Toledo Helps Ukraine

10/03/2026

09/25/2026

Can we believe it’s already been a week since our Congressional Office for International Leadership Open World delegates arrived?! What an incredible week it has been — and yesterday was another memorable day filled with learning, connection, and community.

Our delegates spent Day 7 exploring city and county governance across Northwest Ohio, getting an up-close look at how local government and public safety serve our communities.

Our morning began in Toledo with a visit to the Toledo Mayor's Office Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz where Caryn Maloney, Commissioner of Civic Engagement, welcomed our delegation. The group had the opportunity to meet Toledo City Council Member McPherson Cerssandra and learn more about the city’s government and civic engagement efforts.

They also toured the Toledo Water Treatment Plant, gaining insight into an essential service that keeps our community running.

In the afternoon, the delegation traveled to Bowling Green for a visit and tour of the Wood County Sheriff Office with Mark Wasylyshyn learning more about county-level law enforcement and public safety.

We wrapped up the day in Swanton with a wonderful H.O.O.V.E.S. cookout and visit — a perfect opportunity to relax, share stories, and continue building relationships beyond the day’s professional activities.

A huge thank you to everyone who welcomed our delegates, shared their expertise, opened their doors, and helped make Day 7 so meaningful.

One week in, and so many memories already! We’re grateful for every conversation, every new connection, and every opportunity to showcase our communities to our international guests.

And we’re not done yet!

09/24/2026

Thank you to the local artists who generously created beautiful artwork for the live art auction at the Grand Legacy-Shared Vision gala tomorrow, Sept 25.
Beth Genson, Lisa Grizaniuk, Lydia Horvath, Caroline Jardine, Caitlin Shawaker, and glass artist Mike Wallace.
THANK YOU! Slava Ukraini!
Proceeds benefit the humanitarian work of Toledo Helps Ukraine .

09/20/2026

Open World: UKRAINIAN RECONSTRUCTION & SISTER CITY PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM
Day 2 | Saturday, September 19, 2026
Toledo, Ohio

Learning, Culture & Community Connections

Day 2 focused on learning how Northwest Ohio’s institutions, organizations, and traditions bring communities together.

Our delegation visited the Toledo Lucas County Public Library, including New American Services and the Rogowski-Kaptur Labor History Room, and learned about Welcome Toledo Lucas County and its work supporting immigrants and refugees.

A special thank-you to Mely Arribas-Douglas and the Welcome TLC team for sharing their insights with our Ukrainian guests.

The afternoon included a visit to the Toledo Zoo, followed by a UToledo football game, giving our delegates a chance to experience local community traditions firsthand.

The day concluded with dinner at Grape Leaf Diner in Holland.

From education and community services to culture, recreation, and local traditions, each stop created opportunities for conversation, shared experiences, and new connections.

Congressional Office for International Leadership

4ua.org

09/19/2026

09/19/2026

A Warm Welcome to Our Ukrainian Delegation!

Today marked the beginning of an exciting 8-day journey of friendship, professional exchange, and community connection.

After completing their Open World orientation in Washington, D.C., our five Ukrainian delegates arrived in Detroit, where they were warmly welcomed by Toledo Helps Ukraine President Alona Matchenko and volunteer Wayne Johnson.

The delegation then traveled to Northwest Ohio, beginning their visit with sightseeing in Detroit before arriving in Holland, Ohio.

The evening was filled with hospitality and meaningful conversation during a Welcome Supper and Orientation with their host families. A special thank-you to Claren and Jeff for opening their home and providing a wonderful cookout for our guests.

Over the coming days, our Ukrainian colleagues will meet community leaders, explore local institutions, learn about Northwest Ohio’s approach to civic engagement and economic development, and build relationships that can continue long after this visit.

This is more than a professional exchange—it is people building bridges between communities.

We are honored to welcome our Ukrainian friends to Northwest Ohio and look forward to sharing the days ahead.

Together for Ukraine. Together for stronger communities.

09/19/2026

09/18/2026

Our Washington, D.C. trip was a success. We established important introductions and engaged in substantive discussions that will support lasting professional relationships.

Despite several flight-related delays, preparations are progressing well for the upcoming visit of Ukrainian civic and government leaders to Northwest Ohio.

We met with representatives of the Congressional Office for International Leadership (COIL) and American Councils for International Education in preparation for the delegates’ visit to Toledo from September 18–26.

Today, Toledo Helps Ukraine is honored to welcome our Ukrainian delegates to Ohio and begin an important week of conversations, connections, and collaboration.

This is an opportunity you don’t want to miss

Visit 4ua.org