Location: Moldova
Founded: 2014 by a group of parents of children with special needs
Who they support: Children with autism, rare diseases and other developmental challenges
Families supported: More than 100 families each year
Services provided: Therapy, educational support and family assistance
Team: Psychologists, speech therapists, physiotherapists, special education specialists and volunteers
Future goal: Creating a dedicated centre for teenagers with special needs
Three years ago, St Gregory’s Foundation discovered a small grassroots charity in Moldova called Copiii Ploii (Rain Kids). Founded by a group of determined parents, they had created something extraordinary for children with autism and rare diseases despite having very limited resources.
We knew straight away that we wanted to support them.
This June, we were delighted to introduce Rain Kids to a group of 11 supporters from the UK, who travelled with us to Moldova. They spent time with the children and their families, met the wonderful team of therapists and volunteers, and saw for themselves the extraordinary difference this small organisation makes every single day.
Around 100 vulnerable families rely on Rain Kids each year. For children with autism, rare diseases and other developmental disabilities, it is far more than a therapy centre. It is a place where they are understood, encouraged and given the opportunity to learn, communicate and thrive. Parents receive practical support, expert guidance and, perhaps most importantly, the reassurance that they are not facing their challenges alone.
Watching the children proudly demonstrate new skills, seeing parents smile with renewed confidence, and meeting the passionate team behind the project left a lasting impression on everyone in our group.
But there is another story beginning to unfold.
Many of the children who first came to Rain Kids are now growing into teenagers. Sadly, in Moldova, support for young people with special needs almost disappears once they reach adolescence, leaving families with very few places to turn.
The team refuses to accept that this should be the end of the journey.The local municipality has gifted Rain Kids an empty building, and they have an inspiring vision for its future. One day, they hope it will become the area’s first centre dedicated to teenagers with special needs—a place where young people can continue learning, gain confidence, develop practical life skills and prepare for adulthood with dignity and purpose.
For now, however, their focus remains firmly on the children who arrive at the centre every day, needing therapy, encouragement and hope.
This is exactly the kind of grassroots project that St Gregory’s Foundation exists to support—small organisations driven by compassion, where every donation has a direct and lasting impact on the lives of children and their families.
Can you help?
Your donation will help Rain Kids continue providing life-changing therapy and support to children with autism and rare diseases through its existing centre. Every gift, whatever its size, helps ensure that vulnerable children and young people receive the support they deserve. Please donate today and help us give hope to children and families in Moldova.
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