The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
‘When you’re there, it’s surreal’
Woman leads effort to evacuate, aid Ukrainian orphans
Among the critical challenges resulting from the war in Ukraine is that of seeking safety for the many children living there in orphanages.
Dr. Sherri McClurg, a clinical psychologist who lives in Concord Township, is meeting that challenge head on.
A partnership
As the CEO of New Horizons for Children, a nonprofit organization that helps to provide for basic needs of children around the world, McClurg has teamed up with several groups who are taking action to move youngsters from war-torn areas to safer locales.
Recently McClurg and New Horizons entered into a government agreement with the Lviv Regional Military and Aerial Recovery to evacuate orphans out of war zones and relocate them to the safer western area of Ukraine.
McClurg said that the government agreement, termed a “Memorandum of Understanding,” was deemed necessary because of the chaos and confusion that took place during the initial outbreak of the conflict.
During that time many groups from different countries offered to take in children who were being sent to random places across borders with people they didn’t know. The unstable situation presented openings ripe for human trafficking and other wrongdoings.
Now, New Horizons and Aerial Recovery along with help from military personnel are facilitating work on the ground, procuring safe buildings such as college dormitories and hotels to house the children and their caregivers, as well as coordinating resources from other non-governmental organizations.
Real-world experiences
During her trips to Ukraine, McClurg has spent time in bomb shelters with the children.
Describing the terrifying situation, she said “It’s scary, it’s dark, it’s cold and it’s in the basement of some building. They’re crying. You don’t know what’s going on outside…kids are exhausted, overwhelmed, they’re in that place of shock, kind of just going through the motions.”
Evacuating the children is another trauma-inducing experience. A normal six-hour road trip may take up to 20 hours because of war-impacted areas that must be avoided.
Once reaching the havens an attempt to establish routines is made.
“Structure brings a feeling of safety which is critical right now. We try to get enough laptops, cell phones…we’ve also taken in soccer balls, board games, coloring books,” she said.
Online learning is part of their daily schedule. Fortunately the process is familiar because it was used during the coronavirus pandemic.
An integral part of maintaining a semblance of normalcy is the group of Ukrainian caregivers with whom the children are familiar. New Horizons staffers support the aids in their day-today efforts.
While helping hundreds of orphans with shelter, food, clothes, medical care and trauma-informed resources, McClurg has encountered many heartbreaking situations.
One little boy who was forced to flee without his prosthetic device is now incapable of running outdoors for play. Staffers are currently hoping to rectify the situation.
A 17-year-old girl who spoke with McClurg expressed grave concerns for her 18-year-old boyfriend
who aged out of the system and is now among those fighting to save his country.
“He is one of the few people she has in her life. What if she loses him too?” McClurg said.
Adding to the trauma endured by some of the children was the demise of several Ukrainian caregivers who were killed by Russians while traveling on a bus from one of the safe havens.
A call for help
Many have stepped up to help New Horizons and other groups working with the crisis. According to McClurg financial assistance is the most beneficial.
She noted that rather
than shipping physical supplies which is cost-prohibitive, monetary donations garner more purchasing
power within the war-torn country.
Some stores continuing to operate will sell goods
at wholesale prices or offer various items for free.
“They are all still hurting but they’re willing to help,” McClurg said of the Ukrainian shopkeepers.
Although financial aid is a priority, if there are groups, organizations or businesses that have large amounts of supplies such as clothes for teens or sensory toys and are willing to ship them the donations are appreciated. Presently the group is also in need of a portable EKG machine for use with children dealing with heart issues.
Because of the day-today uncertainty in Ukraine, New Horizons plans there are fluid.
“We’re watching the everchanging dynamics going on. Our goal and our hope is that we can keep the kids there,” she said, adding that “If Lviv becomes a target we need to get those kids out.”
In approximately two weeks McClurg is heading back overseas to join in the enormous humanitarian effort.
“It’s a calling to know Ukraine wants to partner with us because they trust us. It’s a huge privilege and honor and I don’t take that lightly… What these kids are carrying is unfathomable…When you’re on this side of the world you hear little snippets, but when you’re there it’s surreal,” she said.
During her trips to Ukraine, McClurg has spent time in bomb shelters with the children.