NH Community

Ukrainian Family Finds Safety, Support, & Solace in North Haven

(Rrom left) Mr. and Mrs. Yermakov are pictured here with son, Daniil, a NHHS student, and sponsor Jeanne Cavadini (Right) as they are greeted by Principal Dallai.

The Yermakov family's sponsor family has set up a Gofundme to support the family with Christmas gifts, work permits, and expenses. Those who are interested in donating can click here.

Also, student groups like the NH Art Honor Society will be fund-raising this school year to support the family.

Yermakovs Receive Warm Welcome at NHHS

Son Daniil enjoys classmates, teachers and school events/environment

Principal Dr. Russell Dallai has worked closely with Ukrainian student, Daniil Yermakov, and his parents, to help him settle into the North Haven High School community. Daniil has adjusted nicely and enjoys special activities such as celebrating Halloween! He has made friends and feels that the school's teachers and administrators are caring, supportive and happy to have him here.

Sponsors, Jeanne Cavadini and her husband, Michael Friscia, literally picked the family up at the airport and drove them to a new life of freedom and safety in a comfortable furnished apartment. They continue to work diligently to provide support for the family and have collaborated with organizations like the NH Rotary Club and individual members of the community to supply resources and support. Help is crucial for the close-knit family whose harrowing escape from their war-torn homeland was heartbreaking but necessary for survival.

Danill has experienced a smooth transition with his academics, thanks to his hard work and dedicated instruction from his teachers. His journey here was not without challenges but he and his family are overcome with emotion when they describe the generosity of their new NH neighbors. Daniil is grateful for all the kindness he has been shown and the opportunities he has received as he assimilates into his new "home town". He and his family describe receiving the key to the city from First Selectman, Mike Freda, and the wave of emotion they felt when they realized how blessed they are to be here. They could not be more gracious and appreciative and know their welcome goes far beyond mere gesture representing a level of long-term commitment from the combined efforts of many generous and caring citizens.

As for Daniil, he looks forward to more adventures with his friends and classmates especially attending his first homecoming dance! We wish him all the very best!

WTNH Visits NHHS To Meet a Special Family and Tell An Important Story

Behind the scenes preparation and discussion culminated in a poignant interview.

Captured above is WTNH newscaster Laura Hutchinson meeting Daniil Yermakov and his parents, new members of the North Haven community. The November 10th interview focused on their escape from Ukraine to a new life in America and ways people can help and support the family.

Yermakov Family Reveals A Story of Courage, Strength and Survival

Daniil Yermakov and his family lived in the port city of Odesa. Twelve years ago, while his father worked on a cruise ship, he made a life-changing connection with two people who would later have a monumental effect on his family's journey. Their reconnection would culminate in the relocation of the family to America, safe from Russia's devastating annihilation.

As Mr. Yermakov watched the explosions of Russia invading Ukraine from the window of a Cruise ship on which he was working, knowing his family was in jeopardy, was beyond devastating. It is difficult for him to describe without the emotions that still linger about the horrors of that moment. At the start of the Russian invasion, Daniil was fortunate enough to evacuate the area with friends. He began the walk across the borders without his parents. Having only twenty minutes to pack one morning, he started a three-day journey during which he travelled across the Moldovan border.

Daniil's father continued to work on the cruise line and credits his wife for driving numerous hours through active war zones to find solutions to getting the family to safety. Daniil arrived in America and briefly attended school in California while finishing the ninth grade. He ultimately reconnected with his parents in North Haven where the family now resides, and looks forward to a year of interesting and exciting learning experiences and activities.

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