In the spring of 2024, the Bulgarian edition of the international culinary competition for people with disabilities, Cupid’s Spoon, was held in Sofia, organized by the Croatian organization UNUO. One of the participants was Stefcho—a young man who has been living in the Supported Living Home we manage in Kazanlak since the inception of our social services there ten years ago.

Stefcho won the jury over with his big smile, homemade cake, and pork roulades. This secured him first place, and in the fall, he participated in the final stage of the competition, held in Zagreb.

Stefcho’s trip to Zagreb and Rome was filled with unforgettable experiences. He became friends with Nikolay—another Bulgarian participant in the Cocktails category—visited Zagreb’s most famous landmarks such as the Museum of Illusions, St. Mark’s Church, the Stone Gate, and the Old Town, rode the funicular, and represented Bulgaria and our organization at a city festival.

Stefcho reached the grand final of the culinary competition, which led him to Rome and even a visit with the Pope. The excitement of the whole experience was immense not only for him but for our entire foundation team. However, the most important thing was Stefcho’s happiness and his belief in his own abilities.

For the past four years, he has been working at a catering company in Kazanlak. He feels useful both to himself and those around him. He dreams and sets ambitious goals, which he expresses in his own words as: “Boldly forward and with my head held high.”