Ukrainian refugees are finding a home in the Youngstown area, since their homes were invaded by Russia over the past year.
Many are finding help adjusting to the American way of life, thanks to a special local program.

"We are immersing in the American culture, language, every American," said Vasiliki Constantine of The English Center of Youngstown and St. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

The group is helping Ukrainian refugees with free English classes.

It's not just about the language, they are learning things about our culture.
For instance, during today's classes they found out of fall activities and foods. Many found the idea of pumpkin spiced coffee as a little strange, but they realize these are the things they need to know.

Their main goal?...to be able to become productive members of the community.

"Being able to work again is a big goal. We want to have our jobs. They are working hard to be qualified to be able to work here," added Constantine.

They haven't been here for long, Nataliya Sashknia, for instance, only a couple months.

"We're going slowly. Yeah. We are discovering local food. We discover local stores. We discover how people are living here. Local document problems. We are learning and it's going well," said Sashknia.

She is very appreciative of the help she've been given from everyone in the Youngstown area, especially with the local schools for her children.

The English Center provides the English classes free of charge and they've been doing it here the same way for over 100 years.