History

 

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Asociația prietenia is a non-governmental organization dedicated to supporting people with disabilities and promoting social inclusion, with nearly 30 years of experience in developing and providing social, educational, and therapeutic services.

The organization’s activity began in 1996, with the establishment of the “Corabia” Curative Pedagogy Center, carried out in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Sonnenhalde Gempen from Switzerland.

  • In 1998, the vocational school specializing in carpentry and upholstery was established within the “Corabia” Center, offering vocational training opportunities and work skills development for young people with special needs.
  • Between 2003 and 2006, in the town of Pantelimon, Ilfov county, the “Pantelimon” Sociotherapy Center was built through a project funded by partners from Germany and Switzerland.
    • The project, worth approximately 1,000,000 USD, was carried out with the support of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany (BMZ), Software AG Stiftung, and Freunde der Erziehungskunst Rudolf Steiner from Germany.
  • The year 2006 marked the center’s accreditation as a social services provider and the opening of the Day Center and Protected Housing services for adults with disabilities.
  • In 2011, the BIOHRANA–PRIETENIA social enterprise was established, and in the same year, the construction of the social bakery began, a project designed to support the professional integration and work skills development of the beneficiaries.
  • In 2015, the partnership with the Hippotherapy Supportive Therapies Association was initiated, through which beneficiaries had access to equine-assisted therapeutic activities.
  • In 2016, the “BIOHRANA for all” project was launched, and in the same year, the Day Center and the Casa Livezilor Protected Housing social services were licensed, consolidating the status of the Prietenia Association as a specialized social services provider for adults with disabilities.
  • In 2017, the “Johanna” apartment was arranged, carried out with the support of donors from Switzerland, offering an inclusive living environment.
  • The year 2019 was an important moment in the organization’s development when the Prietenia Association concluded a partnership with DGASPC Sector 6 Bucharest. Based on this collaboration, the resident beneficiaries of the housing services mainly come from the social protection system of DGASPC Sector 6, the partnership contributing to ensuring the continuity of services and the development of person-centered support models.
    • In the same year, the “Penny Market” Project was completed, and the collaboration between the parties will last for 49 years.
  • In 2022, the rehabilitation of the holiday home in Slanic Prahova was completed, the place where our beneficiaries spend their summer camps, enjoying the mild climate and the curative effects of the salty waters.
  • In 2026, the “Joy Pantelimon” Project will be completed with a collaboration for a period of 49 years.

Currently, the Prietenia Association represents a community model and provides social services intended for adults with disabilities, through the Day Center and the Community Supported Living Service for Independent Life, promoting personal autonomy, social integration, active participation, and respect for the rights of each person, in accordance with the principles of independent living and social inclusion.