ORAM’s small but mighty global team members are often supported by dedicated and hardworking volunteers to help further our mission and reach more LGBTIQ refugees and asylum seekers.
Our newest volunteer, Maryna, is already a familiar face at ORAM Germany, where she supports the Short-Term Emergency Housing Program for LGBTIQ refugees. Maryna is a queer woman from Ukraine who first met ORAM in late 2022, when she and her partner needed housing in Germany after being forced to flee Ukraine due to Russia’s invasion.
Maryna is making a difference at ORAM and supporting her fellow LGBTIQ refugees across Germany as our newest volunteer.
ORAM recently sat down with Maryna to hear her inspiring story and learn more about her new role as a volunteer.
ORAM: Could you please tell us a little bit about yourself?
Maryna: Before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, I was working as a foreign language teacher. However, after the war began, I made the difficult decision to relocate from Ukraine to Germany for safety. Starting over in a new country was challenging, and it required resilience and adapting to a completely new way of life.
ORAM: When did you first learn about ORAM and how did you first engage with the organization?
Maryna: When I arrived in Germany, one of the biggest challenges my partner and I faced was finding a place to live. Although we were fortunate to find jobs in Berlin, the housing situation was extremely difficult. We attended numerous home viewings, only to find ourselves competing with many others for the same space. After exhausting all options, I discovered ORAM online and decided to reach out for help. ORAM responded quickly and provided us with a two-week stay at an Airbnb. Camille (ORAM’s Germany Program Manager) later followed up with us to check on our housing situation. When she learned we were still struggling, she offered us the opportunity to participate in ORAM’s long-term housing program. This support was an incredible help, allowing us to settle in, focus on work, and search for more permanent accommodation without the pressure of immediate housing insecurity.
ORAM: Why did you want to volunteer with ORAM?
Maryna: The support that ORAM provided was life-changing, and I wanted to give back to an organization that had such a profound impact on my life. Beyond just securing a place to live, ORAM gave us a sense of security and stability, which is priceless in such turbulent times.
ORAM: What are your volunteer duties with ORAM?
Maryna: Currently, I conduct vetting interviews for individuals interested in ORAM’s short-term housing program. I also assist with translation during events and help with written translations into Ukrainian. My role allows me to directly support others who are in the same position I once was in.
ORAM: What is your favorite thing about volunteering with ORAM?
Maryna: I’m incredibly honored to be part of such an amazing team that genuinely makes a difference in people’s lives. I love hearing the feedback from those who have received support from ORAM—it’s deeply rewarding. Sometimes, when I speak with individuals seeking assistance, I see myself in their stories. It’s a powerful reminder of why I volunteer and motivates me to do even more.
ORAM: What would you say to people who are interested in volunteering with ORAM or giving back to LGBTIQ refugees in another way?
Maryna: Volunteering with ORAM is immensely rewarding. Even if you can only dedicate an hour a day, that small effort can significantly improve someone else’s life. It’s also incredibly fulfilling on a personal level, giving you a sense of purpose and connection. If you have the chance to give back, whether through ORAM or another organization, I would wholeheartedly encourage you to do so.
Thank you, Maryna, for your unwavering dedication to ORAM and for making a meaningful difference in the lives of LGBTIQ refugees. You can learn more about Maryna’s story in a YouTube interview with her partner, Svitlana.
If you are interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities at ORAM, please contact us at oraminfo@oramrefugee.org
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