Ukranian family embraces new life in Livingston County, sees major community support

Ukrainian immigrants Vitalii and Kateryna Tsykilov and their young daughter have successfully started rebuilding their life in Livingston County after escaping from the war-torn city of Donetsk. They arrived in the U.S. in 2022 under the “Uniting for Ukraine” visa program, facilitated by the Town of Geneseo as their sponsor. In the unfamiliar land, the family was welcomed by a couple from the Town of Avon, providing them shelter and support.

Key support services have been instrumental in helping the Tsykilovs transition to their new life. The county’s Department of Social Services (DSS) offered critical resources including health insurance, food assistance, and financial support for basic needs. The family also received assistance to attend English language classes at CORE The Learning Center. Vitalii’s interest in the transportation industry was facilitated by DSS and Catholic Charities of Steuben/Livingston, who coordinated with Livingston County’s Office of Workforce Development to help him obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL).

Despite initial language and cultural challenges, the Tsykilovs’ progress has been remarkable, with the family increasingly becoming settled and self-reliant. Vitalii expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and the equal treatment they’ve experienced, saying they don’t feel like immigrants in the U.S. He praised the country’s laws and the abundant kindness of its citizens. The joint efforts of county government, community members, and non-profit organizations like Catholic Charities of Steuben/Livingston are hailed as a testament to the support offered to immigrants in the community.