Founders Message
Dear friends of AMITY,
THANK YOU for your interest and commitment to AMITY. In March this year, I never imagined I would be writing to you today as the founder of AMITY.
I founded AMITY alongside my husband, Filippo, CEO of AMRES, a Prague-based commercial real estate firm, to provide residential housing units to Ukrainian refugees. What started as a small effort, offering our vacant apartments, quickly became our mission to provide housing and resettlement services to as many refugees as possible. As a mother of five, I felt compelled to provide these families with stability and a safe space, especially in a time of crisis, so far away from their homes.
AMITY means peaceful, friendly relations between nations with mutual understanding and respect. AMITY is defined by these values, embracing our volunteers, the local Prague community, Ukrainian friends, and supporters from all over the globe.
Our mission is to provide Ukrainian refugees with personalized residential and life support services. AMITY assists refugees with resettlement in the Czech Republic in a way that enables them to become self-sufficient through comprehensive transitional support including: residential housing, vocational placement, educational enrollment, food supply, wellness and health support, and social assimilation through community cultural guidance. It is incredibly fulfilling to see how our work with these families is making a profound difference in their lives.
AMITY has transitionally assisted hundreds of Ukrainian refugees over the past eight months, and currently is housing over 100 refugees in 30 apartments in Prague. The strength of AMITY comes from our community of volunteers and supporters. The passion and commitment of AMITY board members, volunteers, and donors make this possible. Your support fuels our shared mission.
In October, the European Commission extended Temporary Protection for Ukrainian refugees until March 2024. This extension assures Ukrainian families continued stability in the Czech Republic, providing them with VISA and Residential Permit extensions. We are committed to standing beside these families and individuals during such unprecedented times.
AMITY would like to thank all of our donors for their support and send a special recognition to the following organizations:
- King Baudouin Foundation United States (KBFUS), for their incredible help in facilitating an impactful donation from an extremely generous US donor. We are excited about our partnership going forward, allowing US donors to make tax-deductible donations through the KBFUS 501c3.
- Hilton Prague and its General Manager, Michael Speckling, for providing interim housing accommodations to Ukrainian refugees while awaiting permanent housing provided by AMITY.
- Concierge Medical and its Founder and CEO, Wolfram Schleuter, for providing specialized medical care to a number of AMITY families most in need.
I am incredibly grateful for everyone’s support, and I am confident that together we will be able to continue supporting those in need. Your contribution of USD 200 will provide an individual with refuge, resettlement, and safety for a month.
To make a tax deductible donation click here.
Thank you to each of you for your continued support.
Warmest regards,
Kimberly Bianchini Scudellari
Founder & Executive Director
AMITY