Since Merkuri has been offering its services since 2007, the team has automatically realized that there would be a need for a center in the future. The aim, however, was not necessarily to open one managed by Merkuri; year after year it became a more feasible solution both for the beneficiaries and for the team. After opening Merkuri shelter in March, 2018, more and more applications have started to flow in asking support for legal and psychological consultancies, therapy, case management and other services.

There was not a dedicated area for it available in the office of the time, nevertheless the team was offering support for those in need of it in their working area, that was not really suitable for it. When you work with women in need, victims of domestic violence, children leaving home with mom, the circumstances of the services can take place in less ideal circumstances.

We worked in one big area – working space for managers, the lawyer, the volunteers, the kitchen and no separated room for meetings with the beneficiaries. We occupied an empty room that belonged to the post office and started to have individual consultations there. We could provide privacy; however, the window was broken, walls were crumbling. But we did not mind, because we could do the job, we could help people in need, and only this mattered to them, too.

After receiving funds, we finally managed to open the Family Support Center in November, 2019. Merkuri really needed it, since the services needed more space, more private areas and opportunities. We already have been cooperating with our Polish partner, HumanDoc Foundation, so after discussions, plannings and evaluations we worked out a new project to run the center. The development program of MFA of Poland (Polish aid) financed the renovation of a new space for the center to open.

The center welcomes the whole family to support in need. There is no distinction between beneficiaries according to gender, age or behavior. All are very welcome!

Activities/service provided in the center include:

The services and programs do not stop here, there are always ideas for further development of the services. We start with training our staff for new competencies to be able to change lives of more in need of help and support. Teenagers experiencing domestic violence need preparation for healthy relationships, there is a big need to prevent femicide and much more work is needed with abusers.

We are keen to do more to change lives!