Mission and goals


DR. BEN FURMAN’S SKILLFUL ACADEMY

Our mission

The ULICA Foundation for Children was established to systematically strengthen the mental resilience of children and youth – especially those experiencing life difficulties.

Our mission is to equip children, youth, their families, and professionals with tools and skills that help overcome challenges, building agency, a sense of community, and sensitivity to the environment around us.

We develop competencies

for teachers, educators, psychologists, counselors, and foster care workers.

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We implement innovative methods

based on the philosophy of Dr. Ben Furman and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy.

We organize

conferences, training sessions including Dr. Ben Furman’s Kids' Skills methods, the Skillful Group, supervision, and workshops.

We build communities

practitioners of Kids’ Skills, through the SKILLFUL ENERGY educational platform

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We run programs

preventive and motivational for children, youth, and families.

We bring communities together

educational, care-oriented, and local, creating more effective forms of support for the younger generation.

Values and principles

Our programs focus on the strengths of children and families, developing mental resilience, building a culture of appreciation, fostering positive relationships, and promoting eco-friendly attitudes. We believe that comprehensive support and collaboration are the keys to lasting change.

Respect and individuality
We see potential in every child and family.
Empowerment
We help children and teenagers believe in themselves and their potential.
Community
We build relationships based on support, trust, and care for our community.
Competence and professionalism
We operate based on the latest knowledge and proven methods.
Innovation
We implement modern solutions, promoting mental well-being and responsibility for our environment.
Synergy
We bring together diverse groups to effectively support the younger generation.

Our achievements and goals

1991

2021

2023

2024

2030

When the Foundation first took to the streets of Katowice, there was virtually no support system in place for at-risk youth. The Foundation's leaders established one of the first day-support centers for children and teenagers.

In 2011 and 2012, the Foundation organized two international expeditions to the Himalayas and Scandinavia for children growing up in marginalized environments.

In 2023, our work was recognized by the European Brief Therapy Association (EBTA). The ULICA Foundation received the prestigious award for Excellence in Solution Focused Practice.

Over the years, the Foundation has provided direct assistance to over 9,500 children, reached 60,000 children through trained specialists, and completed over 115 diverse projects.

Over the next 5 years, through the activities of the MOTIVATIONAL AND PREVENTIVE CENTER, we aim to reach children and youth across Poland with our mental resilience program.

Goals for 2026

Systemically strengthening the mental resilience of children and youth, including conducting research on their resilience.
Developing and professionalizing staff working with children and youth.
Supporting families and local communities in building positive relationships and a sense of security.
Creating and disseminating innovative educational and preventive programs.
Promoting a culture of complimenting, appreciating strengths, and building agency.
Developing cross-sector cooperation for the benefit of children, youth, and their families.
The development of the ULICA Foundation and the Center it established is supported by our Strategic Partner, Neo Energy Group.
More about NEG:

As a leading developer and operator of renewable energy sources (RES), Neo Energy Group is deeply committed to sustainable development. The company also engages in social initiatives that not only promote the well-being of children and youth but also build their mental resilience—a protective shield that is a key element of their health and prosperity. By supporting the ULICA Foundation and its Center, NEG actively contributes to the development of ecopsychology and the ideas of Dr. Ben Furman. It also demonstrates that responsible business and sustainable development are not just about investing in technology, but also in people—especially the younger generation. The innovation embedded in Neo Energy Group's DNA is also visible in the Foundation's activities and the concept it promotes, which uses modern tools to rebuild and strengthen the mental resilience of children. As a result, children's problems are beginning to be viewed in a new light. They are becoming processes of learning new skills that help overcome difficulties and initiate the desired change. The accessibility of these initiatives to local communities is further proof that Neo Energy Group understands and takes its social role very seriously, possessing the power to influence positive change. By supporting the ULICA Foundation, the company joins forces with those working for a better tomorrow, where every child—regardless of where they live—has the chance for healthy development in harmony with the world around them.

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If you have any questions, please contact our Strategic Director, Natalia Soja.

Photo report from the conference at the Senate of the Republic of Poland