The "Ulica" Foundation for Children is implementing the project “Motivational and Preventive Centers for children, youth, and their families". The project is carried out under Measure 7.7 Support for families, children, and youth and deinstitutionalization of foster care of the European Funds for Silesia 2021-2027 program (European Social Fund +).
Motivational and Preventive Centers
for children, youth, and their families
Project concept
Main project objective
The main objective of the project is to increase the coping skills of parents, guardians, children, and youth in difficult life situations and/or to expand their parenting competencies, strengthen family bonds, support children and youth in need, increase the psychological resilience of children and youth, improve the well-being of young people, strengthen participants' sense of agency, inspire their motivation to act and social activation, and strengthen the potential of civil society organizations.
The project will be implemented in seven locations (Katowice, Bytom, Gliwice, Tychy, Mikołów, Wyry, Łaziska Górne).
The project will provide support to a total of 1,228 people (861F, 367M), including:
- adult family members, including those experiencing difficulties in fulfilling caregiving and educational roles or those in crisis: 480 people (360F, 120M),
- children and youth in need of support, with low to average levels of psychological resilience: 720 people (480F, 240M),
- foundation staff and volunteers: 28 people (21F, 7M)
Why get involved?
- We strengthen mental resilience.
We help discover inner strength and motivation to act.
- We strengthen family relationships.
Together, we build stronger bonds and develop parenting skills.
- We activate.
We open up space for active participation in social life.
Project location and duration
Project implementation period: 01.07.2024 - 30.06.2029
- In 2024 and 2025, the Centers are located in: Katowice, Mikołów, Łaziska Górne, and Wyry
- Project duration: 01.07.2024-30.06.2029
Project outcomes
The project will result in improved family functioning, mental strengthening of children and youth, and the development of civil society organization potential.
The project includes the implementation of 3 tasks:
RE-ACTIVATION
RE-ACTIVATION activities
The RE-ACTIVATION program was created for children and youth aged 7-18 who are dealing with low or average levels of psychological resilience, as well as those at risk of low mental toughness. The project will provide support to 720 young people, helping them build inner strength, resilience, and social skills to prevent social exclusion.
The goal of the program is to provide comprehensive support for the mental health and psychological resilience of children and youth. We aim to improve the quality of life for our participants by offering access to balanced, high-quality services that help them grow in a healthy and supportive environment.
Scope of support
- Psychological consultations
Each program participant will receive an individual hour-long psychological consultation, during which an assessment of their psychological resilience will be conducted. These consultations will help identify the specific needs of young people and establish a foundation for further work. - Motivational Training
A 3-hour motivational training session for each participant will be a key element in building their Individual Action Plan (IAP). Together with the participant, a specialist will create a personalized development path tailored to their specific needs and the challenges they face. - Individual Action Plan (IAP)
The IAP will be tailored to the unique needs of each participant, allowing for focused work on developing social and personal skills.
As part of the IAP, we offer:
- Support groups for children and youth: Small group sessions (10 people) led by experienced specialists, aimed at building community and providing emotional support.
- Individual therapeutic work: Conducted using the Kids' Skills (for children) and Mission Possible (for youth) methods.
- "Ambassadors of the ImPossible" social skills workshops: A 40-hour workshop series that culminates in a collaboratively planned and organized social initiative.
- Stress and emotion management workshops: An 8-hour workshop series focused on developing skills for managing difficult emotions and stress.
- "The Power of Acceptance" summer workshops: A 30-hour summer workshop series designed to help participants embrace themselves and build self-esteem.
- Interest development workshops: Thematic activities tailored to reported interests, such as arts and crafts, DIY, photography, dance, theater, or singing.
- Integration trips: Trips that allow young people to spend time actively, integrate, and build positive relationships.
RE - LATION
RE-LATION activities
The Conscious Parent Academy is aimed at parents who need support in difficult life situations and wish to expand their parenting skills. The project helps parents build deeper relationships with their children, develop their parenting toolkit, and cope with their children's emotional and behavioral difficulties.
Scope of support
- Parent support groups
Support groups will include 160 people. This is a space where parents can share experiences, combat isolation, and work on themselves, finding understanding and support from others facing similar challenges. The goal of the group is self-help and deepening self-understanding in the role of a parent. - Training and workshops for parents and legal guardians
- "I'm Proud of You!" basic training
The goal of this training is to learn a method for supporting children in overcoming emotional and behavioral problems, based on Dr. Ben Furman’s KIDS’ SKILLS method. - Advanced training
Based on the reported needs of participants. Topics include communicating with your child, understanding their feelings and needs, dealing with difficult behaviors, and responding constructively to aggression. Workshops will be held once a month in four locations, with cycles of meetings running from 2024 to 2029.
- "I'm Proud of You!" basic training
- Family picnic
Four picnic events will be organized for parents and children, creating a space for integration and play within the project participants' community.
- Conference on building family bonds (2029)
A one-day conference (9 hours) for 300 participants, featuring 5 lectures, a panel discussion, workshops for parents and youth, an intergenerational activity hub, and children's entertainment. - Psychological consultations
Each project participant will receive a 1-hour consultation to assess their needs and determine the appropriate form of support.
RE - ALIZATION
RE-ALIZATION activities
RE-ALIZATION – Volunteer Development is our comprehensive program designed to increase social engagement and provide support to young people who want to help others. Through our program, participants not only have the chance to make a difference but also gain valuable skills and experience for their future careers.
How it works
- Simple application process
We make the application process easy by creating a clear and simple path for volunteers. Anyone who wants to get involved can easily express their interest and start their volunteering journey. - Partnerships
We establish ongoing partnerships with local schools, NGOs, and other organizations to promote and develop the spirit of volunteering. This gives us access to a wide network of young, engaged individuals eager to make a difference in their community. - Regular motivational and outreach meetings
We organize regular meetings to motivate young people and explain the benefits of volunteering. These sessions are a great opportunity to learn about our work and take the first steps on your volunteering journey. - Building a volunteer database
We are building and continuously expanding our volunteer database, which allows us to manage projects effectively and provide support at every stage. - Volunteer training
We are committed to the development of our volunteers, offering a comprehensive training program divided into two main areas:- Project activities: Training covering the development of soft skills, teamwork abilities, communication principles, taking social initiative, work planning, and implementing promotional activities.
- Coaching work: Preparation for working with clients, learning the Foundation's work standards and values, group work, applying Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) methods, and other coaching skills.
PROJECT VALUE
The total value of the project is 4,406,905.80 PLN, including:
- co-financing from the European Union (85%): 3,745,869.93 PLN
- co-financing from the State Budget (10%): 440,690.58 PLN
Program: European Funds for Silesia 2021-2027 (European Social Fund Plus) Priority: FESL.07.00-European Funds for Society Measure: FESL.07.07-Support for families, children, and youth and deinstitutionalization of foster care#EUFunds
Support at EVERY STEP
The Foundation prefers working in the participants' natural environment, which allows for a better understanding of their situation and more effective support. Thanks to the RE-ACTIVATION, RE-LATIONSHIP, RE-ALIZATION program, children, youth, and their parents will gain not only psychological help but also tools to build a better, more balanced social life. By co-creating a space for relationships and a zone for development, acceptance, and integration, they will have the chance to discover their potential – building a sense of agency and community within themselves.
Resilience assessment
The "Ulica" Foundation for Children is implementing the project Motivational and Preventive Centers for children, youth, and their families. The project is carried out as part of measure 7.7 Support for families, children, and youth and deinstitutionalization of foster care under the European Funds for Silesia 2021-2027 program (European Social Fund+).