Moldova

"House of Hope and Future" - medical, social, psychological, and humanitarian support for elderly people in Soroca (2007-present)

This project ameliorates the living conditions of 510 elderly people residing in the town of Soroca and neighboring rural communities by providing them with support, within the framework of the Social Center in the village of Rublenita. The project integrates the elderly into a more active social life and aids their physical and psychological recuperation. It also attracts volunteers to work at alleviating the community’s problems.

Services provided to the elderly through the social center include: Dining room services, including breakfast and lunch; the assistance of nurses on a daily basis, and doctors on a weekly basis; psychological and social support, both individual and group consultations, if required; rehabilitation gymnastics, held in a recuperation room, which are supervised by the nurse and gym specialist; a recreation room, which is equipped with table games, TV, music, computer, and other games upon interest (knitting, drawing, etc.).

"Children of the Streets" - Providing a Center for Children in Adul Lui Voda (2007-present)

Moldova is one of the poorest countries in Europe, despite recent progress. At least one child under seven is abandoned each day in Moldova, often in the earliest days of life. These children are forced to live on the streets. Other 'children of the street' were either disengaged from their families due to fleeing domestic violence, were orphaned, or have only occasional contact due to poor relationships.

The new "Rainbow" rehabilitation facility for Moldovan Street Children opened its doors in the fall of last year, in a beautiful rural setting of Vadul Lui Voda. Currently 35 homeless children call the place home; each child has his or her own bunk bed in one of several cheerful bedrooms. Staff includes a physician, a nurse, a psychologist, and a social worker. The children are divided by age into groups of six or seven, where educators offer homework help and teach the children about hygiene, etiquette, and conflict resolution. The center also helps stimulate the children's interest and foster a sense of family with a newsletter that chronicles the children's daily activities. A variety of workshops is organized so that every child can find himself, and develop his inner power of creativity.