An Outing with the Mentor Teens...

The time is drawing near for some of our teenagers to graduate from the mentor program. On 15th October 6 of the 13 young people in our care will take a huge step of independence, out of Livada’s full time care and into the real world. It is both an exciting time and a frightening one for these teenagers who have been institutionalized for most of their lives before coming into the program.

Over their time in the foundation they have learned and developed a variety of skills they will need for the future; cooking, cleaning, paying bills, finding and keeping a job etc, things we all count as ‘normal’, having grown up in a family. They may not be prepared for every situation that is to come but just like in any family there comes a time when the parents must step back and let their children stand on their own two feet. Of course that doesn’t mean abandonment and just like in any family we will still be here to give advice, lend a helping hand and be strong in times of crisis.

So, before the big date of departure Emi and Paul took the opportunity for some male bonding with a trip to Busteni (3 hrs away, near Brasov), a gondola ride and a hike to a huge cross that stands high on a mountain top. It was a great day of adventure for them all, a time to face new challenges, consolidate relationships and have some man to man conversation.




Of course the girls couldn’t be outdone so Becky, Rebecca and Fiona took them on a girls’ day out to a local hotel. There was plenty of relaxing to be done in the warm salt pool, sauna and steam room as well as a lot of splashing around in the swimming pool. It was a time for some to build confidence levels as they learn how to swim and for others to develop the skills they already have.



It was a great day had by all and an important chance to remind those who are leaving that we are a family that won’t abandon them as they move out into the world.