Our Support for Moldova and Ukraine

      Our Support for Moldova and Ukraine

14
Jan
2025

Keystone Moldova Celebrates Two Decades of Social Impact

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Keystone Moldova Celebrates Two Decades of Social Impact

Keystone Human Services is proud to celebrate Keystone Moldova’s 20th anniversary of support for inclusion for people with disabilities in Moldova. Beginning with the Unitate Community Center in Tudora providing social, educational, psychological, and vocational support for vulnerable children in the village, Keystone Moldova now impacts over 30,000 people as we work to build a more equitable and inclusive society.

“In order to build an inclusive community for people with intellectual and psycho-social disabilities, we have supported the government in the development and implementation of the legal and institutional framework, contributing to the elaboration of more than 50 normative acts and regulatory mechanisms,” said Dr. Ludmila Malcoci, Regional Director of Central and Eastern Europe and Executive Director of Keystone Moldova.

Over the years, Keystone Moldova has developed more than 300 community-based social services, aimed at ending institutionalization and supporting people to access their rights and live full lives in the community.

“Keystone Moldova had changed the way people with disabilities are viewed within society,” said Charles Sweeder, President and CEO of Keystone Human Services, “and they are continuing to advocate for full inclusion and access to rights. Their accomplishments over the past two decades serve as a model of what can be. I look forward to what the next twenty years will bring.”

Mihai Grecu and his wife have been living in the community since 2017. They now have a child and are deeply embedded in the fabric of their village. “I enjoy living in the community much more than in an institution,” said Mihai. “For example, in institutions, residents can’t form families. But living in the community, you can start a family, keep animals at home. You learn more from society than in an institution. Currently, I work at a bakery and as an auxiliary worker at the town hall. When I have free time, I go to my neighbor and help him cut wood.”

Daniella DiPierro, Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy to the Republic of Moldova, noted Keystone Moldova’s partnership in supporting the process of deinstitutionalization of children with disabilities in Moldova: “A vision has defined Keystone Moldova’s two decades of success, two decades of promoting sustainable change and improving the lives of vulnerable people through system capacity building and improving the regulatory framework. The United States is proud to have such a partner.”

Keystone Moldova, with the financial support of the European Union, has implemented projects in which more than 200 social services have been developed, including mobile teams, personal assistance, day and rehabilitation centers, canteens and social laundry. “Keystone Moldova has brought hope to many people in need and has worked to provide a better life for people with disabilities. Keystone Moldova has been and continues to be a reliable partner and we are glad that together we have supported initiatives that meet the needs of people in need.” said Magdalena Mueller-Uri, Head of the Cooperation Section of the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova.

Also, the Minister of Labor and Social Protection, Mr. Alexei Buzu, underlined the crucial role of civil society organizations, such as Keystone Moldova, in the development and implementation of social inclusion policies: “What Keystone Moldova has done is beyond numbers, it is a moral stake through every service they have developed and every person with disabilities they have managed to empower. It will be a source of great pride for all of us when we reach zero children institutionalized. We will go to the last residential placement center and together we will turn off the lights and put up the padlock.” said Mr. Buzu.

The anniversary is also a moment of reflection and gratitude for all who have supported Keystone Moldova’s mission over the years. Keystone Moldova reaffirms its commitment to promoting an inclusive, accessible, and equitable society for all people.

Read and watch more stories from the last twenty years on Keystone Moldova’s website.