Life in Cortland: A Ukrainian Refugee’s Journey to a New Home

Mariana Kosarieva’s Journey from Ukraine to Cortland: A Story of Resilience and Hope

In February 2022, Mariana Kosarieva’s world was turned upside down. The invasion of Ukraine by Russia forced her to flee her home in Kharkiv, leaving behind everything she knew and loved. With her two daughters and mother in tow, Kosarieva sought refuge in Cortland, New York, thanks to the help of a committee of volunteers who sponsored their journey.

Now, 17 months later, Kosarieva reflects on her new life in Cortland with a mix of emotions. She speaks of the challenges her daughters faced in adjusting to a new country and language, the support she found in the community, and the hope she holds for the future.

Despite the hardships she endured in Ukraine, Kosarieva is grateful for the opportunities and kindness she has encountered in Cortland. She has found a job, a home, and a sense of belonging in the tight-knit community. From singing in the church choir to celebrating local traditions, Kosarieva and her family have embraced their new life wholeheartedly.

However, the scars of war still linger. Kosarieva’s daughters, Daryna and Liliia, carry the trauma of their past experiences with them, often reliving moments of fear and uncertainty. But Kosarieva remains strong, determined to create a better future for her family and help other Ukrainian families find their way to safety and security in America.

As she navigates the complexities of assimilating to American life, Kosarieva continues to draw strength from the support and love of the community around her. In Cortland, she has found not just a new home, but a family – a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.