MOTIVATION FOR CHANGE

International Models & SupportLocal Commitment & Perseverance

Content Mission Programs International Partnerships

ChallengesOpportunities

Mission

To enhance the quality of life of people with disabilities

Motivation Romania Foundation (MRF) - created in 1995 “You can get everything in life you want if you will just help

enough other people get what they want”

Zig Ziglar, "Secrets of Closing the Sale", 1984

MRF - Programs Wheelchairs adaptation, provision and fitting Peer group training for user, family, care giver Services for Children with Severe Disabilities

Residential Educational Vocational Special Olympics

Employment Counseling Job placement

Motivation Limited Liability CompanySocial enterprise with MRF the sole shareholderSheltered unit certified by the Ro Government

> 30% of employees are people with disabilitiesDouble-bottom-line objectives

social impact: creating employment or job training opportunities for people with disabilities

financial impact: generating financial resources to support the social mission of MRF, complementing philanthropic donations and project funding

Locations 2008: Bucharest, Ilfov, Neamt, Bihor 2009: Timisoara, Ploiesti, Galati, Pitesti, Iasi, Tg Mures 2010: Sibiu, Mehedinti

AID4

FSE5

FSE5

FSE5

FSE5

FSE5AID4

AID4

AID4

EMP3

EMP3EMP3

PGT3

PGT3

PGT3

Outcomes 1993 - 2009 Provided over 3,000 children and adults with

personalized equipment and training Deinstitutionalized 37 children with severe disabilities

benefiting now from customized community services Created model for social and professional integration

of disadvantaged people Started social enterprise generating income for

charitable activities of the NGO

International Partnerships 1993 – Int’l Federation of Red Cross & Motivation Charitable Trust

Wheelchair Production 1995 – START Poznan, Poland

Wheelchair users – Peer Group Training 1997 – Kerpape Rehabilitation Centre, France

Center for Active Rehab and Social Integration, Bucharest 2001 – IMPACT Alliance (NGOs from USA, Norway, Germany, UK)

Community Services for children with severe disabilities 2003 – International Tennis Federation & Special Olympics

Adapted Sports 2005 – COMBER, Ireland

Service Development for people with disabilities from institutions 2007 – SHAW TRUST, UK

Employment services

Opportunities for local partners (supported by examples from the list above)

Models to be locally replicated and adapted Program initiation and development Training resources Strong allies in negotiations with local authorities Fund raising, local and international Financial support

Opportunities for international partners Still huge need for:

community services structural change of state strategy and

service provision in the field of disability Cost-share from EU programs (ESF & others) Local expertise after 20 years of diverse

international support Key people

Challenges for both Difficulties due to cultural differences

moral commitment versus seals/stamps unacceptable high local bureaucracy meeting deadlines

For many local decision makers “Foreign partners” =

“Give me the funds, I know better what to do with them” high costs of service initiation lack of local cost-share/long term commitment

Challenges for both (continued) Attitude of state institutions

Strong resistance to change Low budgets Lack of understanding of community services Little interest of cooperation with private service

providers – no subcontracting Fear of media exposure

Challenges for both (continued)

Low advocacy Very few successful partnerships of local NGOs

Little entrepreneurial skills among NGOs Reliance on external funding ONLY

jeopardize sustainability Key people