World Reach - Croatia

Association for Stimulating the Healthy Development of Children and Youth

The Association for Stimulating the Healthy Development of Children and Youth in Croatia was founded in June of 2000 as a volunteer association. According to president and founder, Zeljka Vucinic, the main reason it was founded was due to the hard economic situation in Croatia. Institutional care was not meeting the need of families and youth, particularly those with special needs.

The Association is open to disabled children and youth, as well as a host of professionals. Although membership costs are equivalent to about 6 US dollars per year, only about 1/3 of the current 90 members can afford to pay. Those members include 60 children and youth with special needs. The remaining 30 members are professionals and others who are interested in supporting children with disabilities in Croatia. Zeljka reports that there are many others who would like to join the Association, but they cannot include more members because of the lack of financial support.

Zeljka, who has 16 years experience in as similar association for people with Cerebral Palsy, is joined by 13 clinical and special education professionals who also volunteer their time. Those professionals include nurses, pediatricians, psychologists, physical therapists and other special therapists.

Despite the lack of resources, The Association serves children and youth with mental retardation, motor disabilities, emotional disturbances, learning problems, behavior problems and autism.