James Jay Ellis - Panels4Peace Founder
Why Ukraine? Why Me? Why Now?
I’ve always thought of myself as a WOLD CITIZEN. Like many of you, I find international relations very interesting. I eagerly watched the PBS MacNeil/Lehrer News Hour for years.
No wonder then, that Ukraine captured my heart in 2014, when brave unarmed Ukrainian protestors battled heavily armed soldiers and police in Independence Square… fighting day and night, where many died – for the fledgling country they love. This was the Euromaidan. This was Ukraine’s Revolution of Dignity!
When Russia attacked Ukraine in 2022 – I knew I would travel to and serve Ukraine in a serious way. I never thought twice about it.
In 2023 I spent two months in Ukraine, planning my return to volunteer. First, I traveled from Poland into Lviv, and then on to Kyiv. I spoke with many average citizens and several government officials. Then I decided to launch and operate my own charity – Panels4Peace – on a village-by-village basis, instead of trying to serve the much larger diaspora. I’m a seasoned home builder, so it was only natural for me to form P4P, whose mission is to provide temporary emergency housing for Ukraine’s innocent victims.
I saw first-hand, the infamous devastation in Bucha, Irpin, and Borodyanka. Then I discovered the little village of Zahaltsi, where I established relations with three families…. each in their own way rebuilding their homes the Russian tanks and artillery had bombed, damaged and destroyed… The Russians wanted to obliterate Ukraine… to erase Ukraine. Now these steadfast individuals are among the millions of unified Ukrainians who stand tall, to rebuild their homes and their lives the Russians will never erase!
Recounting their horrific experiences, one by one, we talked, we hugged and we cried together. Now I was feeling this new land was becoming my own… The beautiful new nation that I now know and love.
I returned to Ukraine in 2024, and now I have traveled to new and beautiful places in in this unexpectedly charming and picturesque country. I’ve also traveled the long and winding road that thousands of other international volunteers have endured. I’ve applied for and received many credentials, including Visas, Permits and Registrations for Panels4Peace.
My skilled Ukrainian attorney has loyally guided me through the many intricate steps that enable me to travel safely, and enjoy all the best of what Ukraine has to offer. I want to share this good fortune with you. I’ve distilled all I’ve learned about the secrets needed to simplify what can otherwise be a complex labyrinth of red tape.
Seniors4Ukraine is the professionally managed non-profit charity program I’ve created, that has evolved over the two years I’ve actively studied and mastered everything you’ll need to know to secure a safe and rewarding time in all the charming and friendly European-Style cities and towns we’ve catalogued in this lovely destination.
Like many of you, I receive Social Security benefits. Now I spend part of the year in lovely Ukraine, where rent is amazingly inexpensive. So, even though I travel and eat well, I still have extra money left at the end of each month. And I have learned everything needed to stay safe in all my destinations.
Seniors4Ukraine’s parent organization – Panels4Peace – operates many projects in and for Ukraine. So, in addition to enjoyable sightseeing, you might want to remember the Peace Corps. P4P offers an amazing opportunity for you to volunteer in ways that truly count. Each project offers rewarding experiences that contribute to Ukraine’s well-being.
Welcome to beautiful Ukraine. Welcome to a safe adventure of a lifetime, where you are participating in an historic world event… The path to a bright future of an amazingly resilient new democracy.
Why You?
There’s a lot going on in the world today. Too much, perhaps. Even worse, there are too many people talking. Too many voices. Too much division and too much hate. How can we escape all this chaos? Vacations are described as getaways. That may work for some, but I’m hoping you want more than a way to hide. Let’s listen to your voice!
If you want to help, then Seniors4Ukraine might be an excellent choice for you during these crazy times. Weren’t the voices in the sixties and seventies a whole lot better than now? The brilliant words and ideas of Baez, Dylan, Mitchel, and Cooke still echo in my mind. I remember Simone and Franklyn too!
The reason I mention these social icons is that Panels4Peace is singing these songs here and now in Ukraine, with positive action for something better. For something good. Something real for real people. Please visit Panels4Peace.org to see what we’re doing to make a difference. Please see our Catalogue of Projects to discover if something we’re doing in Ukraine resonates with even a little of what’s left of your Sixties Soul. I’ve learned first-hand that Ukrainians love old hippies like us. You’ll be welcomed here with smiles, hugs, and open hearts & minds.