Easter 2020

       Dear friend and supporter of Fundatia,

       When the time comes for a newsletter, my heart fills with joy and happiness. Even today, when things are so difficult all over the world, I still rejoice when I have to share with you all and tell you about our boys at Amara.

       It is potentially one of the saddest of times for many years and most likely, this Easter will be different to any other. Everyone is locked in their houses and not allowed to go out unless it is for an emergency. Considering this situation, I have to say that I am very lucky to live just 1 minute away from the Amara House.

       Even though in the last week I had to reduce my time at the house to a minimum, this morning I went to visit the boys and to take pictures of each one of them to share with you.

       I got there early in the morning and they were all sitting in the big room. Now, no matter how sad or upset I am, once I open the door everything changes. Just to see Codreanu with a big smile on his face has made my day. He was right there, in the midle of the room, looking happy!

       I have stepped in and, right behind the door, I could see Valy. Being autistic, he will not sit anywhere else but in his well known place. He hasn't been well in the last couple of weeks and our G.P. doctor had to come to the house several times. He is recovering now and he waved his hand when he saw his face on the phone like he was saying „HELLO” to you all!

       Right next to Valy you will find Emil, always smiling. This time, Gabi was helping him to play „Connect four”. It is one of the games that helps him to exercise his finger muscles as his body degenerates constantly due to his Hurler’s Syndrome.

       We thank God everyday that he is still alive as the statistics say that people suffering of this syndrome usualy die before they get to the age of 20! He will soon turn 39!    

       Gabi loves to write. Even though he doesn't understand the meaning of the letters and the numbers, he just loves to copy them. He has got lots of notebooks and he is very proud of them. Also, he is the one helping the most with the cleaning of the house! With Gabi, everything has to be in its place, otherwise...

       As for Marius, he is good fun all the time! He could entertain himself for hours, singing and never gets bored. He even does whatever he can to help with the cleaning of the house.

       Life continues at Amara. There are many demands in day to day life and some of the things needs replacing after 20 years of use. Sandu, who helps with repairs around the house keeps telling me that we must replace most of the side fence all the way to the back of the garden as the old one cannot be repaired anymore.

       As the spring has come, we started the work in the garden. It keeps the boys busy over summer and the crops, after we preserve them, are a great help in the kitchen over winter. Unfortunately, the water pump is not functional anymore and we need a new one very soon.

       The needs are great and the monthly costs with the running of the house are increasing. Begining the 1st of January, our government has decided to raise the minimum wage by 10% and that was another big hit for our finances. We keep thinking of ways to find more money in Romania and one way that we have  considered is to add another resident at the house and use his pension to cover the hole in our budget. It would be an emergency solution but we are ready to do it if necessary, in order to keep the Amara House going.  Of course, we also have to carefully assess the extra work that another resident would cause and make sure that our hard working staff could manage the situation, or would it increase our costs as well as our income?  We are blessed to have a wonderful team here at the Amara House and the sense of „family” is very strong, so at times like this we are able to discuss everything very openly with each other. This means that when decisions like this are made we know that everybody is in agreement!

       So, this is something we are exploring and you can be sure that we will keep you all informed through our regular Newsletters.  Even though there are problems all over the world, we all try to stay positive at the House and to look forward.  With your fantastic support, those seven boys have been with us since 2003. In all this time I have seen so many wonderful things happening. After 17 years together I can not imagine my life without them!

       Our thoughts and prayers are with you all this Easter time, remembering that although our Countries are so different in many ways we are all facing the same situation which can be very challenging, especially if you are living alone.  We hope that you will be able to find ways to keep in touch with friends and family and we hope this letter from your friends in Amara will at least bring you some joy this Easter time. 

Happy Easter!

Marius Istrate

Romanian Project Director

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                        Newsletter Christmas 2019

      Dear friend and supporter of Fundatia,

       Ten years ago, during one of our annual trustees meeting in UK, someone came up with the ideea of sending newsletters to all the people who are faithfully supporting Fundatia (trough prayer, donations or both) and our work at Amara. We felt the need to keep in contact with you, to share with you news about the boys, about the house and to let you know how the money we receive from you is being spent.

       When the time comes for a newsletter, weeks before I start thinking about what happened at the house since we sent the last one; has anything major happened that is worth talking about? What is the most important thing that needs to be shared?

       This time I want to share with you about the people without which our work at Amara wouldn’t be possible: the staff!

       Back in the orphanage, staff were always a big problem. There are hundreds of stories about the children being physically and mentally abused by the staff, or staff stealing food, clothes or shoes intended for the children.  This is why, when we tried to find staff for the house, back in 2003, one condition was that they had nothing to do with the orphanages before.  So, we decided to find ordinary people from the comunity, to train them and to teach them how to care for our boys.

       Finding the right people wasn’t easy! It was a long process but very rewarding at the same time. Now, I can proudly say that we didn’t just find the right staff but, more importantly, we have found a family for our boys!     I would like to say a few words about each one of them.

Gigica – a very hand-gifted woman.

       She joined the team by „mistake” but I think it was all God’s plan. In the early days of the house, 2 years after the opening, one of the staff members had to retire due to age combined with some medical problems. It was something unexpected and we desperately needed someone to come for a short period until we could find somebody to hire full time. She agreed to help for a couple of weeks but after she met the boys, she never left!

       Mother of two girls, she is very close to the boys. She is very creative and her skills are just incredible, from sawing, painting, drawing, hand-crafting to fixing anything in the house!

Simona – the best cook in the world

       Back in the orphanage, the food was so bad that you wouldn’t even dare to feed your pigs with it! Because of bad food and lack of vitamins, most of the orphans will get hepatitis. I will always remember the first meal our boys had at the house! How they tried to cover the plates with their bodies and looking around to see if somebody would come to steal the food! Even years after they come to live at Amara, we could find bread hidden under their pillows!

       Simona’s food is absolutely fantastic! She can prepare a great meal out of nothing! And there is no need to mention the amazing cakes she makes for the birthdays at the house!

       Radita –   After working for Fundatia for 15 years, she has got to know each one of the boys very well. Even though most of them can not communicate, she knows their needs just by looking at them. If one of the boys wakes up at night to go to the toilet she can tell which one it is, even though she is in a different room, just by the noise he makes when he walks. She never misses any trips with the boys and she often takes the boys for a walk down the street.

       Nicoleta (Nina) - is the last one who joined the team at Amara, two years ago, in a very difficult time for all of us.

       When Lucretia died, we all said that it will be impossible to find someone to replace her.  Even though Lucretia was unique in her work, Nina has found a way to the boys hearts! I was very impressed with her when, just a couple of months after she met the boys for the first time, we went to a camp in the mountains.  She did not hesitate to share a room with the boys when we realised that there is not enough space for the staff. She is now very close to the boys and she can talk to them for hours and they love that....

Adrian – the big brother

       I have known Adrian for more then 20 years now. Abandoned by his family, he spent all his life in the orphanage. When he had to leave the institution at the age of 20, he came to live in one of our flats. In time, Fundatia ofered him a job as a carer. Since then, he has been a great support for the staff, caring for the boys. As they grew up together, they see him as the big brother, who looks after them!

Ionut – the nurse guy

       He joined the team as a nurse but he does way more than that. He is also responsible for all the work in the garden or any other work around the house. He was a great help when we did all the construction work last summer.

       Each one of the staff at Amara is unique in their own way and we all have different skills. Because we are different, we make such a good team! But, the most important is that we all love the boys and we love what we do at Amara.

       Most of our boys have never met their natural families but we have become their family. One big, happy family!

       In Romania, at Christmas time, families get together to celebrate the birth of Jesus. It is the time when people remember the loved ones. In the same way, we - the Amara family -  are thinking of each one of you who have made this possible. Because of you and your sacrifice and commitment, the boys can celebrate Christmas again this year! 

Happy Christmas to all of you!

Click here for a printable version of our newsletter

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Newsletter Easter 2019

       It is not a long time since we’ve sent out the Christmas newsletter and yet, it is time for a new one.

       Composing the Easter newsletter, it is usually more difficult because there isn’t much happening at the house since winter holydays.

       As I was struggling in the last few weeks to find a topic for the letter, a bible verse just kept coming in my mind:

    “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ”

                                                                  Ephesians 5:20

Giving thanks always...? for all the things..??

       In 20 years of working with Fundatia New Life, I have so many things to be thankful for.

       I am thankful for every single supporter of Fundatia. None of the things we have achived over the years would have been possible without each one of you! Together, we have saved and changed the lifes of the boys at Amara.

       Therefore, I feel like I should thank you, dear supporter, in the name of each one of the boys at Amara, and here are some of the reasons why:

• Thank you for being a supporter of Fundatia New Life.

Whether if you have been supporting our work since the early days or if you have joined us later, your support is very much appreciated, and we do hope that you will stay with us!

• Thank you for believing in “The Amara House” project!

Taking the boys under our complete care and become fully responsible for their lives has been a huge step we had to take, in faith! With your support, 16 years later, the 7 boys who have turned into adults, are still with us.

• Thank you for every penny that we have received over the years.

       When we opened the house in 2003, it would cost us less than 1ooo GBP/month. Today, we need just under 5ooo GBP/month to keep the house running and provide the boys with a warm and secure home. So, whether you are a supporter sending 5 pounds/month, a supporter sending 100 pounds/month or if you are making an occasional donation, we say a big “THANK YOU”!

       Easter is about miracles! It’s about the miracle of life! Therefore, I want to talk to you about a living miracle.

       Fanel, one of the boys at the house, it’s one of the miracles I see every day. Back in 2005, when we decided to take him at the house, it was ment to be only for a very short time (the time the doctors said he has got left at that moment – not more then a month).

       With your support, with proper medical care and love from dedicated staff, Fanel has come back to life!

       Some time ago, one of the ladies at the house asked him what is it that he likes the most. His answer was very simple but it broght tears from everyone who was there:   “I like life!”

       These days, Fanel is not feeling very well. The last couple of months have been very difficult for him and there were many times when we had to call the ambulance for him. He has spent many days in different hospitals in Slobozia and Bucharest. Just as I am writting those words he is in a lot of suffering as his cirrhosis has slowly evoluated and it is causing a lot of other complications.

       I don't know what the coming future is going to bring for Fanel just as I don’t know what it will bring for the other boys at the house!  But there is one thing I know for sure: that the last 15 years of their lives were filled with love and care from staff at the house and everything was possible due to your fantastic support over the years!

       In the name of everyone at the house – boys and staff – I want to thank you all for supporting Fundatia New Life and I do wish you all a very Happy Easter!

Marius Istrate

Romanian Project Director

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                        Newsletter Christmas 2018

      Dear friend and supporter of Fundatia,

       Another year has gone and it is the time to share with you some of the great things we have achieved over the past year!       

       It has been a great year for the boys at the house and with your fantastic support we have managed to make some changes to improve the life of the boys and to help the staff to provide better care for them.

WHY THE NEED...

       During my last visit to the UK, I was telling our supporters about the plans we have to make some changes in the house and outside, to make the place more accessible for Emil, who uses a wheelchair.

       It all came to light about one year ago, in one of our monthly staff meetings when we all get together to discuss what happened in the house in the last month, how are the boys and how are the staff doing. Talking and sharing with each other, we realized how difficult it is for the staff to take Emil to the toilet and that it is even harder to give him a bath, due to his medical condition and the fact that the house doesn’t have any facilities for wheelchair use. It was the moment when we decided that something must be done. Part of the solution was to turn the toilet area into a wet room!     

       That being said, after the necessary funds were raised, we started the work! And... it was a big job, especially as, in order to reduce the costs, I decided to do all the work myself! 

       A door had to be removed, the old bathtub was replaced with a “walk in” shower and many other changes have been made in order to enable the staff to wheel Emil around the house. Now it all looks great and everyone is happy! 

       As soon as the inside job was done, we had to pay some attention to the outside of the house. Due to a new law and fire safety regulation which says that every social service activity that is working with people in a wheelchair must have a ramp for easy access, we had to build a ramp at the back door of the house.

       Again, in order to save more money, it was all done from scratch by us, putting our own labour into it! Still, more funds are needed to fit some protection bars in order to be able to “legally” use it.

       Once the ramp was built and ready to be used, we realised that we can’t really go too far with the wheelchair as the path around the house was in a very bad shape. A new path became the next item on our list.

       As this was a very big job, we had a team of professionals who did it, for a reasonable price.   Since it was done, the outside of the house looks much better! No need to mention that it is a lot easier to wheel Emil around the house!       

       None of this would have been possible without your fantastic support! In the name of each one of the boys at Amara, I say a big “THANK YOU” for your dedication to our project!

       Just as I was about to send this newsletter to be printed, I have received the very sad news that I feel like I must share with you all! John Nicholson, the man who had the idea of the Amara House, back in 2002, has recently passed away!

       For all the work he has done in Romania since early ’90, for setting up the Amara House, for everything I’ve learned from him in the last 20 years, for being a close friend, a father-figure, a mentor.... I say “Thank you, John! Rest in peace!”

       At the end of my past visit to the U.K., when I saw John for the last time, I have made a promise to him! I promised that I will look after the boys at Amara for as long as possible and that I will do my best to keep the house running!

       I can only keep my promise with your support! I know that these days things are difficult in the U.K. just as they are here in Romania and now, more than ever, we need everyone’s support! 

       We had the vision, back in those early days, to create this comfortable home environment for the boys and of course, we had no idea then of the challenges that would arise from doing this.  However, I believe we have achieved more than we could have imagined at that time and as we now look forward to another Christmas in the Amara House, probably joined by others from our community, I can assure you that each one of the boys will once again enjoy this festive time and be warm, well fed and well looked after.  Please think of them as you enjoy the picture of the big familly at Amara, that was sent with this newsletter.

       So, it just remains for me, on behalf of the staff and boys at the Amara House, to send you our very best wishes for a Happy Christmas and New Year!

Click here for a printable version of our newsletter

Marius Istrate

Romanian Project Director

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Newsletter Easter 2017

      Dear supporter and friend of Fundatia New Life,

       The spring has come again and that means it’s time to write to all of our friends.

       Writing a newsletter it is always a big challenge as I have to think of which are the best things to bring to the attention of the reader. But writing the Easter newsletter it’s even more challenging for me as I usually start working on it at the end of February and that is the time when we celebrate the opening of The Amara House.

       On 24th of February we celebrated 14 years since the opening. 14 years since we have decided to take the step and become fully responsable for the lives of the seven abandoned children that were living, at that time, in placement centre nr. 5.

       The 24Th of February 2003 it’s a day that I will always remember! It was the day when, with your fantastic support, the lives of seven disabled  children started to change.

      

       Each year, at the end of February, I take a moment to look back and I try to see the differences. I try to remember how the boys used to be and how they are today; what the house looked like when we moved in and how it looks today. And what do I see? I see an enormous difference!

   

  

       I see a difference in each one of the boys. Now, they look healthy, well fed, happy and more like „normal” boys of their age. They feel usefull and with a lot more confidence. They have a lot of friends that visit them regularly. 

       I see a difference in the house. At the moment of purchase, the house was perfect for what they needed. As they have turned from children in to young adults, their needs were different and they needed more space. Now, the house is slightly bigger and better adapted to the boys needs.

 

       One of the most important activities at the house is going out to explore the outside world. Now, we use a minibus instead of a horse and cart, for our trips around Amara. 

 

       When I realize how much their lives have changed in the last 14 years, I instantly think of the people who have made this possible. Without your generous support none of this would have happened.

       But alongside with the good things that happened over the years, I also see the difficulties. Constant changing of the law, the standards we have to meet, and the most important, the montly expenses that grow in an alarming way!

       Today, 50% of the money we need comes from Romania and that is a great achievement. Even so, we continually face financial pressures as costs go up and this is why we ask you to continue to support our work. Without it, we will not be able to continue our good work and these boys will end up on the streets.

       Meeting our supporters has always been a priority for us as a charity. This is why I try to visit the UK once a year. For those of you who are interested I will be available from the 20th of April to the 3rd of May. As usual, I will be based in Littlehampton and I will travel around as needed. If you wish to meet me over a cup of tea and hear more about the boys, just send me an email at amarahouse@fundatianewlife.com and we will work something out.

Looking forward to meet as many of you as possible during my visit!

Happy Easter!

Click here for a printable version of our newsletter

Marius Istrate

Romanian Project Director

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Newsletter Easter 2016

      Dear supporter of Fundatia New Life,

       My name is Tina O’Reilly and I am Chairman of FNL. I first came to Romania in the sumer of 2002 to work in an orphange in the nearby town of Slobozia. It was here that I first met our boys. I was the aromatherapist in Christ’s Hospital’s Educational project. It was during this visit that I fell in love with Romania, its culture, the people and most of all the children.

       I returned to Romania in the September of the same year , to see how I could help these forgotten children and to work closer with Marius in his capacity of NGO.  Shortly after this visit Fundatia New Life was formed as a charity, both in Romania and then in the UK, and the life of the Amara house was born.

       I have watched FNL grow, with improvements to the house and gardens, the confidence and development  of the staff but most impressive of all, the progression of the boys.

I am writing this during my visit to the Amara House in February 2016, with temperatures of 22°C and 23°C. This is unusual for a Romanian winter! Perhaps Spring will come early, a blessing I’m sure!

       During this visit and after spending time with them, I notice some positive changes in Emil, he has Hurlers Syndrom and is riddled with arthritis. Despite his challenges he was fully engaged in the activity session, taking pride in his achievements.  Emil’s mobility has greatly improved due to his daily routine of physiotherapy given by the staff, which has made an impact on Emil both physically and mentally, really brightening his moods.

  I also noticed a big difference in Codreanu. During my last visit in May 2015, Codreanu spent most of the day in bed, whilst today I have seen him sitting in the day room with the others enjoying the activities. At lunch Codreanu was managing to feed himself and eating heartily I may add. However, I see some deterioration in a few of the boys and that is to be expected with the type of medical conditions they have.

       Fanel's mood has been unusually low these past days but it is only a very short time since he has  returned  home  after  spending  10  days  in  a hospital. Generally, whenimg vsitors arrive Fanel likes to show the crafts and aprons he has made on his sewing machine but Fanel was in no mood to interact with us. As he has been unwell and the winter a long one, maybe the early sunshine will help lift his spirits. I hope so!

       This is the reality in the Amara House - these boys engage or retreat and the staff do their best to reach them. We continue to love and care for the boys, encouraging  them to live happy and fulfilled lives.

       I would love you all to have an understanding of this “heart” that is present at the Amara House. It is here in every aspect of life. It comes from the staff sharing their individual talents, loving and caring for each and every boy. They are a family living through the challenges and celebrations of everyday life, safe together under the protection of FNL. 

       It is you, my dear supporter that enables this work to continue. Without you there would be no Amara House.  Thank you so much for all that you have done for us and for all the support that you are still willing to give. It is a priviledge to be a part of this incredible journey.  May it long continue!                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Tina O'Reilly

Trustee of FNL

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Newsletter Christmas 2015

      Dear friend and supporter,

       Once again I have been given the privilege to update you all on the last few months for Fundatia New Life. 

       As many of you know I came to England just after Easter to meet some of our supporters and to spread the word about Fundatia. I want to thank the people that I had a chance to meet for their warm welcome that I received when I visited. It was really good to meet so many positive people who support us and who are keen to help spread the word about our charity. Now more than ever the boys at Amara need your continued support to help face a lot of new changes that have happened in Romania. The most important changes are to do with regulations that the charity now has to meet. This will impose both financial and time restrictions on the charity making it even more expensive to run each month. This is why I would like to ask as many of you as possible to help raise awareness about Fundatia New Life and the important work we do in Amara. Your support and the support from new people has never been so crucial.

       In a continued effort to raise new support for the charity I am pleased to tell everyone I shall be visiting England again next year around Easter time. I am already looking forward to meeting our supporters and I am keen to explore any ideas or suggestions anyone might have to help with our cause. I will be sending out my exact movements during my visit in the next newsletter but please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you want to arrange to meet with me during my stay.

       Since my last visit there have been some changes at the house. Now we have a new member in our family. Beginning in June Ionut has joined the staff team as a nurse. It was not easy to find someone to replace Marian who had been with us for more than 15 years. However Ionut was a great find as he has a lot of experience with similar boys. Ionut was quick to adapt to working at the house and was more than prepared to go above and beyond to help. Especially as working at the house meant more than being just a nurse. Ionut quickly became part of the family. Both the boys and the other staff accepted him easily. Under his direct guidance Ionut and the boys have breathed some life into the garden at Amara growing new vegetables which will help us during the winter months. Also already Ionut has plans to restore the green house and to continue growing in there. This is not only good for the Amara House, as it will make it more self-sufficient, but it also gives the boys an exciting activity to enjoy.

 

       This summer finances were restricted and unfortunately we didn’t manage to take the boys on a camp. However we did manage to take them on several day trips instead. We took a fantastic day trip to Constanta and to the Black Sea where we took the boys on a boat trip which they really enjoyed. This was the first time that we had been on the sea. 

 

       It was a lovely sunny day and the boys had a great time. We spent also sometime on the beach and after all the time walking in the sunshine we took a well earnt rest in the local MacDonald’s which was a special treat for everyone. In addition to the Black Sea we also had trips to Bucharest, Braila and other surrounding towns. We enjoyed as much of the Romanian summer as we could.

       Christmas will soon be here and we all from the house in Amara want to send our thoughts and warmest greetings to you all. We hope that you have a special time with your friends and family during the festive period but would ask if you could find it in your hearts to spare a thought for us all here too.

       We are keen to share our home with you and would like to invite anyone who wishes to visit to come and meet us!   

       Merry Christmas and a happy New Year from all of us at Fundatia New Life! 

Click here for a printable version of our newsletter

Marius Istrate

Romanian Project Director

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Newsletter Easter 2015

      Dear friend and supporter,

       It is not long since we sent out the Christmas Newsletter and here we are again.

       Once more, I have been given the privilege of updating you with news about the life of the seven young adults for whom, with your generous support, we have been trying to provide not only a house but a home.

       Twelve years ago, Fundatia New Life decided to take a huge step and become a family for seven orphans who have never had one. As Christians, we trusted that God would find a way and that He would provide not only for our daily needs but also for everything we needed in order to offer a good life to the boys.

       Alongside our trust in God we also hoped that Romania will change and it will slowly begin to look after its own people. Even though there is still a long way to go to achieve that, I can strongly say that things are happening.  At the beginning, all the costs with the running of the house were totally covered by our British supporters, today, 12 years later, 50 % of the money we need comes from Romania, whether we talk about private donors or support from the County Council or other local authorities. 

       Unfortunately, just like many other countries across Europe, Romania is facing difficulties and it is more and more difficult to raise enough money to keep the house running. Prices are rising and the monthly costs are increasing. In the table you can see the huge effort we are making together, to provide the boys with a home!

       In 2014 we were forced to reduce the costs to a minimum and still, we get enough funds just to keep our heads above the water. Even if the situation is not desperate at the moment, we must take any effort to avoid the worst:the closure of the house.    

Annual expenditure for  AMARA HOUSE
Year	Amount spent/year
2006	£ 36,567
2007	£ 38,921
2008	£ 42,729
2009	£ 51,865
2010	£ 56,080
2011	£ 52,334
2012	£ 42,423
2013	£ 49,869
2014	£ 41,488

       Talking to our trustees about the future of The Amara House, we have decided that I should take a visit to the U.K. and try to meet as many of our supporters as possible. Therefore, I am extremely happy to tell you that just a few days after Easter, (8^th to 21^st of April) I will be available to meet with you and answer any question that you might have.

       With the great support from Caring & Sharing we have planned for two events already. The first one is scheduled for Saturday April 18^th, at 7.30pm at St Mary’s Church in Ringmer; the second one at the church in Barcombe on Sunday 19th April. Also, we are planning some meetings with supporters from the Littlehampton area and Rudgwick.  We will let you know the details of the meetings on our website, www.fundatianewlife.com.

       During my visit to the UK, I would like to visit any caring facilities similar to The Amara House that might exist in the area. If any of you know a place that I can visit and get ideas from, please just drop a short message on my email at: amarahouse@fundatianewlife.com.

   

  

       It just remains for me to wish you all a very Happy Easter from all of us here at the Amara House and we hope that you enjoy the cards that the boys have prepared for you!   

       Looking forward to meet you in April!                                                                                                       

Marius Istrate

Romanian Project Director

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Newsletter Christmas 2014

                                   Dear friend and supporter of Fundatia New Life,

       It is not long since we sent out the Christmas Newsletter and here we are again.

       Another year has gone now and the time has come to update you with news about the lives of the seven young boys living at The Amara House.

       This summer, we had a very special visit at the house: Hannah O’Reilly, from UK. She is the daughter of Tina O’Reilly, one of our trustees. I’ve first met Hannah in 2003, when she came to The Special School in Slobozia with a group of students from Christ’s Hospital School in England for an educational project. She has become one of the closest friends to the boys and she visited The Amara House regularly, until 2008 when, the busy life has forced her to stop coming. Until this summer!

       I would like to give her the opportunity to share with you her impression following the visit:

       My name is Hannah – I have been volunteering in Romania since I was 13.

       I used to work very closely with all of the boys at The Special School, through the Christ Hospital’s educational project, running dance, drama and music classes, so I have known the boys before they lived at The Amara House when their lives were very different.

       I hadn’t visited the boys for over 6 years so you can imagine how thrilled and excited I was to see them! As per usual on the first day of our arrival we were greeted by so many happy, smiley faces! My first impression was that they had all got so much bigger – of course they had – and as always they were very content. Every time I come back to the house, it always strikes me to think where the boys could have ended up and the lives they could have lead or quite simply not have. Whenever I spend time with any of the boys I love to see how they and their personalities have developed. It really is a beautiful thing to witness.

       Marius in particular made me smile this time – before I had managed to say anything to him once we had arrived he had already started to clap and sing enthusiastically encouraging me to join in with him. He is always very tuneful when I visit and once I start he will never let me stop! I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face to see him having so much fun and laughing, as well as being so vocal and expressing himself in a comfortable environment! Every day I couldn’t escape having a sing along with Marius, I didn’t have much of a choice! But he never forgets that’s what we always do and I loved seeing how happy it made him.

       Seeing the improvement in Vali over the years has always amazed me! Vali was one of the children we found virtually impossible to work with in the CH project at C.P.5. He would sit in a corner and refuse to take part in any activity. If anyone tried to come anywhere near him he would bite, spit, or scream so loud that he would have to leave our class. To see Vali and so many other children like this was just heartbreaking as you can imagine, because we could never reach them. Even after a few months at the house Vali was becoming more like the boy we now know. Every time I visit I see how he is becoming so much more confident. He always invites me to sit next to him and tries so hard to speak and communicate, and I’ve never heard him giggle and laugh so loudly when Marius and I were singing! It’s so apparent with all of the boys that they are now a family, thanks to everyone at Amara, and they live in an environment where they can be themselves. Obviously nothing is easy, but it’s very comforting to see after witnessing so much hardship they had previously faced at the orphanage.

       I felt quite overwhelmed this visit to be back with my old friends after so many years - and I’ve realized how much I miss them! I’ll be back again very soon!

Bye for now,

Hannah

       Thank you, Hannah, for sharing this with us. We are all looking forward to your next visit!

       Dear supporters, as you know we are making constant efforts to keep you updated with news on the life at the house and our work in Romania. Whether it is by website, by facebook or in the traditional way of a letter, we like you to feel part of the Amara family.

       This time I would like to take this opportunity and give you a short notice in advance of an event we are planning for the spring (late April or May). The plan is for me to come over to the UK and have a few meetings with FNL supporters. So, if you are interested in holding an event where we can get a few supporters together, I will be very happy to join you and answer any questions you might have about our work in Romania.

       As Christmas is coming very soon, my very best wishes go to you all with sincere thanks for all your support over the years.

Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year!

Click here for a printable version of our newsletter

Marius Istrate

Romanian Project Director

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Newsletter Easter 2014

Dear supporter and friend of Fundatia New Life,

       The spring has come, at least here in Romania, and that means that it’s time to write to our friends. It is always a big joy to share with you moments of our lives or people who have made a difference.

       A few years ago, we decided to introduce to you, one by one, all members of the Amara family. This time, I would like you to meet a very special person. She has been with me since the very first days of our existance as a charity. Hope you will enjoy reading the things she is ready to share!

Dear supporter,

The more I try to find the right words to thank you, the more I realize that I can never find enough of them to thank you the way I want.

I want to thank you for changing the life of the seven boys living at Amara, for changing my life and the lives of the people that I work with at Amara. Everything we have achieved at the house would have not been possible without your support.

To introduce myself, my name is Dima Valentina and I am a teacher for special needs children, with 35 years  of experience and all of them in the Special School in Slobozia. I am part of this fantastic team at Amara since the begining and I have known the boys since they were 6-7 years of age.  Gabi was even a student in my class.

As a teacher in the school, I have spent a lot of time surrounded by hundreds of orphans, many of them with severe learning disabilities. In all this time I have had a chance to observe them and their behaviour and many times I have tried to understand them by putting myself in their place. This empathy exercise was like a nightmare because I didn’t know how I could live without the love of a family. All those things happened before the Revolution and at that time, I had no idea of what could  be done to help them.  

But God, who loves orphans and widows, He has made a way! He has gotten different people, from different countries, together, to save the lives of these angels! We have learned from each other and we have made a difference!

Just so you can understand this better, I would like to tell you the story of Fanel, one of the boys at the house.

I still remember like it happened yesterday: it was the Spring of 2004. In the middle of a meeting at the school, somebody came in and said that the hospital has called the school to tell us that the doctors are expecting  Fanel would die in a few hours due to a massive blood lose. As he was abandoned there was no family to pay for the funeral and, as all the teachers knew Fanel, we got some money together to pay for that.  And, we all waited for Fanel to die!

But God had a different plan for Fanel. He came back to life and a few days later we agreed to take him to the house in Amara, thinking that he hasn’t got much more time to live. Even then his condition was not improving, Marius decided to take him to a hospital in Bucharest for a surgery, in a last attempt to save his life. With a lot of prayers and support from our friends, Fanel got better and better each day and this Spring we will celebrate 10 years since he became part of the Amara family!

In those 10 years, Fanel didn’t just live but he made the most of it! Every day, he is very active and very involved in everything that happens at the house. Everybody knows him on the street and he has got many, many friends in Amara.

Even though there has been 10 years since he left the special school, he is still very attached to the staff there. His life in the orphange was not very good, but he is always happy to return as he likes to meet the people he remembers from his childhood. Knowing this, everytime I organise an activity with my class, I make sure that Fanel attends, sometimes accompanied by Sandu or Gabi. And then, when he comes, he doesn’t just sit on watch but he is very active. For one of my recent activities I have planed to cook doughnuts. Knowing in advance that he will join us, he made aprons for everybody.

 

Once he got to the class, he organised the children: he helped them to wash their hands, they prepared together the dough for the donuts! I was very proud to see Fanel and Sandu so happy, and I wanted to share with you, dear Supporter, so you could be just as proud. Fanel is still alive today due to your constant support.

As Easter is coming, my prayers are with those who made it all possible.

Happy Easter, dear Supporter!

       Thank you, Dima, for sharing those great moments with us! Thank you for all your hard work and for dedicating your life to the people in need!

       There isn't much more that I could say following Dima's letter! Just want to thank God for the way he has got all of us together to make a difference in the lives of the seven boys! All different, with different skills but with the same big heart for the boys at Amara!

Happy Easter dear Supporter and Friend!

Marius Istrate

Romanian Project Director

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Newsletter Christmas 2013

Dear supporter of Fundatia New Life,

       I am very thankful for the chance that was given to me to share with you again about the lives of the seven young boys living at Amara.

       As you know, this year we celebrated 10 years since the opening of the house. Ten years since we decided to take the boys totally under our care. Ten years since the seven boys became part of me. Today, I just can not imagine my life without them!

       In ten years, I saw them turning from kids in to young adults; I saw them crying and I saw them smile; I saw them when they were upset and when they were happy! I can truly say that we grew up together! In a way, they helped me to become the person I am today!

       Summer camp in the mountains.

       Since the seven boys moved in at the house, I have always considered that they should not be isolated from the rest of the world. They must be active and be seen in the community, they must have friends and they should see places! One way to do that was by taking them to Summer Camp each year.  Nine  years ago we started with nearby places, this year we ended up in Moldavia area which is about 400 km away. Although it was a very long journey, we still had a great camp. In fact, it was the best one ever.  The five days that we spent there, were not enough to visit all the historical churches, castles and museums in the area.

 

       Old & new friends visiting

       Since the first day of the Amara House, the door is always opened and anybody is welcomed to come and spend time with the boys. More than anything else, they need friends and they need to be loved. This summer we have been very happy to be visited by two of our old friends: Tina O’Reilly – trustee of Fundatia New Life and Peter Newell, former trustee. Here is what they had to say after spending a few days at Amara.

       Tina O’Reilly: 

„I had such a warm welcome when I arrived at the Amara House on a very hot summer’s day in August. It had been 18 months since my last visit and I was worried the boys would have forgotten me but there wasn't a chance of that, their smiles said it all, welcome back Tina. Life at the Amara house runs smoothly, the boys like routine knowing what the day has in store, games or crafts, chores and outings. Everyone has their role within the team, everyone is equal, everyone is loved and respected. This is a home not an orphanage or a care home. It's the home of seven boys living as brothers cared for by amazing staff who genuinely love them. Each member of the staff has a major role in caring for these lads, they each have unique qualities helping to enhance the lives of the boys. There is a togetherness at the house and I feel honored to be a part of this organization.”

Peter Newell:

„Having known the boys from New Life since early on I like to look back and compare them from when I first met them to how they are now. I first met them when they were a group of unwanted boys in a placement centre in the centre of Slobozia. Their future was uncertain and if told to leave they were likely to be living on the streets. Thankfully before this happened Fundatia New Life was created. Now in 2013 after my recent visit I am able to reflect and see how important that change has been for the boys. It was lovely to spend time in Amara to be with the boys and to share a few days living with them. I consider myself lucky every time I visit the boys at the Amara house because each time I do it fills my heart with joy and hope for the future. Fundatia New Life’s house at Amara is an example for everyone to how a warm family environment is healthy and positive. I know all too well the bleak future that there would be for these boys without their home in Amara. Christmas is here and in this season of goodwill and of giving I hope everyone can find the time and the generosity to give something towards this amazing place to help keep the candle of hope burning for these boys."

       So there we see it – the importance that both Tina and Peter have attached to the family atmosphere that we have managed to create at the Amara House.  The boys are truly living in a loving environment that could not be replicated in any way by State run institutions and the care and dedication of all the staff here at Amara is what makes the place special.

       At this Christmas time we want to thank you all so much for your support and interest in keeping the Amara dream alive and we send to you our grateful thanks and very best wishes.  

       We hope you enjoy the cards that each of the boys have made for you!

       In the name of each one of the boys and all the staff at Amara, I would like to wish you all  a Merry Christmas  and a very happy and blessed 2014!

Marius Istrate

Romanian Project Director

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Newsletter Easter 2013

Dear friend and supporter of Fundatia New Life,

       The time has come for another newsletter to be sent to all our friends and supporters. It’s time again to share with you about our work and about the life of the seven young adults living at Amara.

       I want this newsletter to be different! I want to share with you not just about what happened at Amara since the last newsletter sent at Christmas but also to remember what happened in the life of the seven boys in the last 10 years! And why is that? Because exactly 10 years ago – on the 24th of February, 2003, we opened the doors at The Amara House for the first time!

       People often say that the best ideas come either at a cup of coffee or on a long drive. This was our case, too! 

       In the summer of 2002, as I was driving a dear friend – John Nicholson, at the airport, we start talking about the future of seven kids living in terrible conditions in the Special School in Slobozia. Their future was to be very dark as they had no families and they were nobody’s children.  Two hours later, when we arrived at the airport, we realised that the only way to save their lives was to buy a house and to take them totally under our care! What a mad idea at that time! An idea that will completely change the life of so many people, including mine!

Lucretia Miritescu – carer:

       I still remember the day when Mr. Istrate parked his car in the front of the house and seven scared boys got out! They were so scared that they didn’t comunicate with us for days! I remember how hungry they were and how they tried to cover the plates with their bodies to make sure the food will not get stolen! In 10 years, they have changed a lot!”

Radita Dragomir – carer:

       First time I heard about the boys was from my daughter who was 6 years old at that time. One  day she came to me and said that she wants to go and play with the boys at the house where is a swing and a slide. A few days later I see on TV a large article about Fundatia New Life and the new house on my street. Our boys have grown up together with my own two children and I consider all of them as part of my own family”

       The existance of the Amara House, has impacted the life of so many people: boys, staff, volunteers, etc.

Dima Valentina – trustee:

       FNL is a part of my life! The Amara House is a wonderful place where you can find children’s souls in adult bodies; is the house of my soul. I always come here with joy and the hope that I can bring a smile on their faces. I will never forget Vali’s first smile!” 

Georgeta Bandrabur - carer:

       „My life, the life of those who work here and the life of the seven boys has never been the same after we all met! God has brought us together for a reason!”

       In these moments our prayers are for those who have made all this possible: our dedicated supporters! To all of you that have so generously given over the years we want to take this chance, on our Ten Year Anniversary, to say „Thank you all!” None of this would be possible without your support! May God bless you and reward you for your generosity!

       What will happen in 10 years from now? We don’t know, only God knows what he has got for us! We hope to be the same big and happy family for as long as possible!

       So as we think about the changes that have taken place over time, one thing that we would not have imagined to be possible is the way in which we can now communicate to so many people instantly via our web-site (www.fundatianewlife.com)

       Of course, we know that many of you do not use computers in your home, but several supporters have commented that it is a great way to keep in touch.  We have also had questions raised regarding the best way to make donations to the charity and to those that are comfortable with using computers we offer on our web-site the link to our own Justgiving page https://www.justgiving.com/FNL/donate - a number of people have used this modern method and have been pleased to recommend it to friends.

Amara House – one big happy family!

       It just remains for me to wish you all a very Happy Easter from all of us here at the Amara House and we hope that you enjoy the cards that we have prepared for you.

Marius Istrate

Romanian Project Director

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Newsletter Autumn 2012 

Dear friend and supporter of Fundatia New Life,

       Another year has gone now, with its goods and bads; with some difficulties but also, with many blessings! We are blessed to have such dedicated supporters who continued to support us and our work in Amara over the past year.

       As we did in the last newsletters, we will continue by introducing to you another member of the staff at Amara.

       Gigica has a very interesting story to tell you! I will give her now the opportunity to share with you how she got to work for Fundatia.

Marius Istrate

Project Director

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       My name is Georgeta Bandrabur and I work for Fundatia New Life  since 2005.  The first time I came to the house was to help the staff there when the cook retired and Marius needed someone to prepare the food for the boys until a new cook was to be found.  I came for 3 weeks, day by day, and I had the chance to get to know the boys living at the house.

       Even though I’ve never worked in this field before and never had anything to do with this kind of boys, I’ve never felt unconfortable or scared by them or by their health condition. During the first 3 weeks at the house, I also got to know the staff and from the very first day I’ve met them I realized that they all got something special, like a gift from God.  Every person that works here is a special person and they all have the strength to care for these boys, to understand them and to feel what they feel.

 

       In time, I got to know everyones story and to hear all about their very hard life in different institutions and how their life has changed since they came to  the house. 

       I even had the chance to learn a lesson from one of the boys that has made me see life from a different perspective.  One day, we were all sitting in the big room, chatting, as we do every day after lunch. Talking to Fanel, I asked him what does he like the most.  And he  said „ I like the life, I like to live”. I never expected this answer from him. Even though we think he had a very hard life, I was surprised to see how much he loves the life and to be alive!

       The house they live in at the moment, their home, is the place that everyone of us can wish for.  With the financial help from our supporters and a lot of dedication and passion from the staff, we’ve turned the place in to a wonderful home. Every day we try to bring something new in the house, like a special decoration or a craft. And, together, staff & boys, we try to keep the place clean!

       Before I came to work for FNL, I use to work as a tailor in a big company. As we do have an old sewing machine at the house, I’ve realized that Fanel is very interested on that. He learned how to use it and now he is even able to make an apron on his own. Still, we do have a problem: we can never find enough fabric for Fanel as when he gets some, he will never stop until it is all used!!!

       Working for FNL has changed me and it has changed my life. I’ve learn to value more the small things and to give praise to God for everything I have.

       In the end, I would like to thank to all of our supporters for your dedication and for making our work possible. Together, we’ve changed the life of the seven boys at Amara.

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       Thank you, Gigica, for sharing your story with us! And we all hope that you will be part of the Amara familly for as long as possible!

       In the name of each one of the boys living at Amara, I would like to wish a very „Happy Christmas” to all of our friends and supporters who have been with us over the years! May God bless you all and reward you for your generosity!

Merry Christmas and a happy 2013!

Click here for a printable version of our newsletter

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Newsletter Spring 2012 

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Newsletter Autumn 2010 

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Newsletter Spring 2010 

Dear supporter of Fundatia New Life,

       As some of you might know already, begining autumn 2009, a new trustee has joined the team due to Hugh’s retirement.

       Even Hannah has been to Romania before and she had contact with romanian orphanages we agreed that she must come to Amara to meet our boys and see the work we do.

       Therefore, in December, Hannah came over to visit the house. We would like to offer her the possibility to tell you her impresion following the visit.

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       My name is Hannah Morrell and I am the newest trustee to Fundatia New Life. I have been looking forwards to writing this newsletter to not only introduce myself to you but to tell you all about my experience at Amara House.

       I am a teacher at Christ's Hospital school and I have previously been to Romania to work on a project in Bradet with the school. This is where I met Tina O’Reilly and learned all about FNL, the boys and the charities need for help. As a result I have been a trustee since September.

Along with getting to know the fellow trustees I also knew it was hugely important for Marius, the boys and all the of the staff at the house to meet me as well as me meeting them and gaining more of an understanding of how the programme works.

       Tina and I knew that it would be cold in Romania in December, we also knew there were high chances of snow, especially as there had been a few flakes here in England. What we were met with though was a winter wonderland which seemed to have transported us back in time.

The cars and buildings of Romania, as we travelled from Bucharest to Slobozia, seem to be from decades ago. Seeing this with the carts still used in Amara you realise that Romania is very much a mixture of technological development and hands on natural hard work.

When we arrived at the house it was quite late and yet we were met with the warmest of welcomes literally as Sandu and Fanel had stayed up to greet us and we entered the house to escape from the snowy conditions. After a tour of the house, which was very open and friendly with lots of Christmas decorations, it was time to rest. The following day it was a great opportunity to meet most of the other boys Gabi, Vali, Emil and Marius.

       We spent time making decorations, putting puzzles together laughing and taking photos.

       Later we were joined by Sandu and Fanel who had been doing their chores and brought in some of the new puppies (just a few of the animals that they care for). The first thing you notice about all the boys is not their disabilities it is how happy they are and how much love they have to give, bashful at times but when given care and attention you can’t help but be magnetised to them, to join them and help them. They would put a smile on anyone’s face!

       One of the other important things that Tina and I wanted to do was to visit the apartments where some of the older boys live in Slobozia, as well as Adrian’s flat. It was very worthwhile meeting one or two of the boys, seeing the flats and witnessing how proud they are of their possessions. Along with the other boys, Adrian is incredibly proud with where he lives and has worked very hard on the premises, including saving for, buying and building his own cabinets. When you meet Adrian you really get the sense of what a success FNL can be, and just how much of difference it can make to someone’s life. I felt genuinely honoured to be shown his home.

       After all the visits, playing, snowball fights, Christmas festivities and animals it was time to think about travelling back to England, the worry was whether we would be able to get to the airport and would our flight be able to take off? Well after a nerve wrecking journey and wait we were very lucky indeed and got back to England on time. I do feel that I have left a part of me in Romania and I look forward to my next visit. Amara house is a special place, full of special people and giving. It was very worthwhile to see how much of an impact the staff has made on the lives of the boys and I hope they can continue to be happy with the help of the charity.

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       Like all the other visitors that came at the house, Hannah had a great time with our boys. She already misses them and she promised to do her best as a trustee so the charity can continue to support our work.

Click here for a printable version of our newsletter

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Newsletter Autumn 2009

Dear supporter of Fundatia New Life,

       As we have promised last year, in order for you to get a clearer picture of how our work is going in Romania all the Newsletters will be produced by the Romanian side of our charity. You have already met some members of the staff at the house and, in time, you will get to meet all of them.

       For this newsletter, as we had a special guest at the house for the summer, we would like to offer him the opportunity to tell you his impresion of the house and what he thinks about our work. Therefore, let me introduce to you Ben Forrest, an English student:

       Hi! My name is Ben Forrest. I am a 19 year old student, and I am just starting a degree in Physics and Mathematics at Durham University after a year out from education. I found out about Fundatia New Life through  my  mother,  who  works  at  a  school with a trustee for the charity, Shirley Kirby. 

       After becoming interested in the charity and the great work it seemed to do, the opportunity came up to go over to The Amara House over the summer. I had never worked with children having special needs before,  so  it  was  a completely new experience to me and I thought it would be a great experience.  Being a similar age to the boys, I felt I had something to offer and hopefully they would enjoy me spending time with them.  I had a great 6 weeks there, and it became the highlight of my gap-year by a mile!

       I was excited about going, but also very nervous as it was my first time away from home for that length of time.  However, the kindness and welcoming nature of both the staff and the boys made me feel at home from the start.  I was met at the airport by Marius, along with Fanel and Sandu.

       I remember realising just what nice guys they were and they were really polite and well-mannered, something that is hard to find in many young people these days.

       As we drove through the village of Amara for the first time, I realised how poor it was and really didn’t know what to expect from the house.          

       However I was really surprised how clean and homely it was. When I arrived, I met Codreanu, Marius, Gabi, Vali and Emil. Although I had seen a video and some pictures of the boys, I was surprisedby the severity of theirspecial needs. 

       In particular Emil, whose condition had deteriorated since the video was produced.

       They were really welcoming and the house seemed to have a great family atmosphere. After being given a thorough tour of the house by Sandu and Fanel, the three of us spent the rest of the evening playing football with children from the village. 

       Spending time with the children in the village was something I did a lot during my time there, and I enjoyed it very much.  I guess they seemed to like having someone who could give them some time and attention, and share a pretty similar mental age most of the time to be honest.  They were great kids and you can see the boys love having them around.

       I know people were a bit surprised that I didn't spend more time in the nearby town of Slobozia, which was more lively than Amara. However, I enjoyed it at the house. 

       I was amazed at how much work the staff put into caring for the boys. I think they do a fantastic job; they really care about them and treat them just like their own children which makes the house seem like a big family.  I know they also worked hard to make me feel welcome the all the time and I was very grateful, they did a great job.

       I didn't speak any Romanian before I went, but communication with the staff and the boys was easier than I expected. My attempts at the language were pretty awful to be honest, but they were patient and we always got there in the end.

  I learnt after a few days that as long as you hold a football in your hand, communicating with Sandu is not a problem!

       The trip has opened my eyes to another world and I really hope that the charity can continue to support the great work that goes on at the house.  The boys lead a very happy life and I hope that can continue.  It was a privilege to be there and any help I could offer the charity in the future would be a pleasure. 

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       So, dear supporters, you can see that Ben had a great time with us!  We really appreciated his visit and, as he said, we all hope that the charity can continue to support this vital work which gives our boys the opportunity to live rewarding lives and to mix with the local community.

       Our very best wishes go to you all and sincere thanks for all you do.....

Marius

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Newsletter Spring 2009

Dear supporter, 

       My name is Lucretia Miritescu and I work for Fundatia New Life since the opening of the Amara House in February 2003. I was introduced to our 7 boys while they were still living in Placement Centre No. 5.  At first I was afraid of them because I had no experience of children with special needs. Even the children that I had seen on the streets of Slobozia were not so disabled and helpless.

       Since the first day I met them, I tried to do something for them. I was suprised to see what a mess their room was in, with clothes all over the place!  I started by putting  everything  in order.

       As the time passed, I tried to get closer to them, to understand them. I would walk them to the town.

       The house opened on the 24th of February, 2003 and the boys moved in. The new house became their home and the staff became their family. Their first family!

       I find pleasure in making sure the boys have a healthy diet, I cook for them and help serve their meals. After my fear disappeared, I was determined to stay and work with them.

       While working with the boys and trying entertain them, I have discovered a gift that I never knew I had. I really enjoy making crafts and different hand-made objects. Things and materials that might look rubbish and useless to other people, I collect and use during our occupational therapy. We use all kind of materials such as beans, coffee, pasta, leaves, rice, dried flowers and vegetables.

 

       Together, we are able to make different objects  that the boys will proudly give to our visitors. They are very happy when they can offer something that was made with their contribution. This way, they feel useful and appreciated by other people.

       Another activity that we enjoy doing together is working in the garden, taking care of the flowers and our large vegetable patch. Everytime we work together whether it’s inside the house or in the garden, whether we do small things or big jobs together, I make sure I tell them what a wonderful job they have done.

 

       A big joy for the boys is to go for a walk around Amara, to the park,  the lake or to go on longer trips with our recently purchased minibus. They especially enjoy our trips to the Zoo in Calarasi and the Village Museum in Bucharest.

 

       A special moment was our visit to the church in Slobozia. Even though people were staring at us, it was great just to be in the presence of God.  

       Supported living

      For 2 years I have been in charge, alongside Marius Istrate, of the 3 apartments, which Fundatia New Life owns in Slobozia. If he is more of a father to them, then I am the mother. Marius offers them counseling in finding and keeping a job and makes sure they pay towards their living expenses and I am teaching them how to cook and keep the place clean.

 

       After so many years of working with Fundatia New Life I honestly say that for me it is a privilege to be part of a great team and I hope to retire from Fundatia ( in about 10 years from now) and even after to continue working for Fundatia as a volunteer.

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Newsletter Autumn 2008 

Dear supporter, 

       My name is Marius Istrate and I run the romanian side of Fundatia New Life. For me it is the first time to write a letter to you.

       I start working with orphans in Romania in 1994.  For many years I have been visiting the Special School  in Slobozia and I have tried to help as much as I could, as an individual. Many years later, in 2002, with the help of a special friend from England and the support of a few teachers from the Special School, as my activity was growing, we set up the charity with the hope of a bigger impact in the live of those in needs. Since then, they became a very important part of my life. Even we had some difficult times, I am very proud to say that with our support many of the young boys from the orphanages, who had no chance in life, are now married and they live a life on their own.

The Amara House

       The extension is done and now we have plenty ofspace for activities with volunteers from the local Art High School. It is very encouraging to see that young students are willing to volunteer. We have  a difficult time  when  so  many  wants  to come  to  spend  time  with  our boys. The last time we had over 20 volunteers coming and other  20 had  to remain home waiting for the next visit.

 

       The activity is part of a bigger project through witch we have applied for a grant from the County Council that will enable us to furnish the extension. Our application was accepted and in the next  couple of weeks we shall be able to purchase the furniture. For me, it is great to see that the local authorities are slowly trying to support charities. It will be the first time  when we receive money from them and I hope it is only the beginning.

120 hp instead of 1 horse and cart

       Writing the news letter gives me a great opportunity to say a big „Thank You” in the name of our boys to all of you who give money for the purchase of the minibus. With the sum that was raised we were able to buy a second hand Opel Vivaro, made in 2006,  with 9 seats. It is just perfect for our needs. Since we have it we were able to do many trips arownd Amara and not only.

           Having the minibus, gives us the possibility to visit our friends from Braila more often than before. Weather before I use to visit them on my own, now I have the chance to take everyone from Amara with me.

I am grateful for the chance that was given to write this news letter so I could thank each one of you for supporting Fundatia New Life and our projects in Romania.