Foundation of Connect

A Summer of Healing, Hope, and Connection: 

Nastya’s Journey & Creation of Connect Foundation

This past summer of 2024 has been a deeply moving and transformative experience for me and my family. As part of the U4U Kids Program—an initiative designed to connect children affected by the war in Ukraine with host families to fill the void of missing fathers and bring hope back into their lives—we were blessed to host Nastya for the second summer in a row.

In 2023, our community in Ephrata piloted the U4U Kids Program, hosting 30 children from Ukraine. My family and I had the privilege of welcoming two of these children into our home, including Nastya. The joy, love, and resilience we witnessed in these children profoundly impacted us all. But it was Nastya's story and her remarkable spirit that left an indelible mark on my heart. When she returned to spend the summer of 2024 with us, it became more than just hosting—it became personal.

The experience of having Nastya in our home reminded me of the profound difference one act of kindness can make. Receiving the heartfelt letter from her mother below, I was brought to tears. I was humbled to realize that, in some small way, I was able to fill the role of a father for Nastya, even if only for a short time. To be part of her journey, to give her experiences she will cherish forever, and to see her find joy, safety, and love within our family was a privilege beyond words.

This experience has driven me to open Connect Foundation as a beacon of hope for those who have lost so much. My goal is to extend the kindness and humanity that my family was able to offer Nastya and her peers. I want others to believe again in the goodness we are all capable of—together, we can make a profound difference.

The letter from Nastya's mother beautifully encapsulates the impact this program has had, not just on the children, but on their families and all of us involved. Below is the translated letter, which I hope will inspire others to join in this mission of love, healing, and hope.

Translated Letter from Nastya’s Mother...

Dearest Andrey, Natasha, Jasmine, Vanessa, and Colin,

Today is the last day of summer, and I want to say a big THANK YOU for giving Nastya this unforgettable summer!

THANK YOU ❤️
Thank you for inviting Nastya into your home and for every single day she spent with your family.

Thank you for the care she received, the time you all spent with her, the trips, the moments of rest, and the love you poured into her.

Nastya came back happy, well-rested, and filled with countless new experiences and wonderful memories. During her time with you, I felt at peace because I knew how well you treated her. Nastya would constantly tell me: "Mom, I feel like I’m at home here." ❤️

Andrey and Natasha, I am so grateful for all the effort you put into making this summer possible for Nastya—from helping with her visa, to organizing the logistics, to planning her time so beautifully.

Andrey, I am especially grateful to you to the point of tears—for those "father days" with Nastya, for teaching her how to drive, for your sincerity and positive energy, and for how deeply you understood her, as though you had known her since childhood.

You gave her something that I, no matter how hard I try, cannot give her. With you, she felt what it’s like to be with a Dad. 💛💙

To the girls, my heartfelt thanks for making this summer so special for Nastya! Thank you for the time spent together, for the conversations, and for the laughter. Every day was unique, and you always came up with exciting ways to spend time together.

Nastya is so happy to have been with you during such meaningful and joyful changes in your life.

Thank you for everything you’ve done for Nastya ❤️

This letter humbles me and reminds me why we do what we do. Nastya's joy, her mother’s gratitude, and the bond we’ve built over these summers inspire me to continue being part of something greater than myself. Together, we can create a world where no child feels forgotten, where every child can find hope, and where we can all rediscover the goodness within us.

With gratitude, 
Andrey Teleguz

SCOPOS Pizza Party

DC Trip

Meeting Family

Driving Home

Arrival @PHL

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