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info@thesmilesfoundation.org

The Disability Centre (JFL2)

Sensory Room

Donate via paypal to the disability centre £

Donate via paypal to the Disability Center $

Since 2001, Smiles has established its cornerstone ‘Family Care Project’ which now supports over 1,000 people, predominantly children living in very poor conditions. Our support is primarily through Food, Medical & Social support. Through this cornerstone project – every other project within Smiles has been established.

The family situations we have come to know so well made clear to the Smiles leadership and supporters that there was a desperate need for some major new facilities, especially in support of the old and frail, the sick and vulnerable.

smiles500-jfl-disability-centreIn 2010, the journey began with more significant decisions made.

Firstly, a Care Home for the Elderly who are in need of daily support and assistance with the challenges faced as we get older, but when living alone in Romania the vulnerability and dangers of life become more serious. This facility would be known as JFL 1.

Secondly, a Residential Facility and Day Care for those living with Disabilities who have virtually no help or support from the Romanian State. As an extension to our elderly care home, specialist provision was needed for those suffering Dementia and Alzheimer. The Day-Care Facility would provide much needed support for many with disabilities that with proper care and support could overcome the challenges of the disability and have a much more enjoyable life than currently possible in Romania. This would be known as JFL 2.

In 2010, Smiles purchased land in the heart of Salonta, to be home for the Joint Facility of Love. Construction began spring 2011 and Phase One, the ‘Doris Elderly Care Centre’, was opened in October 2013.

In April 2014, Smiles began construction of Phase 2, the Disability Centre.

This facility was to provide beautiful Residential Care for sufferers of Dementia and Alzheimer with specialist staff providing round the clock, 24/7, care.

Each residential room provides an en-suite wet-room. We have a communal lounge, dining room and beautiful Sensory Garden with flowers, waterfall and bird feeding table.

The two storey building provides additional office space, staff meeting room and staff living quarters. We also have rooms for relatives to stay overnight if required whilst visiting loved ones in JFL 1 or 2. We have bed rooms for over-night care of the disabled which can be important to provide respite options for those under pressure from 24/7 care of disabled family members.

This excellent accommodation provides for 12 Residents plus Day Care in our Disability Suite for up to 10 children who can benefit from the Sensory Room, Hydrotherapy Pool and Computer Activity Room.

Crafts at JFL1

The two-storey building provides excellent accommodation for 12 residents and the Equipped Disability Wing is a first for the region. Currently, Simona Tosity, a member of the Smiles Executive Management Team is responsible for managing the facility, and assisted on site by permanent Social Assistant, Rebeca Cenan. The facility has specialist trained loving staff to provide quality supervision and care to the highest standard possible.

Operating costs of such a facility are, as you might imagine, very high as the standard of care required for the Residents and Day visitors has high demands, so doesn’t come cheap.

Please consider supporting the running costs with a monthly donation or special Fund-Raiser. Every contribution makes a huge difference to an elderly resident or Day-Visiting child in need of help.

The Operating Costs for JFL 2 – Disability Centre average £3,920 / $5,100 per month.

Donate via paypal to the disability centre £

Donate via paypal to the Disability Center $

A snippet of history:

The Smiles Foundation is recognised as a leading Charity in Romania with over £4 million / $6 million invested for infrastructural development since 2002 and now with more than 100 Romanian nationals employed within all the significant and varied projects, the work is affecting and impacting entire communities across Bihor County, in North West Romania.

When the opportunity arose in summer of 2010 to purchase a suitable site in the centre of Salonta, Smiles moved quickly to secure it, purchasing in September 2010 for £300,000 ($450,000).

In April 2011 construction started on Phase One for the Elderly Care Home and was completed and opened in October 2013 at an additional cost of £350,000 ($525,000).

In Spring 2014, Smiles started work on Phase Two – the Disability Centre specialising in residential care for Dementia and Alzheimer, plus Day Care for disabled children in need of support and stimulation activities. The total cost for Phase 2 was £325,000 ($487,500) which included a state-of-the-art Sensory Room, Hydrotherapy Pool and Computer Activity Room. Everything was complete and the Grand Opening Ceremony was celebrated in April 2016.

The Joint Facility of Love was another ‘God Sized Challenge’ with a total investment close on £1million ($1.5million). Many very special people have been involved to help with raising funds for this wonderful facility and we thank you all for the amazing results.