into a powerful force for advocacy and aid.
In this article, we spotlight one such organization: the Ukrainian Association of Florida (UA Florida). Co-founded by Dmytro and Natalka Bozhko (shown below) in April 2022, UA Florida has become a hub for humanitarian efforts, cultural exchange, and outreach that bridges continents. From South Florida to the heart of Ukraine, their work is making a real impact. We’re honored to share their story and recognize the team (shown above) making a difference—and to highlight how you can support their vital, far-reaching initiatives.
Where Purpose Meets Action: UA Florida’s Areas of Impact
UA Florida, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is guided by several key focus areas—each one reflecting a deep commitment to meeting the evolving needs of Ukrainians at home and abroad:
- Advocacy & Community Outreach – Raising awareness about the war in Ukraine and the challenges faced by Ukrainian refugees: UA Florida organizes peaceful rallies, builds strategic partnerships with interfaith and civic organizations, and works to influence public support and U.S. policy, including formal recognition of Ukraine’s Independence Day in Florida.
- Cultural Exchange, Community Engagement & Empowerment – Promoting Ukrainian culture through festivals, art, music, and film: From the “Independence 4 Ukraine” festival to art exhibitions, pysanky painting workshops, and Ukrainian film screenings, UA Florida strengthens ties between Ukrainian and American communities while preserving Ukraine’s rich cultural heritage.
- Assistance & Support to Ukrainian Children in Need – Providing direct aid and trauma relief for children affected by war: This includes partnerships with programs such as “Angels” and “Heroes of Light” to deliver financial support, enrichment activities, and psychological help to children who have lost loved ones or endured hardship due to the invasion.
- Medical Aid & Emergency Relief: UA Florida helps to organize and fund shipments of lifesaving medical equipment and supplies to hospitals in Ukraine.
From cultural celebrations to psychosocial outreach, and from advocacy on Capitol Hill to aid deliveries in war zones, these focus areas reflect UA Florida’s holistic approach—combining compassion with action.
The sections that follow highlight some of UA Florida’s impactful initiatives.
Shown above UA Florida’s Ukrainian Easter Eggs Pysanka Workshop, held in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
Leave No Mind Behind: Mental Health Support in a Time of War
One of UA Florida’s most meaningful initiatives is Leave No Mind Behind—a program that brings trauma-informed mental health support to communities across Ukraine.
Recognizing the critical shortage of trained mental health professionals, the initiative promotes self-efficacy group therapy models designed to work at the neighborhood level. The trauma of war has touched every region and every generation in Ukraine. This program meets people where they are, fostering healing and resilience from the ground up.
UA Florida co-founded this initiative in partnership with:
- Ukrainian Association of Mental Help
- Green Cross Academy of Traumatology
- Azov Angels
- Heroes of Light
- Impulse Transformation Platform
- International Association for Resilience and Trauma Counseling
- Churches and local organizations throughout Ukraine
Together, these partners are helping Ukrainians process trauma and rebuild emotional strength in the face of war.
Leading Florida’s Voice at the Ukraine Action Summit
As part of its advocacy mission, UA Florida led Florida’s delegation to the Ukraine Action Summit in Washington, D.C.
The summit brought together nearly 40 Ukrainian-American organizations and more than 600 delegates from all 50 states. During the three-day event, 444 congressional meetings were held to advocate for continued U.S. support for Ukraine.
UA Florida ensured that Florida’s voice—and Ukraine’s urgent needs—were heard. Watch the event highlights below.
Medical Supplies and Equipment for Ukraine
UA Florida is also a key participant in the growing campaign to deliver lifesaving medical aid to Ukraine, featured in our previous Spotlight Ukraine story: Hand in Hand: How Cooperation and Grit Are Keeping Aid Flowing to Ukraine.
Working with Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach, UA Florida is raising funds to secure 40-foot containers of hospital-grade equipment and supplies that are transported from the United States to Ukraine. Each shipment contains over $300,000 worth of aid yet costs only $8,000 to secure, with an additional $8,000 to transport it to Ukraine.
This medical aid is saving lives in regions hit hard by indiscriminate missile attacks. Donate directly to UA Florida’s GoFundMe campaign here.
Assistance & Support to Ukrainian Children in Need
Children have borne a heavy share of this war’s trauma—and UA Florida continues to prioritize their support.
Through a partnership with Ukrainian initiative “Angels,” UA Florida provided direct financial and educational support to 13 children of fallen defenders. Funds helped cover English tutoring, singing lessons, climbing, horseback riding, computer programming, and swimming. These activities offer not only skill-building but also joy, stability, and emotional recovery.
UA Florida is also a proud partner of Heroes of Light, a project founded by John F. Sullivan. This initiative provides therapeutic and expressive outlets to help Ukrainian children process trauma through creativity and community support.
These efforts, along with UA Florida’s Ukrainian Sunday Club activities in South Florida, aim to protect the most vulnerable and nurture resilience through connection.
Get Involved—Wherever You Are
Whether you live in Florida or thousands of miles away, UA Florida invites you to join them in whatever way you can.
- Are you a mental health provider who can donate a few hours for virtual support?
- A community organizer who can rally neighbors to contact their representatives?
- A retired professional or caring individual looking for meaningful ways to help?
This work spans borders and languages—and every contribution matters. From medical aid to mentoring, advocacy to awareness—help comes in many forms.
Visit UA Florida’s website to learn more about the organization, initiatives, and how you can help.
Together, We Persevere
This story is a powerful example of what’s possible when communities come together—not just to witness history, but to shape it.
From cultural events to mental health support, from political advocacy to medical relief, the Ukrainian Association of Florida continues to rise to the moment. Their passion, creativity, and unwavering commitment remind us that impact isn’t measured by size—but by heart and purpose.
Let their story inspire more acts of solidarity and support for Ukraine. Because when we stand together—hand in hand—there is no limit to what we can achieve.
One such opportunity is just around the corner: UA Florida invites the community to come together in celebration of Ukrainian culture, resilience, and independence at their upcoming Ukrainian Cultural Fest honoring 34 years of Ukrainian Independence. Discover the rich Ukrainian heritage through music, food, art, and cultural experiences.
Help Keep Ukraine in the Spotlight – Follow Us on Social and Share
Never miss a story! Follow our social media to be notified of new stories, to learn about upcoming events, and discover impactful ways to support Ukraine. And please share with your friends, family, and colleagues.