On October 2, we gathered friends and partners in one place to celebrate a triple anniversary – 20 years since the foundation was established, 15 years since the opening of our four family-type homes for people with disabilities, and 10 years since the launch of our Social Rehabilitation and Integration Center, which supports young people with intellectual disabilities and their families.
The event was attended by the Deputy Mayor of Kyustendil, Mr. Ventsislav Terziyski, Ms. Radoslava Vaseva, Director of the Regional Directorate for Social Assistance, Ms. Radost Noceva, Director of the Directorate for Social Assistance, Ms. Svetla Makendzhieva, Head of the Social Activities Department at the Municipality of Kyustendil, representatives of other social services in the community, young people attending Cedar’s services in the city, supporters, and partners.
“Today, 20 years later, I am very happy to say that Cedar is a well-known name among colleagues in the social sphere. Our foundation plays an important role in the reform of Bulgaria’s social system, and we are an example of good practice in this field. Through our advocacy work, we have contributed over the years to positive change in the lives of over 3,000 disadvantaged children and young people, and we continue to care for about 70 children and youth. said Adriana Gotzova, Executive Director of the foundation, in her address.
In his heartfelt greeting, the deputy mayor of Kyustendil, Mr. Ventsislav Terziyski, said, “You show us that we can survive only if we are together, loving and supporting each other, for which we thank you! From now on, I hope that society, and you as an important part of it, will be able to preserve what we have achieved and, through joint efforts, save humanity in our community.”
Ms. Radoslava Vaseva, Director of the Regional Directorate for Social Assistance, recalled the early years of joint work between the foundation and municipal structures and emphasized the importance of drawing on foreign experience and training that Cedar Foundation has provided and continues to provide to its teams to this day.
The atmosphere in the hall was festive but also heartfelt. Officials and donors to the foundation were awarded certificates for their long-standing cooperation and support for the organization. Our young people were present and enjoyed being at an event dedicated to them and the centers they are part of. Representatives of the city’s social services, who knew them from their previous work with them, were happy to see them grown up and capable. Visitors viewed with great interest the paintings that the young people had created with the support of our art therapist, Desislava Anakieva.
As the foundation’s executive director, Adriana Gotzova, said, “I think the most important thing that sums up our story is that the Cedar Foundation is what it is because it manages to inspire the people around it, to bring them together and show that there are no impossible or difficult cases or children.”
You can enjoy our exhibition of paintings at the Kilian School in Kyustendil until October 9, 2025.
