MOTIVATION FOR CHANGE International Models & Support Local Commitment & Perseverance

Content Mission Programs International Partnerships  Challenges  Opportunities

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 Company  Social enterprise with MRF the sole shareholder  Sheltered unit certified by the Ro Government > 30% of employees are people with disabilities  Double-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

Outcomes  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