La mulţi ani, Pentru Voi!
“Pentru Voi”, a Romanian member of Inclusion Europe, celebrated its 20th birthday this year. The foundation provides community based services for 200 adults with intellectual disabilities and their families in Timisoara in western Romania. They also advocate for the rights of people with intellectual disabilities. Founded as a parents’ initiative, Pentru Voi has become a well-recognised and well respected organisation in Timisoara and all over Romania.
The celebration for the 20-year anniversary took place in November at Banat Philarmonic orchestra hall in Timisoara. 400 people celebrated with Pentru Voi: the users of their services, family members, partners, representatives of authorities, sponsors, friends of the foundation and … Inclusion Europe’s Director Milan Šveřepa!
At the event, which was covered by local media, the speakers highlighted the most important achievements and projects of the foundation during those 20 years. Pentru voi was the first organisation in Romania to develop and offer programmes such as day center, including for severely disabled adults, supported employment, support for independent living and self-advocacy. Its current activities are very diversified and include community services, two social enterprises, a resource center, support for self-advocacy and lobbying and advocacy campaigns.
The event also saw a person with an intellectual disability and a parent highlight how crucial the services of Pentru Voi are in their everyday lives. The foundation’s General Director Laila Onu thanked loyal employees and stressed the importance of Pentru Voi’s work: “For 20 years, Pentru Voi has been changing destinies. We have offered the chance to live a worthy life to 200 persons with intellectual disabilities.”
La mulţi ani, Pentru Voi! All the best from Inclusion Europe and a great start into the new year!