“Armenian Caritas” Benevolent NGO has a long standing support from Caritas Austria/Diocese of Feldkirch in various fields of social and economic development. Since the beginning of this partnership both organisations have placed a particular focus on providing services for people with disabilities and promoting their inclusion in the Armenian society. Funded by Caritas Austria both organizations established of “Emili Aregak” Centre which provides services for people with disabilities living in Gyumri. The Centre was set up in 2008 with a primary focus of developing children’s physical and mental abilities in order to improve their social and life skills and prepare them to lead independent lives.

Armenian Caritas implements family oriented support for children and their families in critical circumstances in five “Little Prince” Day Care Centers since 2009. Based on the gained experience Armenian Caritas will continue creating and developing community-based services for vulnerable children and their families. Community-based systems are essential and need to be expanded. Therefore, we will establish small group homes as substitutes for large institutions, intended for children whose homes are not conducive to the vital principles of development, nurture, support, and protection. The first Small Group House will be founded in Vanadzor for 10 children without parental care in April 2018.