FARA UK
FARA Charity UK was founded in 1991 by Jane Nicholson, after she visited Romania to see first hand the cruelty inflicted within state run orphanages during the dictatorship of Nicolae Ceaușescu. For the past 3 decades, FARA has successfully provided a lifeline to over 10,000 beneficiaries and has expanded its reach over the years from one home for rescued children, to community-based programmes supporting families to stay together, building a stronger future for Romania.
Today, FARA transforms the lives of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children, young people, and families in Romania, giving them a sense of “family”
FARA is one of the largest and most experienced NGO care providers in Romania, reaching out to the poor, the marginalised and most discriminated in society.
But it goes beyond just being a care provider. At FARA, family and friendships are at the heart of everything we do and our work is truly life changing for many families living in abject poverty.
This is FARA’s flagship programme, assisting 300 children in six nursery and primary schools in rural communities across Suceava, Northern Romania. This is vital work and planned for expansion throughout this decade.
A childhood of neglect and restraint in the notorious Romanian state institutions has meant adults with learning disabilities in the FARA Family have been left with both mental and physical scars. FARA provides two ‘Homes for Life’ for 20 adults, offering a loving, supportive family life in a nurturing environment, giving them a chance live a fulfilled life as part of the wider community.
FARA runs 3 therapy centres, providing free of charge, therapy and special needs education to children with complex needs from poor families, with the ultimate objective of them being able to attend mainstream kindergarten and school.
FARA’s children’s homes are recognised as models of care enabling children to flourish in a’ family for those without.’ The Family Home provides a loving and supportive family life in a safe and nurturing environment, where the children’s needs can be assessed and a pathway of support and care established.
Children referred to FARA by Romanian social services are identified as at risk with many having been traumatised by their past experiences, requiring professional psychological help to heal their past.
Young adults seeking help from FARA’s youth programmes are primarily institutionalised care-leavers who might otherwise fall into a spiral of homelessness and poverty. When a child reaches the age of 18, they are discharged from the system and find themselves alone in the world without crucial life skills. In 12 years, FARA has helped 320 young people aged 18-26 to access the training and work needed to gain employment and live an independent life.
Just £20 a month can cover the costs of providing vital support to a child and their family.Your donations really help!DONATE NOW
Since 1991 FARA has cared for over 10,000 beneficiaries. Our charity shops, donors and fundraisers have helped us transform thousands of lives; giving many children and young people the opportunity to grow and flourish, experiencing the joy and kind support of the FARA Family.
YOU can help us continue this crucial work in Romania, click below to find out more.
Ways to support FARA Charity
Since the first shop opened in 1992, FARA charity shops has grown to a cutting-edge retailer, operating 40 shops, serving 26 London communities. FARA's rapidly expanding online presence also sells on eBay, Amazon, Depop and via its comprehensive e-commerce platform.
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