Keystone Human Services International Moldova Association (KHSIMA) Tudora Children and Family Center:
Unitate Community Center

Standing outside, three children smile for the camera.

The Unitate (Unity) Community Center in Tudora, Moldova unites children and families living in challenging social situations with the services and supports they need to lead healthy and active lives. Tudora is a village in the southeast corner of Moldova, and many adults and parents pursue employment opportunities outside the region and even outside of the Republic of Moldova. Consequently, many children live alone for long stretches of time, lose their homes or are sent away from their communities.

Founded in 2004, the Unitate Community Center, a children and family center, provides support for children from vulnerable or single parent families and children whose parent work aboard. Children receive educational support, psychological evaluation, social and life skills training, and artistic workshops. Parents can also receive psychological support.

History

The Unitate Center in Tudora is the realization of a vision, inspired by the unity of dream and experience that is at the heart of Keystone Human Services International’s initiatives. Tudora resident Liliana Malancea spent a year with Keystone Human Services through the International Internship Program, where she learned about Keystone and received human services management training. Inspired by the philosophy of Keystone’s Head Start program, Liliana believe that a similar child-centered, family-focused and community-based program could greatly benefit her home village in Moldova. Uniting her personal experience in Tudora and her professional experience with Keystone, Liliana formulated a proposal for a children and family center in the village. KHSI recognized the significance of Liliana’s personal investment in Tudora and decided to support the development and operation of a new center through Keystone Human Services International Moldova Association.

Prior to the official commencement of the Unitate Community Center, Keystone Moldova provided support for a variety of outreach services in the region to develop community participation, service models and general support for the program. As the community invested in its success, the center’s impact grew, and Keystone Moldova began to seek support for expansion.

In 2006, Keystone Moldova received a grant from the European Commission, whose TACIS (Technical Aid to the Commonwealth of Independent States) program provides grant assistance to support initiatives in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Keystone Moldova implemented the Community-Based Supports to Children and Families in Difficult Social Situations project. With support from the European Commission, the Unitate Center expanded services to support more children, hire more teachers and provide specialized support for children with disabilities and children whose parents worked outside the region. The Community-Based Supports to Children and Families in Difficult Social Situations project also funded the start of Keystone Moldova’s second children and family center in Bacioi.

Keystone Human Services International Moldova Association (KHSIMA) Tudora Children and Family Center:
Unitate Community Center

History

Community