Ursus – Strategically, cooperation between CADIS International and the Camillian Province of Poland proved effective, with clear communication and aligned goals regarding the project “Strengthening Ukrainian Refugee Resilience ”, launched by the humanitarian organization of the Order of the Ministers of the Infirm, to support Ukrainian refugee women in Poland.
When war broke out between Russia and Ukraine on February 24, 2022, CADIS, in cooperation with the Buddhist Tzu Chi Charity Foundation and the Camillians in Poland, mobilized emergency relief efforts in Poland. The project was designed to help Ukrainian refugees gradually adapt and integrate into Polish society. It is estimated that between 1.5 and 2 million Ukrainian refugees live in Poland, of whom approximately 1.2 million have registered for protection. About 90% of the Ukrainian refugees are women and children.
The director of CADIS, Father Aris Miranda, MI, recently traveled to Poland to evaluate the fourth phase of the program for building resilience after the war. In a statement sent to Fides, the Camillian aid organization emphasizes the crucial role of the program in supporting Ukrainian women refugees in Poland, rebuilding their professional lives, achieving economic independence, and strengthening their social integration. Community events, joint celebrations, and extracurricular activities helped reduce stereotypes and build personal ties between refugees and local residents. Children developed a sense of belonging in Polish schools, and individual friendships emerged, illustrating the human impact of direct contact and shared experiences.
Specifically, the Camillians set up emergency shelters in the Ursus and Łomianki districts and converted the seminary’s residence into a reception center. In Ursus, they integrated the care and accommodation of Ukrainian refugees into the social welfare program for the homeless at the San Lazzaro Pension House for the Homeless.
Job opportunities, safe housing, healthcare, and education were the refugees’ main concerns. According to Father Aris, the project has played a crucial role over the past year, thanks to which all participants now have legal employment, and 25 individuals have secured stable and decent jobs in sectors such as gastronomy, warehousing, cleaning, and especially beauty and hygiene services. Several women also returned to the project after earlier participation, seeking support to change jobs and improve their working conditions. Alongside employment, the project strongly fostered entrepreneurship. “For these women, self-management marked a turning point,” emphasizes Director Cadis, “from uncertainty and dependence to confidence, stability, and integration into the Polish labor market. Accomplishing this in a new country, often with language barriers and limited prior experience, demonstrated both the women’s determination and the effectiveness of comprehensive, hands-on support.”
Beyond compliance, this process strengthened their sense of responsibility, financial literacy, and self-worth. Women have begun to see themselves not only as workers, but as entrepreneurs capable of growth and long-term planning. Language has ceased to be a barrier and became a tool for social and economic participation.”
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