Keystone Human Services International Moldova Association (KHSIMA) Bacioi Children and Family Center:
Vis Community Center

Older boy leans against wall outside and smiles for the camera.

The Vis Community Center in Bacioi, Moldova provides support and services for children from vulnerable families and single parent families, children whose parents work outside the region and children with disabilities. Romanian for “dream,” Vis is the realization of a great dream to continue advancing the spirit of children and families in Moldova.

Encouraged by the success of the Unitate Community Center in Tudora and with funding from the European Commission, the Vis Community Center was founded in 2006 by Keystone Human Services International Moldova Association in partnership with local authorities in Bacioi and the Speranta Day Care Center, a support center for children with physical disabilities in Chisinau. Many of the families in Bacioi live in poverty, and many children lack education and developmental support. One of the goals of the Vis Community Center was to expand services for children with disabilities, such as support programming for education, as well as speech and multifunctional rehabilitation therapies. Other services provided at the center include educational, psychological and socialization support for children at risk of or living in challenging social situations.

History

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. The Community-Based Supports to Keystone Moldova’s Children and Families in Difficult Social Situations project was designed to fortify the supports at the Unitate Community Center in Tudora and establish the Vis Community Center in Bacioi.

The primary emphasis for the Vis Community Center was the social integration of children with disabilities and children at risk of institutionalization. Partnering with Speranta, local authorities in Bacioi and the European Commission, Keystone Moldova began developing the new center in 2007. The Vis Community Center’s team included a coordinator-teacher, a psychologist, a social assistant, a teacher and a doctor-physical therapist. This team conducted home visits and worked with children at school until the center was completed. The center officially opened its doors in May 2007, providing educational support, psychological counseling, hygiene, vocational therapy and nutrition, as well as English and music classes.

Keystone Human Services International Moldova Association (KHSIMA) Bacioi Children and Family Center:
Vis Community Center

History

Community