Education Serbia Project #26941

Help People with Intellectual Disabilities -Serbia

by Creative Educational Center KEC

Summary

This project helps people with intellectual disabilities in Belgrade, Serbia live productive lives in the community and avoid living in an institution. KEC does this through creating meaningful programs in our day center and in the community. Through daily programming our beneficiaries gain the skills and the support needed to remain at home with their family. This project will provide basic needs and support (including food, workshop materials and staffing) for 100 people with disabilities.

$40,000
total goal

$10,100
remaining

177
donors

5
monthly donors

2
fundraisers

7
years

Challenge

Serbia remains one of the poorest countries in Europe where the vast majority of the population have a hard time making ends meet. Families with intellectually and mentally disabled children have an even more challenging time surviving. Without dependable educational and social services these families struggle to care for their loved ones in a dignified and supportive manner. These services help ensure that families do not need to put their loved ones in institutions.

Solution

Since 2002 KEC has been working to provide services and programs for people with intellectual disabilities so they may live fulfilling lives in their homes and communities. Through our three innovative programs (day center, work inclusion, and social enterprise) we strive to ensure that these individuals are given the support they need to grow and thrive. Our professional staff works with the beneficiaries to learn new skills so they can live as independently as possible.

Long-Term Impact

For over a decade KEC has worked with more than 200 beneficiaries ensuring that they remain at home with their families. Our day center offers a wide array of educational and creative programs as well as counseling and advocacy. Our work inclusion program began with one McDonald's and has grown to include over 30 companies and organizations across Belgrade ensuring that over 200 people with intellectual disabilities have occupational therapy in the community alongside their fellow citizens.