Foundation Maria’s Children

Project idea

This is a supported living project implemented through the creation of a socializing space — a training apartment for young adults, graduates of the children's home for children with mental disabilities.

 A training apartment is a fully equipped living space where beneficiaries reside around the clock. As part of the project, with the help and support of social educators, young men and women will continue to develop life skills: managing a household independently, cleaning the apartment, and preparing their own meals. Specialists and volunteers of the foundation will conduct activities for the children aimed at developing social and communication skills, enabling them to learn the basics of financial literacy, acquire work processes, organize their leisure time, and master general education disciplines. The specialists of the project will also assist young people in obtaining housing and employment.

 Psychological and corrective developmental sessions will be conducted for participants, aimed at strengthening resilience and fostering socially acceptable behavior. The duration of participation in the project is individualized for each person and depends on the personal characteristics and readiness of young adults to live in their own housing either independently or with minimal support from specialists.

The goal of the project is to prepare participants to a level where they can transition to independent living without the need for daily support from social educators. By developing a network of social contacts, the aim is to create a stable and reliable environment for the beneficiaries. The presence of mentors and other key caregivers will help build trust in the world and enable young adults to transition safely to independent living.

Relevance

Graduates of orphanages for children with intellectual disabilities are one of the most vulnerable categories of beneficiaries. When leaving institutional care, young people have a low level of education and low motivation to take active steps to improve their life situation and ensure its stability. Children struggle to grasp commonly accepted interaction rules, face difficulties with socialization, exhibit inappropriate behavior, and find themselves in conflict situations. Young people often have poor literacy and numeracy skills, lack the ability to manage money, and have underdeveloped social and household skills. Overall, special needs in mental development reduce the chances of successful socialization and acceptance in society.

It is very important that during the period of adaptation to life outside the institution, there are engaged and responsible adults nearby who can share their skills and knowledge, provide help, and offer support in challenging situations. In the project, such adults include both project staff (social educators and psychologists) and volunteers of the foundation, who serve as mentors for the children, maintaining connections and relationships even after the children graduate from the project.

Social effect

Development of the mentoring institute for orphans with mental disabilities. Strengthening and expanding social connections, preparing beneficiaries for independent living.