04/29/2026
Congratulations to one of our Strong Family Award recipients — the Akulinichev/Akulinicheva Family! 💙
Their nominator shared: I am honored to nominate the Akulinichev/Akulinicheva family (Oksana, Oleh, Maria “Masha,” and Artem) for recognition as a Strong Family. I have known this family since shortly after their arrival to America and have had the pleasure of having both Masha and Artem in my classroom.
After relocating from Ukraine due to the war, they have shown incredible resilience, determination, and commitment to building a safe and thriving life for their children. Since arriving in our community a few years ago, they have fully embraced every opportunity to grow and connect. They have actively participated in English learner classes through the Kenosha Literacy Council, demonstrating a strong commitment to learning and adapting in order to better support their family and engage with their new community.
They are hardworking—consistently employed or in school—and deeply involved in their children’s lives. Both children have participated in Head Start, where the family has remained actively engaged, building strong relationships with staff and supporting their children’s development every step of the way.
The Akulinichev/Akulinicheva family truly exemplifies the Five Protective Factors. Their journey reflects strong parental resilience as they navigate significant life changes with courage and perseverance. Their dedication to learning highlights their knowledge of parenting and child development, while their involvement in school and the community demonstrates meaningful social connections. They foster a nurturing environment that supports their children’s social and emotional development and have effectively utilized concrete supports like educational programs to strengthen their family’s success.
This family is a true example of strength, hope, and perseverance. Their story is not only inspiring but also a reminder of the power of community, connection, and unwavering love for one’s children.
We are so incredibly proud of your family—keep up the amazing work! 💙
https://fiveforfamilies.org/