Teenagers 18+

When a young man turns 18 and leaves the orphanage he is accompanied by uncertainty, fear about what his future will look like. He feels alone, he can’t count on the help of loved ones to suggest how to direct his life. He has trouble with seemingly simple things to do – going to the doctor or the office, preparing healthy meals for himself, opening a bank account or even spending his free time. On top of that, traumatic experiences from adolescence don’t help them find their way in the new adult world.

That’s why they can count on our support at the Happy Way Foundation. We constantly have under our care about 150 emancipated charges who have left the orphanages in Warsaw and Lodz. We always try to be close to our charges, but to make this possible we need the help of people with big hearts. Your donations are a chance for young people to learn adulthood and become fully independent in the future.

What are our activities based on?

INDEPENDENCE ASSISTANT SUPPORT

Marta was placed in a sheltered apartment after leaving her childhood home. She was overwhelmed by the realization that she suddenly had to become an independent person and take responsibility for her life – after all, no one had prepared her for this. Her fear of adulthood made her prefer to leave decisions about her life to fate or others. She skimped on her studies, stopped going to school, her self-esteem dropped almost to zero.

That’s when the Independence Assistant – Martha’s private guardian angel – came in. The Foundation’s self-reliant charges work together with the Assistant to solve current problems and create short- and long-term plans. They also receive support in dealing with everyday issues such as opening a bank account, going to the office or doctor. Thanks to working with the Assistant, Marta felt it was worth taking matters into her own hands and taking care of her future. She went back to school, got a job and started applying for social housing.

Marta also started coming to support group meetings, where young people exchange experiences and support each other in crisis situations. Thanks to the group, Marta felt she was not alone and made new friends.

SUPPORT IN EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Many of our wards, have trouble finding a job that is in line with their interests, and thus keeping it. Often they take jobs that do not give them opportunities for development, but only money to survive for a while.

In this situation was our charge Wojtek, in front of whom stood the vision of working in a store, but in fact his real dream was to become a master confectioner. He often brought various delicious things to the Foundation, and always helped prepare birthday cakes for other wards. To support the young talent, we purchased a professional confectionery course, which helped Wojtek spread his wings. Thanks to the course, Wojtek got an internship in a confectionery shop and is thinking about further developing his career path in which he is supported by our career counselor.

BREAK THE VICIOUS CYCLE

Many young people who end up in foster care have witnessed their loved ones lose themselves in addictions. When they grow up, it seems to them that this is the only way to relieve emotions and cope with stress. Specialists working at the Foundation are able to identify the problem and offer appropriate support. This was the case for Karolina. When she came to the Foundation she became known as a very capable young girl with an artistic soul. Confusion and feelings of loneliness caused her to become addicted to psychoactive drugs. Thanks to her work with her Assistant and participation in addiction therapy, Karolina got back on her feet, understood that she wanted to heal and fight for a better future.

In addition to supporting wards already affected by addiction, the Foundation offers an extensive prevention program for every young person leaving foster care. Our young people come to workshops, support groups, and benefit from the help of a psychologist. We also organize recreational and cultural outings, thanks to which our wards learn valuable and safe forms of leisure activities.

Every donation is a chance for young adults leaving orphanages to have a better future. Thanks to your support, Marta, Wojtek, Karolina and many other charges of the Foundation begin to believe that they can change their fate and lead independent, happy lives!