www.hopeandhomes.ro It is not time that solves everything, it's people - Hope and Homes for Children Romania
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It is not time that solves everything, it’s people.
ANNUAL REPORT
2019
www.hopeandhomes.ro
WE HAVE BETTERED
THE LIVES OF
57,000
CHILDREN
Join the Hope and Homes for Children
community
www.facebook.com/hopeandhomesromania
CONTENTS S
Team Hope at Road Grand Tour......................................................................................................................... 58
Partnership between Hope and Homes for Children
OVERVIEW........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 4 and PEPCO Romania............................................................................................................................................................ 60
Results 1998-2018..................................................................................................................................................................................... 4 Partnership between Hope and Homes for Children
Results 2019 ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 6 and City Insurance..................................................................................................................................................................... 62
County results 1998-2018 ......................................................................................................................................................... 8 Partnership between Hope and Homes for Children
Intervention plan 2019-2020.................................................................................................................................................. 10 and Webhelp........................................................................................................................................................................................ 64
Art and solidarity camp in Desești, supported
CAMPAIGNS ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 12 by City Insurance......................................................................................................................................................................... 66
“Rebengiuc’s Testament: It is not time that solves everything, Team Hope at the Bucharest International Marathon .................................................... 70
it’s people” Campaign .................................................................................................................................................................. 18 Team Hope at Băneasa Forest Run................................................................................................................. 74
Kaufland Romania answers the call launched through the
“Rebengiuc’s Testament” campaign 22 SOCIAL AND PROFESSIONAL REINTEGRATION ............................................................. 76
At the bakery ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 78
CLOSING DOWN OLD-TYPE INSTITUTIONS ..................................................................................... 24 2019 Winter Special Olympics ............................................................................................................................... 80
Ilie...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 26 World Special Olympics in Abu Dhabi ..................................................................................................... 84
The closure of “St. Spiridon” Institution Partnership between NN and
in Târgu Frumos ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 28 Hope and Homes for Children ............................................................................................................................... 86
The closure of “Elena Doamna” Institution “A step towards the future” camp, in partnership with NN..................................... 88
in Neamț County ................................................................................................................................................................................... 30 Partnership between Société Générale Foundation
The opening of “Cavalerii” small group home, and Hope and Homes for Children ............................................................................................................... 90
with support from Holcim Romania ....................................................................................................................... 32 Partnership between Kruk Romania
The opening of “Felicia” small group home and Hope and Homes for Children.................................................................................................................. 92
in Piatra Neamț, in partnership with Kaufland Romania .................................................... 36
“I Need You” – a JYSK Romania campaign................................................................................................. 40 THE REFORM OF THE SYSTEM ........................................................................................................................... 94
Continuing the partnership between Hope and Homes Simona Budăi....................................................................................................................................................................................... 96
for Children and JYSK Romania .................................................................................................................................. 42 The Ambassador of the United Kingdom visited
Partnership between Rombat Hope and Homes for Children in Baia Mare .................................................................................. 98
and Hope and Homes for Children ......................................................................................................................... 44
PREVENTING THE SEPARATION OF CHILDREN FINANCE ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 100
FROM THEIR FAMILY ................................................................................................................................................................... 46 FOUNDERS....................................................................................................................................................................................... 102
Alina and Raluca ................................................................................................................................................................................... 48 SUPPORTERS AND PARTENERS............................................................................................................. 104
Bucharest Half Marathon ....................................................................................................................................................... 50 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.............................................................................................................................................. 108
Hope Concert, the 7th edition ........................................................................................................................................... 54 CREDITS AND CONTACT INFO ............................................................................................................... 110
112
OVERVIEW 1998 - 2018
58 CLOSED DOWN
OLD-TYPE INSTITUTIONS
1,672 YOUNG ADULTS RECEIVED SUPPORT
FOR AN INDEPENDENT LIFE
(SOCIAL AND PROFESSIONAL INTEGRATION)
110 OPENED
SMALL GROUP HOMES
972
BENEFICIARIES OF THE
EMERGENCY RECEPTION
CENTRES
33,482
CHILDREN SUPPORTED
RESULTS 2,026
BENEFICIARIES
TO REMAIN WITH
OF OUR DAY CENTRES
THEIR FAMILIES
5,967
CHILDREN HAVE LEFT
636
CHILDREN
/ 442
MOTHERS
CLOSED-DOWN ORPHANAGES BENEFICIARIES OF OUR MOTHER-AND-BABY UNITS
1,335
CHILDREN REUNITED
9,272
CHILD PROTECTION SPECIALISTS
WITH THEIR FAMILIES PARTICIPATED IN TRAINING PROGRAMMES
4 5
OVERVIEW 2019
5 OPENED
SMALL GROUP HOMES
“Spartanii” and “Motanul încălțat”, as a result of closing down
504 YOUNG ADULTS RECEIVED SUPPORT
FOR AN INDEPENDENT LIFE
(SOCIAL AND PROFESSIONAL INTEGRATION)
“St. Spiridon” orphanage in Târgu Frumos, Iași County
“Felicia” and “Felix”, as a result of closing down “Elena Doamna”
orphanage in Neamț County
“Cavalerii”, as a result of closing down “Robin Hood”
orphanage in Bucharest
62 BENEFICIARIES
1,902
OF OUR DAY CENTRES
CHILDREN WERE SUPPORTED
TO REMAIN
RESULTS
WITH THEIR FAMILIES
56 / 35
CHILDREN MOTHERS
157
BENEFICIARIES OF OUR MOTHER-AND-BABY UNITS
CHILDREN LEFT THE OLD-TYPE
INSTITUTIONS WE CLOSED DOWN
274
328 WITH THEIR FAMILIES
CHILD PROTECTION SPECIALISTS
CHILDREN WERE PARTICIPATED IN TRAINING PROGRAMMES
REINTEGRATED
6 7
Counties where we work or
OVERVIEW we have been working
starting 1998
MARAMUREȘ MUREȘ SUCEAVA BOTOȘANI
We built small
SATU MARE
group homes in
20 counties IAȘI
We have BISTRIȚA NĂSAUD
contributed
to the closing
down of old-type
SĂLAJ NEAMȚ
institutions in
19 counties
CLUJ VASLUI
BIHOR BACĂU
ARAD HARGHITA
ALBA
COVASNA
HUNEDOARA
BRAȘOV
Technical assistance for reforming
the child protection system
Closed down institutions
Prevention of child-family SIBIU IALOMIȚA
separation
Family reintegration
Social-professional integration
Professional development
VÂLCEA OLT ILFOV BUCUREȘTI S3 BUCUREȘTI S4 BUCUREȘTI S6
Small group homes opened
8 9
INTERVENTION PLAN Counties where we are working in 2019 - 2020
MARAMUREȘ SUCEAVA
BOTOȘANI
BISTRIȚA NĂSĂUD
IAȘI
CLUJ
HARGHITA
BIHOR
NEAMȚ
BACĂU
HUNEDOARA
Technical assistance for reforming
the child protection system
Closed down institutions
Prevention of child-family
separation
Family reintegration
Social-professional integration
Professional development
SIBIU ILFOV BUCUREȘTI BUCUREȘTI BUCUREȘTI
Small group homes opened OLT sector 3 sector 4 sector 6
10 11
”
Mother Teresa once said, ‘We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the
ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.’ I often think about
this when I feel discouraged and I feel that we have little success in helping the children
from orphanages, the young adults who have to face the world with no support, the
”
I believe this is the essence
of humanity: the power that
parents that are desperate because they cannot keep their children with them.
Yet somehow, I encounter people and actions that give me courage and inspire me to
motivate my colleagues, who are also experiencing their moments of helplessness and
burnout. It’s not easy to see children who are disoriented and abused, it’s extremely exists in each and every
hard to leave them in places that feed these traumas, such as orphanages, or in places
filled with poverty, hunger and cold. It’s not easy to see them - and their parents -
looking for help, that helping hand that would somehow keep them together. It’s not
one of us to do good
– as much as we can –
easy to see young adults leaving a child “protection” system without any real form of
support, disoriented, depressed and more vulnerable than ever.
”
And, on top of all this, there are prejudice and obstacles almost impossible to overcome,
almost impossible to shatter. They know it and we know it. But, still: it’s not time that for those around us.
solves everything, it’s people. It’s us, who can do a little bit of good for those around us.
I believe this is the essence of humanity: the power that exists in each and every one of
us to do good – as much as we can – for those around us.
And because you care and you have lent a hand, helping us to help them, we would like
”
you to see in the following pages the ‘drop’ that changed the ocean of needs, as these
are drops that stem from the body and mind of every one of us.
Ștefan DĂRĂBUȘ Ph.D.
Regional Director, Central and Southern Europe,
Hope and Homes for Children
12 13
AMBASSADORS
Marius MANOLE
Hope and Homes for Children Ambassador
”
There are a lot of children in Romania who live apart from their
families, which prevents them from living a real childhood.
Some of them will never feel the warmth of a place they could call
”
‘home’, the love and support of a family, which is the foundation
on which the courage to face the world is built upon.
As Hope and Homes for Children Ambassador, I hope that many
of us can join efforts and help the vulnerable children who are either
I read a lot of bedtime stories to my daughter lately and I realize how growing up away from their families or need our help to remain with
often I encounter the theme of the wicked stepmother, who is mean to their parents, where they belong.
orphans in fairy tales, such as Cinderella and Snow White, or of the
parents who abandon their children, such as in the story about Hansel I believe that each and every one of us can contribute to building
and Gretel. a better world for these children and that people—and not time—
are responsible for fixing things. The good that we do together is
”
I would very much like to break this type of narration in the real life, to growing and giving wings to the children who need us!
stop being wicked stepparents for the abandoned children, to build an
entire system in which we replace the poisoned apples with affection,
care, and responsibility. I would like to tell my daughter, when she
grows up, the story that goes, ‘Once upon a time, there was this
organisation that brought together many people with big hearts and
changed the story of the vulnerable children in Romania into one with
a happy ending.’ Thank you for helping us rewrite some of the saddest
”
real-life stories.
Amalia ENACHE
Hope and Homes for Children Ambassador
14 15
Victor REBENGIUC
Hope and Homes for Children Supporter
”
”
I grew up without a father, as mine left my brother and I when we
were very young, which had a tremendous impact, especially on me.
We were raised wonderfully by our grandparents, who were totally
dedicated to us and I thank them for it, wherever they are.
So, I said “yes!” from the beginning, without hesitation, because I like
I have always been moved by the children’s vulnerability and, children, I like happy children and my heart is breaking for those who
when I became a parent, my desire to get involved and help the most are suffering. I have seen so many unhappy children in this country,
vulnerable of them became a necessity. perhaps more than in other places, but I have also seen people who
do care. Hope and Homes for Children is making efforts so that these
In a world that is always on the run, that seems increasingly careless, children have a chance to a better life.
what Hope and Homes for Children successfully does—changing the
lives of children and young adults—sometimes seems like a miracle. I have visited the homes that the Foundation has built so far.
Following their interventions, these children learn, maybe for the first The children were at school, but I found there an environment where
time in their lives, that they can believe in a better life, that there is they have the opportunity to properly develop, both physically and
hope. The people from Hope and Homes for Children are striving intellectually, to receive a decent education, to feel free and happy.
to create a better world, to mend destinies, to bring hope. It is not time that solves these problems, it’s us, the people. We need
to try to give more to each child who, through who knows what
As a Hope and Homes for Children Ambassador, I am ready to fight unfortunate event, what terrible misfortune, is alone, without parents,
”
with my ‘weapons’—the violin and the bow, as Enescu used to say— without sisters, without a father. I wish you the best of luck!
”
for the good of the children!
Alexandru TOMESCU
Hope and Homes for Children Ambassador
16 17„Rebengiuc’s Testament
Campaign: It is not time
that solves everything, it’s
people”
In September 2019, Hope and on closing all of them by 2027,
Homes for Children launched a and replace the institutional child
large-scale fundraising campaign to protection system with a system
support the process of replacing the based on the family concept. The
institutional child protection system, message of the campaign, “It is
with Victor Rebengiuc’s participation not time that solves everything,
and endorsement. People were it’s people” (hopeandhomes.ro/
encouraged to donate 2 EUR/month oamenii) raises awareness on the
by texting ‘HOPE’ to 8844 in support collective duty that our society
of the interventions Hope and Homes has towards the children who
for Children has initiated more than “belong to no one”.
21 years ago, when there were over
100,000 children in orphanages in I am an old man, without much
Romania. time left to live. Yet it is not time
that solves everything, only people
At the moment, around 6,000 can do it. You can.”, says the actor,
children are still living in old-type reminding us that it is up to each one
institutions in Romania. Hope and of us to make the world we live
Homes for Children is focused in a better place.
18 19The campaign was officially The lives of tens of thousands of
launched on September 25th, in the children have been changed with
elegant setting of the Cerchez Salon, their help. Today, together with the
at the Cotroceni National Museum. great actor Victor Rebengiuc, we
Amalia Enache, PRO TV journalist are asking those who know that
and Hope and Homes for Children it’s not time, but people who can
Ambassador, was the host of the solve anything, to join us; because
event, while the guest of honour was generosity and love for those around
Victor Rebengiuc, well-known actor us is the real measure of our level of
and supporter of our cause. humanity – both as a society, and at
a personal level.
The event was attended by celebrities
from Digi24, journalist Florin Here, at Hope and Homes for
Negruțiu, anchor-man Marius Pancu, Children, we believe in the power
producer Elena Vijulie Tănase, key of solidarity and the right of every
representatives from the corporate child for a better life. The children we
sector, and Hope and Homes for help are our children, the children
Children supporters. of the world we live in; they give
us the sense of our humanity, the
The launch of the campaign was sense of our lives. We encourage
followed by a recital performed by all those who share our beliefs to
the pianist Ștefan Doniga and the donate 2 Euros per month, by texting
violinist Diana Jipa, who thus joined ‘HOPE’ to 8844” - Ștefan Dărăbuș,
Hope and Homes for Children’s Regional Director, Central and
cause. At the moment, 6,000 children Southern Europe, Hope and
are still living in old-type institutions in Homes for Children
Romania, while another 300,000 are
living in extreme poverty and at high The campaign is an initiative of
risk of being abandoned. Papaya Advertising agency, and the
video was created by Robert Tiderle.
“Every action matters—and each
of us can change the life of a child.
After 22 years of implementing
programs in Romania, we can say
we do know what the generosity of
our partners can achieve.
Victor Rebengiuc and Amalia Enache, with Ștefan Dărăbuș.
20 21Kaufland Romania, the first
company that answers the
call launched through the
“Rebengiuc’s Testament”
campaign”
By continuing the strategic So far, the pieces of land for the two
partnership between Hope homes have been chosen and the
and Homes for Children and documents for the building permit
Kaufland Romania - through have been submitted. In May 2020,
which the company supports the the construction of the two houses is
organization’s programme to close scheduled to start.
down old-type institutions in Iași
County - Kaufland became the Hope and Homes for Children
first company to answer the call began the process of closing
launched by Victor Rebengiuc in his down institutions in Iași County
symbolic testament. in 2014, based on the partnership
agreement signed with the Iași Child
The company will invest EUR Protection Department. Since then,
440,000 in building two small group two institutions have been closed.
homes needed for the closure of “Ion
Holban” Institution in Iași. Thanks to The county still has the highest
the funding from Kaufland Romania, number of children in care in
24 children and young adults (out Romania: 450 children live in the
of 65) will move into an environment remaining 9 institutions without the
that is closer to a familial one. attention and the care they need.
24 children from “Ion Holban” Institution in Iași
will move into small group homes built with Kaufland’s support
22 23CLOSING DOWN
OLD-TYPE
INSTITUTIONSIt is not time that solves everything, it’s people
Ilie Ever since he was little child, Ilie
learned to run away, away from
The small group homes developed
by Hope and Homes for Children
all the beatings. He and his older with help from its partners
siblings got away by running. provide children a familiar
His mother and younger siblings environment, being an important
were not that lucky. When you step to a normal life – and,
are 10 years old and you need sometimes, a chance for these
to run away in order to defend children to survive. These homes
yourself, there aren’t that many accommodate no more than 10-12
places where you can stop and children, who are being cared,
the path to an orphanage is and receive education, emotional
riddled with mistakes. Ilie and support and counselling for the
two of his siblings ended up in a development of their independent
correctional facility. living skills.
A lot of fear and longing for his In 2019, Hope and Homes for
mother – that is what Ilie felt while Children opened 5 small group
being there, and a lot of other homes in Romania, bringing
feelings he didn’t understand, but the total number of homes built
gnawed at him and increased since 1998 to 110, as part of the
his fear – where will he end up? process of closing down old-type
What will he do with his life? Will institutions. Our mission is to close
there be anything good about down all institutions/orphanages
his future, something, anything, in Romania by 2027.
even if it’s just a little? For Ilie,
“something good” came along as Small group homes may not
”
the helping hand from Hope and always be the best fit and we
Homes for Children, when he and are constantly searching for the
his siblings moved into a small right solutions for the children in
group home. institutions. Every life is unique
Now it’s ok, we live in the home built by Hope and Homes for Children. From time to time, and every child deserves the best
when we go outside to play, we also go and have a look at the old centre, the one they For children to develop normally, life he or she can have.
closed down. The older boys say that 600 children used to live there and that it was really they need attention, care, to be Once removed from institutions,
bad. We didn’t live there, we lived in the smaller centre, where it was OK. Still, we were too listened to. The trauma and the some children can be
many kids sharing a room, we used to eat in the canteen, it was like a boarding school. devastating consequences of reintegrated with their families—
Now I am very happy to live with my siblings, to have our own room, photos from home, children being institutionalised only if parents are able to provide
our own things, a kitchen! We do activities together with the other children. Look, now, we are some of the worst forms of decent living conditions—while
are arranging the courtyard. I am planting the onions. When they grow, I would like to eat abuse and violence. The children others can be placed in foster
one that I can pull from the ground myself; and so, to remember my home, my mother and in institutional care show delays care or adopted.
in their physical, emotional and
”
siblings. The people from Hope and Homes for Children helped my mother rebuild our old
house, so now we have a place to go back to and be together again.” cognitive development.
26 27The closure of „Sfântul Spiridon”
Institution in Târgu Frumos On August the 13th 2019, once the official
opening of two small group homes took
left the child protection system, while
38 children moved into four small group
place, Hope and Homes for Children homes developed by the Foundation.
and the Iași Child Protection Department
(CPD) closed down “St. Spiridon” The first small group home was “Teilor”,
Institution in Târgu Frumos, which is part opened in February 2018, and the second
of a complex of social services. This is one was “Petru Rareș”, opened on May
the 58th institution closed by Hope and 17th, 2018. The last two homes, “Spartanii”
Homes for Children in Romania. [“Spartans”] and “Motanul încălțat”
[“Puss in Boots”], names chosen by the
“Spartanii” and “Motanul încălțat” small children who moved there, were officially
group homes are the last two of the opened on August 13th, 2019.
four homes the Foundation developed
as part of the closing down process of In 1997, there were 35 institutions at the
“St. Spiridon” Institution. JYSK Romania county level, with over 5,000 children.
generously donated the furniture and In 2019, there are 10 institutions left and
accessories for the two homes. the number of children in institutions,
small group homes and apartments is
Through the five years of working on approximately 800, while 1,500 children
closing down the institution, the two are in foster care. Hope and Homes for
partners identified the best transfer Children and the Iași CPD continue
alternatives for each of the 215 children to work on the closure of three more
and young adults from Târgu Frumos institutions in Iași: “Ion Holban”, “Bucium”
Institution. 10 young adults were moved and “C. A. Rosetti”
into centres for adults, 151 children were
reintegrated with their birth or extended
families, 15 young adults aged over 18
”
During the past five years, in partnership with Hope and Homes for Children,
we managed to close down one institution and to develop a Day Centre for
gifted children in Iași. Today, we are opening the last two of the four homes
that mark the closure of the institution in Târgu Frumos. This collaboration
with Hope and Homes for Children is extraordinary, and we would like it to
”
continue!
Florin Ion, General Director, Iași CPD
28 29The closure of „Elena Doamna”
Institution in Neamț County
In 2019, Hope and Homes for Children The first small group home, “Felicia”,
and Holcim Romania, in partnership was opened in May and the second
with the Neamț Child Protection one, “Felix”, was officially opened in
Department (CPD) and the Neamț August 2019, its name being chosen
County Council, inaugurated a small by the children who moved there.
group home in Roznov - developed The funds for “Felix” small group
as part of the process to close down home were raised through the “Build
“Elena Doamna” Institution. a house, give a home!” campaign
12 children and young adults moved ran by Holcim Romania for Hope
into this home from the institution and Homes for Children between
scheduled for closure in 2020. July and September 2017. Through
this campaign, the cement producer
Hope and Homes for Children began directed towards the Foundation
the process of closing down “Elena the value of a kilogram of cement
Doamna” Institution in 2016, in for each sack of StructoPlus with
partnership with the Neamț CPD Duraditiv sold. „Felix” is the 110th small group home built by Hope and Homes for Children.
”
and the County Council. Two other small group homes are being built and will be finished at the
The Foundation identified the best The EUR 300,000 raised through this beginning of 2020.
transfer alternatives for the children campaign were used to develop two
who lived there: 21 children were small group homes necessary in the
reintegrated with their birth or closures of “Robin Hood” Institution
extended families, 12 children were in Bucharest, District 4, and “Elena
The young generation is the future and the smiles of the young adults who moved
placed in foster care, and 28 young Doamna” in Piatra Neamț. The
home honour us. We are happy to have contributed to the opening of this home, and
adults left the child protection system. partnership continued in 2018 with
help the children from the ‘Felix’ home to enjoy a decent living environment, which
46 children remained in the institution, a new campaign, “Build a house,
allows them to develop properly and follow their dreams for the future. We would like
for whom Hope and Homes for give a home!” that helped raise the
to thank our partners from Hope and Homes for Children for the first two homes built
”
Children is developing other four necessary funds to build a small
and we are eagerly waiting for the next one!
small group homes. group home for the closure of another
placement centre, in Orlat (Sibiu
County). Alina Cristea, Sustainable Development & Communication
Manager, Holcim România
30 31The opening of „Cavalerii”
small group home, with support
On July the 11th, 2019, Hope and At that time, there were 49 children
from Holcim Romania Homes for Children and Holcim
Romania, in partnership with
in the institution, each of them
assessed by a joint team of
the District 4 Child Protection specialists from Hope and Homes
Department (CPD) and City Hall for Children and the District 4 CPD,
officially opened “Cavalerii” in order to find the best alternatives
[Knights], developed as part of for them, once the institution was
the closure process for “Robin closed. Some of them left the
Hood” Institution, the last old-type institution either by being placed
institution in District 4. Nine children in foster care, supported to begin
aged 9 to 17 moved into this new independent lives or transferred
place they will call “home” from now to other small group homes and
on. apartments.
“Cavalerii” is the 107th home The construction of “Cavalerii” small
developed by Hope and Homes for group home began in July 2018.
Children in our country and the first In June 2019, nine children (9 to 17
of the three developed as part of the years old) moved into the home;
partnership with Holcim Romania. another 12 will move into a different
Architect Omid Ghannadi and home that the organisation will build.
designer Alina Vîlcu, both part of the
TV show “Extreme Makeover – Home The funds necessary to build
Edition” on PRO TV, were involved in “Cavalerii” small group home were
equipping and decorating the home, raised through the “Build a house,
a process that was supported by give a home!” campaign ran by
JYSK Romania. Holcim Romania for Hope and
Homes for Children between July
The closure process of “Robin Hood” and September 2017.
Institution in Bucharest, District 4,
began in 2017 with the signing of
a partnership agreement between
Hope and Homes for Children and
the District 4 CPD.
32 33The land needed for the the new kitchen and enjoyed many
construction of the house was surprises, like the mini concert
provided by the District 4 City Hall. performed by Marian Vasilescu
“Cavalerii” small group home is (a former contestant of “The Voice”
a single-level building, with four TV show on PRO TV, who was also
bedrooms, a living-room, two raised in an institution until the age
bathrooms and a kitchen, all of of 3) and having Diana Sar, Victoria
them very roomy, welcoming and Răileanu and George Piștereanu,
adapted to the children’s needs. actors in the PRO TV series “Vlad”,
The children eagerly awaited their as guests.
guests with home-made cookies in
”
Children moved-in in a modern space, suitable for their needs.
We are happy to have been able to contribute to such an important cause, as every
child needs a healthy environment in which to develop properly. Today we are
celebrating, because, from now on, 9 children have a place of their own to call home
and they can look more optimistically to the future. Congratulations to Hope and
”
Homes for Children and to all the partners involved in the project!”
Alina Cristea, Sustainable Development & Communication
Manager, Holcim România
“Cavalerii” became the home of 9 children, formerly institutionalised
in “Robin Hood” Placement Centre, in Bucharest.
35The opening of „Felicia”
small group home in Piatra
Neamț, in partnership with
Kaufland Romania
On May the 21st 2019, Hope and Hope and Homes for Children began
Homes for Children and Kaufland the deinstitutionalisation process
Romania opened “Felicia” small (closure of orphanages/institutions)
group home, the first developed by in Neamț County in partnership with
the Foundation for closing “Elena Neamţ Child Protection Department
Doamna” Institution in Piatra in 2014. At that time, three institutions
Neamț. Thanks to the financial were still functioning in Neamț
support from Kaufland Romania, County, housing 245 children and
the children who leave the young adults. The closure of “Elena
institution will have adequate living Doamna” Institution was initiated in
and development conditions, which 2016, with 108 children residing there
will ensure a better start in life, at that time.
once they leave the child protection
system. “Felicia” small group 20 children were reintegrated with
home is the first one developed in their birth or extended families,
partnership with Kaufland Romania receiving support for their return with
”
within a grant that entails the their families; 12 children were placed Casa
The house
a fostwas
mobilată
fully furnished
și decorată
andîndecorated
întregime
development of three small group in foster care, 28 young adults left with products
cu produse
provided
oferite by
de JYSK România.
Romania.
homes in Neamț County and of a the child protection system and 11
Transit Centre in Botoșani County, of them received support from Hope
between 2017-2020. and Homes for Children to begin Familia
Kaufland Kaufland
RomaniaRomânia,
family, with
cu peste
more15.000
than 1,500
de membri,
members, estesupports
alături dethecopiii
vulnerable
independent lives. For the remaining vulnerabili
children in din
Piatra
Piatra
Neamț
Neamț
andșithe
sprijină
Foundation
Fundația
to build
Hopethis
andfirst
Homes
home, forwith
Children
an în
The house was fully furnished and 47 children (aged 12 – 24 years old), construcția
investment of acestei
EUR 200,000.
prime case,
A modern
cu o investiție
small group
de 200.000
home, where
de euro.deinstitutionalised
O casă de tip
decorated with products provided Hope and Homes for Children is familial
childrenmodernă,
can feel they
în care
are copiii
part ofdezinstituționalizați
a family. The development
pot trăi caof într-o
another
familie.
two homes
Urmează
by JYSK Romania. developing four small group homes. ridicarea
will follow,aas
încă
welldouă
as acase
transit
și acentre
unui centru
in Botoșani
de tranzit
County.
în județul
In thisBotoșani.
way, Kaufland
Kaufland
helps
”
ajută
transform
astfelthe
la child
transformarea
protectionsistemului
system inîntr-unul
one thatcare
provides
oferăchildren
copiilorwith
șanse thelachance
un startfor
mai
a better
bun start
în viață.
in life.
Implicarea
Involvement
facemakes
diferența!
a difference!
Katharina Scheidereiter, CSR Manager, Kaufland România
36 37The construction of “Felicia” small „Every time we open a small
group home began in 2018, as part group home, we open a gate to
of the strategic partnership between the future for a child or a young
Hope and Homes for Children and adult. This is the first home in a
Kaufland Romania, on a piece of set of four that we develop for
land provided by the Neamț County 47 children and young adults in
Council. This is the first of the three ‘Elena Doamna’ Institution and
homes that will be built with support the first home of this type in the
from Kaufland Romania and opened county. We would like to thank
in 2020. The fourth home needed for our partners from the Neamț CPD,
the closure process and developed with whom we are working on the
with support from a different deinstitutionalisation process,
company, will be opened in 2019. and Kaufland Romania, who
understands how important it is for
12 children and young adults, these children to have a new start
boys and girls aged 11 - 20 years, in life.” – said Bianca Stegeran,
moved into their new home at the Deputy National Director, Hope
end of April. On May the 21st the and Homes
home was officially opened in the for Children.
presence of the project’s partners.
The other attendees of the event „We want to offer the children a
were Ionel Arsene, president of the family and a place they can truly
Neamț County Council, Cristina call home and the inauguration
Păvăluță, director of the Neamț of the first small group home in
CPD, Katharina Scheidereiter, Neamț County is a very important
CSR Manager, Kaufland Romania, moment. I am happy that the first
and Bianca Stegeran, Deputy home is called “Felicia” and we
National Director, Hope and hope that happiness continues
Homes for Children. The home to be the word that describes
was fully furnished and decorated the atmosphere in this home for
with products provided by JYSK years to come. Thank you, Hope
Romania, as part of the strategic and Homes for Children, Neamț
partnership with Hope and Homes County Council and to all those
for Children. who believed in the chance these
wonderful children deserve!” –
said Cristina Păvăluță, director
of the Neamț CPD.
Children enjoy play and creative activities in their new home,
built with support from Kaufland România.
38 39„I Need You”
– a JYSK Romania
campaign
In June, Hope and Homes for to the small group homes developed
Children and JYSK Romania, one of by the organisation.
the Foundation’s strategic partners,
ran the „I need you” campaign in „I am glad that the campaign
order to provide the children from message reached so many people!
institutions with a chance for a better I would like to thank the artists who
future. accepted the invitation and made
this campaign possible. Many of
As part of the campaign, JYSK them were already familiar with
Romania donated EUR 75,000 for the the activity of Hope and Homes for
closure of old-type institutions and the Children, as well as with the situation
development of small group homes. of the children in institutions.
The campaign is over, but our
Alex Bratu, Country Manager for JYSK partnership with the Foundation
Romania and Bulgaria and a member continues. We hope that many more
of the Foundation’s Board of Advisors, people will join the cause” JYSKJYSK
România
Romania
a donat
donated
75.000
EURde75,000
euro, for
fonduri
the closure
care auoffost
old-type
direcționate
institutions
spre
composed and wrote a song for said Alex Bratu, Country Manager , programul de închidere
and theadevelopment
instituțiilor de
oftip
small
vechi
group
(orfelinate)
homes.
children in institutions. Artists reunited JYSK Romania and Bulgaria. și dezvoltarea caselor de tip familial pentru copiii care părăsesc orfelinatele.
”
under the name “Friends of Hope and
Homes” urged people to do good The artists who accepted the
deeds in June with the song entitled invitation and became the voice of the
“I Need You”. The video reached more children in institutions were: Alexandra
than one million views on YouTube. Ungureanu, Alexandra-Maria Hojda, When
Când partenerii
our partnersnoștri
surprise
ne surprind
us withcu ideas
idei that
carego depășesc
beyondoan finanțare
actual funding,
propriu-zisă,
we knowștim
During this period, JYSK Romania Ligia Hojda, Flavia Hojda, Laura we
că avem
have more
alăturithan
nu doar
a company
o companie
with acu similar
o viziune
vision
similară
next tocuus,
a we
noastră,
actually
dar,have
mai aales,
matched each donation worth 2 Mihăilă, 1Q Sapro, Adrian Mariaș friend.
un prieten.
Alex Efortul
Bratu’spersonal
personalal effort
lui Alex
andBratu
the effort
și al companiei
of the company
pe care heorepresents
reprezintăsays
spune a
Euros made via a text message. (aka Geagea), Pavel Ulici, Marius lot
multe
about
despre
theirimplicarea
involvementlorbeyond
dincoloade cash
o donație
donation.
în bani.
We want
Le mulțumim
to thanklor
them
și artiștilor
and the
Popa, and Andrei Neagu. The author artists
care auwhosusținut
supported
acest this
proiect,
project,
carewhich
a avutresulted
ca rezultat
in a dublarea
doubling ofdonațiilor
donations
prin
forSMS
Hope
JYSK Romania has been a strategic of the orchestration and musical and
pentru
Homes
Hopefor
and Children
Homessent
for Children,
via text message,
dar și un and
videoclip
also incuaun
very
mesaj
powerful
foartevideo:
puternic:
the
”
partner of Hope and Homes for arrangement was Adrian Tăbăcaru. children
și copiii din
fromcentrele
institutions,
de plasament
too, haveau a right
dreptul
to alachildhood.
copilărie.
Children since 2017 and supports the
programme to close down institutions Robert Ion, Fundraising
Director de Fundraising,
Director,
by donating furniture and accessories Hope and Homes for Children Romania
40 41Continuing the partnership Supported by JYSK Romania, the young
adults were helped to pay outstanding
The young adults were counselled around
developing independent living skills, such
bills and monthly rents over a determined as: cooking, cleaning, hygiene, managing
between Hope and Homes for period of time, they received food, clothes
and hygiene products until they were
finances, accessing services in the
community and public institutions.
Children and JYSK Romania able to find a job and become financially
independent – basic items that are During the following years, JYSK’s support
so important for young adults to be will continue to be directed towards other
integrated into the community. They were small group homes that will be opened
also helped to buy household appliances, by the Foundation, as well as towards the
they received guidance and assistance beneficiaries of the programme through
Hope and Homes for Children and Another 8 small group homes that will in finding a place to live and in how to which we prevent the separation of
JYSK Romania continue their strategic be built by the Foundation will also maintain cleanliness and be responsible children from their families.
partnership, through which the be furnished and equipped by JYSK in managing their homes.
Danish retailer supports the process Romania.
of closing down old-type institutions
by equipping and furnishing the small “We thank our partners from JYSK
group homes that will be developed by Romania for continuing to support
the organisation over a period of three us in closing down the institutions in
years. Romania. Thanks to them and to many
other generous people who support
The partnership between JYSK Romania the programmes of Hope and Homes
and Hope and Homes for Children for Children, hundreds of children
began in 2017, when a 3-year partnership have the chance to change their lives
agreement was signed for a total of 1 from living in a large-scale institution,
million lei. As part of this agreement, where they lack the care and attention
JYSK Romania committed itself to they need, to living surrounded by
equipping with furniture and accessories love and support – much needed for
the small group homes that Hope and them to follow their dreams.” Ștefan
Homes for Children would open by 2020. Dărăbuș, Regional Director, Central
and Southern Europe, Hope and
Between 2017-2019, ten small group Homes for Children
homes for 120 children were furnished
with support from JYSK Romania: Petru As part of the independent living
Rareș, Târgu Frumos, Iași County; Teilor, programme, Hope and Homes for
Târgu Frumos, Iași County; Năsăud 1 Children Romania and JYSK Romania
and 2, Bistrița Năsăud County; Bistrița, support 11 young adults who have
Bistrița Năsăud County; Felix, Roznov, recently left the child protection system
Neamț County; Felicia, Piatra Neamț, to find and secure jobs, and acquire
Neamț County; Spartanii, Târgu Frumos, independent living skills.
Iași County; Motanul Încălțat, Târgu
Frumos, Iași County; and Cavalerii,
București, District 4.
So120
far,de
120copii s-au mutat
children din centre
have moved fromde plasament
old-type în casele
institutions to mobilate de
small group
JYSK România în perioadahomes
parteneriatului
furnished cu Hope
with and Homes
support for Children.
from JYSK Romania
42 43Partnership between
Rombat and Hope and Homes
for Children
Through the strategic partnership This institution houses 38 young
with Hope and Homes for adults with severe special needs
Children, Rombat supports the and its closure requires the
process of closing down old-type development of at least two small
institutions in Bistrița-Năsăud group homes. As part of the
County. closure process, the organisation
also provides training for the staff
The EUR 50,000 sponsorship (for from Bistrița-Năsăud CPD, who
2019- 2020), partially covers the will be working with the children in
construction of a small group the homes.
home for the closure of “Bistrita”
Institution for children and young „We are happy to provide this
adults with severe special needs. helping hand to institutionalised
children, who are in great need
Hope and Homes for Children of affection. We appreciate what
began the deinstitutionalisation Hope and Homes for Children
process in Bistrița-Năsăud does and trust the team that
County in 2011. In the past eight they will achieve their objectives
years, in partnership with the and help as many children as
Bistrița-Năsăud Child Protection possible”- Ioan Repede, Rombat
Department, the Foundation General Director
closed down “Teaca” and
“Năsăud” institutions, housing
126 children. Hope and Homes
for Children has been working on
closing down “Bistrita” Institution
since 2018.
Starting in 2011, Hope and Homes for Children has already closed
down two institutions housing 126 children, in Bistrița-Năsăud County
44 45PREVENIREA
PREVENTING
THE SEPARATION
SEPARĂRII
OF CHILDREN
COPILULUI
FROM THEIR
DE FAMILIE
FAMILIES
46It is not time that solves everything, it’s people
Love cannot solve everything. As part of the interventions to prevent
It cannot build homes or change pasts, the separation of children from
Alina but it can give a mother strength to
fight - and her struggle can persuade
their families, Hope and Homes for
Children has helped so far 33,482
and Raluca
us that it’s worth helping her, so that children to remain with their families
she and her child stay together. and 1,335 children to be reintegrated
Alina gave birth at the age of 15 and with their families.
her father, the only parent she could
rely on, told her that she needs to be The programme that prevents the
separated from her child. He could separation of children from their
only take the responsibility of raising families is complementary and
Alina, and, as she was underage, she essential to the programme that closes
could not change his decision. down old-type institutions, because as
children are removed from institutions,
For years, Alina could only see her it is important that other children do
daughter during supervised visits, as not take their place.
Raluca was placed in foster care. Each
moment of separation broke Alina’s 39% of children in Romania live in
heart and she was only dreaming poverty; they have no clothes and no
about having her daughter with her. shoes, they do not attend school or
Meanwhile, Alina checked all the kindergarten, and there are days when
necessary boxes that would allow they have nothing to eat. This is why,
her to take her daughter back, except often, parents choose to leave their
for one – a place to live. The living children in state care, in institutions,
conditions available to Alina and her where they will receive food, but where
husband, a good man who supported they will be deprived of affection.
her throughout this process, did not
provide a suitable environment for the We believe that, in the best interest
child: an extremely damaged house, of the child, his or her family takes
”
with only one room and a hallway, priority. Therefore, we support children
no utilities or proper furnishings, to remain with their parents by
and without any perspective for the diversifying the types of assistance
young family to be able to improve we provide. Each action plan is
something for a long period of time. personalised, each decision is made by
I was so scared! I didn’t know how to be a mother and I didn’t want to be one, The intervention of Hope and Homes specialists based on individual criteria
either. How could I? Although we have lived in the same village all my life, for Children brought Alina and her and indicators.
only a couple of streets away, my mother has never done anything to have a daughter together. With support from
relationship with me. My father didn’t know what to do. It was already hard its partners, the Foundation helped In their 22 years of activity in Romania,
for him having to raise a 15-year-old teenager on his own, let alone a pregnant the young family with the necessary the Hope and Homes for Children
one! He sent me to the Mother-and-Baby Unit in Iași and I was sure that I will materials to build a small house next experts intervened in preventing family
have that baby and never look back. This was my plan: to forget about this to the old one, equipped with all of the abandonment in 27 counties and have
nightmare. But when I held Raluca in my arms for the first time, something essential household items. supported the reintegration of children
inside me broke. How could I even think about abandoning this little baby?
”
Most importantly, Raluca is now at with their families in 25 counties.
But I couldn’t bring her home with me, my dad wouldn’t let me. home.
48 49Over 700 runners took
part in the Bucharest Half
Marathon, raising funds
for three vulnerable families
On 11th and 12th of May, 700 for Children is helping the Pandele
runners from Team Hope, the team family to continue to build their new
of runners representing Hope and home, starting from the already
Homes for Children, participated completed foundation. Hope and
in the 8th edition of the Bucharest Homes for Children’s intervention,
Half Marathon, raising over EURO with Genpact’s financial backing,
67,500 for the benefit of the will provide the 6 children with a
Foundation’s programme to prevent completely furnished and equipped
the separation of children from their home, so that they could continue
families. They ran to support three to attend school and be with their
families in this programme: a family family.
with five children from Suceava
County, a family with six children Adriana’s family was supported by
from Maramureș County, and a Omid Ghannadi, the architect in
family with seven children from the TV show “Extreme Makeover
Prahova County. – Home Edition” on PRO TV and
Team Hope Ambassador, who
Genpact România, , the company met Adriana and her family in 2017,
that brought 300 runners to Team when he was working on this show.
Hope, has supported a family in The moment he met her and her
Maramureș County who needed a seven children he knew he had to do
proper home for their six children. As something, so he enlisted the support
a result of the financial support from of Hope and Homes for Children to
Genpact Romania, Hope and Homes help the family stay together.
The Team Hope runners enjoyed two days of marathon and
raised over EURO 67,500 to support three vulnerable families
50
51The other Team Hope runners raised The Society of Medical Students in
funds to help the 5 children of Băban Bucharest (SSMB) volunteers and the
family in Suceava County stay Volunteers Brigade (BDV) cheered
together with their parents. The Băban for the Team Hope runners at pit
family lived in a clay house that stops and the Team Hope tent in
was threatening to collapse at any Constitution Square. They were joined
moment. They had no electricity, water by Amalia Enache, news anchor for
or gas. The father is a sheep herder PRO TV and Hope and Homes for
and comes home only once a month, Children Ambassador. During the
while the mother stays at home with two competition days, more than
the children. There are days when the 50 volunteers supported the Team
mother doesn’t eat, so that she can Hope members for this edition of the
provide enough food for the children. Bucharest Half Marathon.
The 5 children are well cared for, despite
the extreme poverty they live in, but By now, a total of 3,200 runners and
since the home is almost collapsing, 550 volunteers joined Team Hope,
the parents were seriously considering supporting the cause of vulnerable
placing the children in state care. children in Romania.
The money raised by the Team Hope The participation of the Team Hope
runners during the Bucharest Half runners in this edition of the Bucharest
Marathon was used to build a house Half Marathon was possible thanks to
with two rooms and a kitchen, to companies such as: City Insurance,
connect it to the electricity network and Genpact România, Pepco, Arval
to furnish and equip the home with BNP Paribas, Henkel, Samsung
basic household items. As a result of Shared Services Central Europe,
the support the family received from Samsung, Schneider Electric,
Hope and Homes for Children, their 5 Holcim, Softelligence, Alliance
children remained with their parents, Healthcare, Deutsche Bank Global
they now have better living conditions Technology, COS, JYSK România.
and will be able to attend kindergarten Team Hope partners: Elevate,
and school. Radisson Hotels, Solaris,
Godmother, NAN Events, Maison
Volunteers from Hope and Homes des Crepes, Fitio, Asociația
for Children Romania, together with Bucharest Running Club.
Team Hope supporters
Susținătorii Team Hoperan togetherîmpreună
au alergat at Bucharest Half
zeci de Marathon
kilometri la
and helped 18 at-risk
Semimaratonul children
București to stay
pentru ca 18together
copii săwith theiralături
rămână parentsde părinții lor.
52 53You can also read
