Strong Families

“The Strong Families Foundation helped us in the most difficult time of our lives. With their support, we overcame financial hardship and found a new home. Today we can give our children a stable and loving environment.”

- The Novak family

“My name is Miroslav, I am 47 years old and three years ago I lived on the street. Alcohol addiction and personal trauma brought me to rock bottom, where I lost the meaning of life. I slept under St. Martin’s Cathedral and no longer believed there was hope for change. I was saved by the kindness of people who never stopped seeing me as a human being. Mr. Kopecký from the Strong Families Foundation offered me support, encouragement, and the first steps toward a more dignified life, and later the brothers from Stopa Slovensko and the sisters of Mother Teresa, with whom I began to recover after a long period without a home. Thanks to them, I gradually got new housing in the Križovatka project and joined work therapy. Today I work as a doorman at St. Elizabeth’s School, I’ve restored relationships with my family and found meaning in life again. In my free time, I volunteer and help those still on the street because I know that it’s possible to rise even from the deepest bottom. I am proof that the help of people and organizations can change a life.”

Miroslav, 47

The foundation significantly changed the last days of a lady who suffered from a serious illness and lived in inadequate conditions. Thanks to their help, she could be transferred to a hospice where she spent her final days in peace and dignity, feeling that someone cared. This kind of support is not only about helping an individual but about a display of humanity where it is most needed. It is a reminder that even the most vulnerable deserve a dignified end. We believe that our support as a foundation has real and deep meaning, and we are grateful for the trust and the opportunity to provide it.

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The story of Mrs. Marta and her very winding life journey has a happy ending thanks to her inner strength and the support of institutions such as our foundation. She grew up in an orphanage and tried to find her place in life. After many obstacles, she stood on her own feet, has her own home and car, and her last dream also came true. She gained custody of a little girl whose own parents could not care for her. At first glance, it’s clear that this pair was meant to be, and Marta finally found the meaning of her life.

Marta and her adopted daughter Maria

Young mother Silvia was abandoned by her partner during pregnancy, and due to financial hardship she considered terminating the pregnancy. Thanks to our support, she decided to keep her baby. We helped her with basic necessities as well as housing. Today, she is a wonderful, independent mother to her three-year-old son. She works at a school as an educator, has secured social housing, and has successfully obtained child support from the father. She is an example that with courage and the right help, even a difficult beginning can be overcome.

Silvia

Margarétka was abandoned by her mother at the age of 12, and at 15 her father left as well when he moved in with his new partner. Since then, she has been living on her own and carries deep emotional wounds. We helped her gain access to a psychologist and a psychiatrist; she attends therapy and takes medication. She is supported only by her aunt and grandmother, who, however, do not have the financial means. That is why we are trying to help her cover the costs of therapy.

Margarétka, 24

Michal is fighting cancer, and his father drives him 45 km every day for chemotherapy and medical examinations. He works in construction and does everything he can to provide his son with everything he needs. The only problem is fuel – he rides a scooter to work to save money, but he must drive his son by car. To feel secure and manage these trips without stress, he needs financial support for fuel. Since he also suffered a work injury and is at risk of losing his leg, this support is essential.

Michal, 11

After the sudden loss of his wife, a father and his daughter found themselves in a very difficult life and financial situation. Thanks to the support of the foundation and the cooperation with the SKALA Families NGO, he was able to cover the funeral expenses and manage the unexpected costs that came all at once. Part of the assistance was also used to improve their home and his 15-year-old daughter’s room so that she would have a calm environment for studying and recovering after the loss of her mother. Without this support, it would have been much harder for them.

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Mother Olena and her children, Daniel (4) and Miroslav (10), are trying to move forward after being forced to relocate due to the situation in their country. The husband, Michal, works 12 hours a day, and despite health issues, the mother earns extra income as a hairdresser. The family has to keep paying for their apartment in Kharkiv, and they are left with only €200 a month, which is not enough to cover their current housing costs. The house they live in is an unfinished building without water, electricity, or heating. The foundation is supporting them until the basic utilities can be installed.

Olena and her children

Lívia grew up in a children’s home and in foster care. After turning 18, she worked as a cleaner and a waitress. Later, she was tempted by an offer to dance in a night club, which turned out to be exploitative. After three years of humiliation and abuse, she completed a caregiving course in 2024 and wants to start a new path as a caregiver. She asked for support herself, and the foundation agreed to help her on this journey. Her story shows the strength and determination not to give up and to transform her life.

Lívia