Refugee Orphan From Ukraine Finds Home In Tulsa

A refugee who escaped the war in Ukraine has moved to Tulsa and been reunited with her Oklahoma family.

News On 6 has been tracking the young lady's journey for more than a year.

Svitlana Koverniuk is finally on U.S. soil. It's her fourth country in one year.

The 23-year-old was welcomed back to Tulsa on March 7 with signs, hugs and even the Ukrainian National Anthem.

"I'm happy to be here, and it feels like butterflies inside of my stomach," said Koverniuk.

Jennifer and Alan Page have considered Koverniuk one of their children after hosting her for the summer in 2014 and 2015.

Related Story: Tulsa Family Fears For Safety Of Ukrainian Orphan They Hosted

Koverniuk lost her biological parents at a young age and grew up in an orphanage, so she calls Jennifer and Alan “Mom and Dad.”

"Her whole life, she's never given up, so under no circumstances were we going to give up," said Jennifer.

When Russia invaded Ukraine in Feb. 2022, the Page family used all of the Tulsa connections they had to help.

"There was so little hope, and we didn't know what the options were, and honestly, it was relying on others and listening to those connections,” said Alan.

A rescue group got Koverniuk to Poland, where she stayed with a pastor and his wife for two months.

Related Story: Ukrainian Orphan Hosted By Tulsa Family Rescued, Safe In Poland

Then, two ladies hosted her in Canada for 10 months before she moved to Tulsa last week.

News On 6 asked Koverniuk what it has been like to flee her homeland and leave her sister behind.

"It's hard to be honest, but I'm glad that I'm still able to talk with her on my phone,” said Koverniuk.

Koverniuk said she is grateful for all the support and for her new life. She considers Tulsa home.

"I feel it here safe, and I feel loved," said Koverniuk.

Koverniuk's visa is good for two years. She said she hopes to be able to stay in Oklahoma, get a job and continue life here.