USA for UNHCR announces 2025 Gene Dewey Refugee Award winner

USA for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is pleased to announce the Eleon Foundation as the 2025 Gene Dewey Refugee Award winner. The Eleon Foundation is recognized for its compassionate leadership and dedication to delivering critical psychosocial care to Ukrainian refugee children with special needs in Poland.

Founded in November 2022 by Ukrainian refugee Igor Moskalyk, the Eleon Foundation aims to support children with disabilities, including those on the autism spectrum and with Down syndrome. One novel approach to providing care to refugee children is the introduction of hippotherapy (horse therapy). 

The Eleon Foundation’s work continues to be vital as the world marks three years since the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. Mental healthcare and psychosocial support remain critical for refugees from Ukraine, including children with special healthcare needs. The UN Refugee Agency continues to deliver lifesaving protection to refugees from Ukraine and works with organizations like the Eleon Foundation to help refugees recover from trauma.   

Families of children enrolled in Eleon Foundation’s hippotherapy report improved behavior and emotional stability. For children living with physical disabilities, the sessions have helped with dexterity and range of motion. The Eleon Foundation also offers a Polish language-speaking club, supports refugee children's enrollment in Polish schools and is a hub for refugee families raising children with special needs to connect and build community.

“We have an opportunity with the Gene Dewey Refugee Award to recognize and celebrate the efforts of refugee-led organizations like the Eleon Foundation that put care and compassion at the heart of their work,” says Suzanne Ehlers, Executive Director and CEO of USA for UNHCR. The Gene Dewey Refugee Award, named in recognition of Arthur "Gene" Dewey, USA for UNHCR co-founder and former UN Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees, recognizes individuals who demonstrate visionary leadership and extraordinary dedication to helping people who have been forcibly displaced.

“After three years of war, it remains critically important to highlight and support the efforts of Ukrainian refugees in Poland as they persevere and build communities of resilience,” shares Gene Dewey. “The work of the Eleon Foundation and its founder, Igor Moskalyk, is a testament to refugee ingenuity, compassion and creativity to create meaningful solutions for their community.”

About the Gene Dewey Refugee Award

Winners of the Gene Dewey Refugee Award display courage, selflessness, sacrifice and humility in their work for refugees and others forced to flee their homes. Honorees:

• Show through work and actions, an extraordinary commitment to participating in or promoting activities that benefit refugees and forcibly displaced people; promote greater awareness and understanding of their plight; and as a result, have a direct positive impact in their lives.
• Display selfless commitment to the forcibly displaced beyond standard duties and responsibilities.
• Exhibit compassion and concern for refugees and displaced people.
• Advocate for refugees and displaced people and promote understanding and respect for them.
• Display tenacity in standing with refugees and forcibly displaced and stateless people.

About USA for UNHCR

USA for UNHCR protects and supports refugees by mobilizing resources, elevating awareness, and driving action through a network of engaged supporters. Around the world, we help refugees survive, recover and build a better future.

Established by concerned American citizens, USA for UNHCR is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. For more information, visit www.UNrefugees.org 

USA for UNHCR Media Contact:

Nicholas Feeney, Director, Communications

nfeeney@usaforunhcr.org