2009-2010
Towards the end of last year, the Foundation “Pentru Voi” started a new project aimed at raising the quality of life of people with intellectual disabilities through work cycle integration and the undertaking of social accountability as community members. The project will be implemented throughout year and is funded by the “United Way Romania” foundation.
“The employment of people with intellectual disabilities is always a challenge but during an economic crisis it is even greater. Disadvantaged groups are most affected by the crisis, risking poverty and social exclusion. This project was initiated in order to meet these newly introduced challenges, aiming to develop a hands-on / apprenticeship program for persons with disabilities within the participating partner companies" said Laila Onu, CEO of Foundation “Pentru Voi."
The project's target group consists of 65 adults with intellectual disabilities beneficiaries of the “Pentru Voi” foundation in Timisoara.
The project’s objectives are:
Workforce preparation for 30 adults with intellectual disabilities through counseling, professional orientation and hands-on practice taking place at a minimum of 4 companies on the free market;
Developing new partnerships between companies and “Pentru Voi” in offering the participants a protected work environment. The ultimate goal is the hiring of 5 beneficiaries at “Pentru Voi”’s protected unit and 5 more at the partner companies by the time the project is completed.
Through this project, meetings will be coordinated with as many industry partners as possible in order to promote the next step—the hiring of people with intellectual disabilities both in the free job market and at “Pentru Voi’s” protected unit.
Some of the most significant results achieved thus far are: At least 15 firms were contacted in order to establish partnerships and involvement in this project, at least 5 partnerships signed respectively, at least 30 adults with intellectual disabilities gained work preparation through a 6-week long apprenticeship at various firms, at least 10 new contracts of employment for people with intellectual disabilities.
United Way Romania is a Romanian foundation, affiliated with United Way Worldwide.
United Way is an exceptional donor who supports local NGOs that provide quality services to the most vulnerable and disadvantaged segments of the community. United Way is funded by sponsoring companies in the industry, from their respective employee salaries as well as from other contributions. Its local office in Timisoara is celebrating this month, the first year of operation.
The Foundation “Pentru Voi” aims to increase the quality of life for adults with development disabilities and their families. It is the only one in Romania that offers a complete set of community services for its 175 beneficiaries: 5 protected homes, 2 day care centers, a respite center, assisted employment services for 100 beneficiaries and a protected unit employing 46 persons with intellectual disabilities.
More information is available at tel. 0256 228 062 or via e-mail. Contact person: Elisabeta Varga.