Author: silvester.vella@gmail.com

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Welcome note by Chairperson

Dr Marique Sciberras MD DESA
Chairperson

Welcome to the website of Suret il-Bniedem Foundation, a foundation of the Maltese Franciscan Minor Capuchin Province. At Suret il-Bniedem we share and participate in the Franciscan charism and operate in accordance with Franciscan values, thus being open to those persons who are most isolated, vulnerable, voiceless and marginalised in our society.

Our mission is to provide comprehensive support including residential care and all-embracing psychosocial support for homeless individuals, helping them transition from homelessness to independent living. We strongly believe that everyone deserves a safe place to call home and access to the resources they need to rebuild their lives.

Continue reading “Welcome note by Chairperson”
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“From social workers to caregivers, I arrived at Dar Leopoldo as a lost and confused 19-year-old. I left with a clear plan, a stable life, and an education (Bachelor’s degree). Not once did they ask for anything in return. It’s the only place and the only people who truly felt like home. I’ll never forget the immense favor you’ve done for me, thank you.”

 Ex-Resident, Dar Patri Leopoldo

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“As a social worker, I had the pleasure to work closely with professionals working at Dar Leopoldo. I am highly grateful for their sterling work purposely to support and improve the service-users’ well-being. Their humane approach with clients reflects fundamental values of social work such as : empathy, non-judgmental attitudes and integrity. Their work with the clients communicates a sense of worth and dignity. This is what differentiates between being in a shelter solely to have your basic needs met and being in a shelter that feels like a temporarily home. I believe that the care and warmth professionals at Dar Leopoldo show, bring about further opportunities so that the service-users can feel empowered, supported and regain independence.”

Field external social worker

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“As a professional who collaborates closely with the staff at Fondazzjoni Suret il-Bniedem, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact they have on the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness. The staff working within the shelters are truly compassionate, dedicated, and deeply committed to not only providing shelter but also offering holistic support that empowers clients to rebuild their lives from scratch. I am incredibly grateful to work alongside Fondazzjoni Suret il-Bniedem as they are a strong pillar of our community in the fight to end homelessness.”


External Social Worker

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“To start with they have  a very highly  qualified and well trained management and staff  for all kinds of life situations, especially when it comes to mental health. This Foundation  has made a very huge impact  on a relative of mine for these past  4 /5 years.  The positive difference is undeniable.  They are always there to support and cooperate with you just like if you were family, and  they offer their clients many opportunities for a better life. and with no doubt they walk with you all the way. 

Thankyou  for all  is not enough for the success they help achieve for persons with mental health issues. “

Relative of Resident

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Michela was one of the residents that was very hesitant in starting her placement a few years ago as she was used to living on her own, however this was no longer an option as her mental health had to be given a priority. Today, Michela managed to regain her much of her independency, as through our 24/7 support, she managed to get back on track on most of the issues that were causing her great struggles while she was still living on her own. A few steps more, and with the help of the visits offered by the Community Outreach Services, Michela will be able to return to live on her own with weekly support. 

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Lisa has been a resident at Dar Imelda for several years and throughout her placement she has repeatedly expressed her wish to quit smoking as she has realised that her health issues are increasing, and she will not be able to enjoy her time with her family as much as she wished. With lots of perseverance and support, Lisa is now close to her 3-year anniversary cigarettes free! Every year we celebrate this milestone with some cake, and we use this story to help and support other clients who are willing to do the same. 

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Journey to Recovery

John, a 55 year old male, faced a long battle with alcohol addiction, which led to severe mental health issues, prolonged hospitalizations, and financial instability. Upon joining Dar Franġisk, he was at a crucial turning point, determined to overcome his struggles. With comprehensive, tailored support from our team, John focused on his recovery and skill-building in a stable environment. He engaged with specialized services that addressed his addiction, and improved his financial situation with budgeting and debt management assistance. Over time, John achieved sobriety, stabilized his mental health, and even started saving money. His journey is a testament to the transformative power of dedicated support and personal commitment, offering hope for others facing similar challenges.

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An 18-year-old was imprisoned and, upon his release, was referred to Dar Patri Leopoldo. At just 19 years old, he faced numerous challenges in getting his documentation in order. Having fled his country due to war, he endured significant hardships before arriving in Malta. His primary goal at Dar Leopoldo was to pursue education, and the team there supported him in achieving this. He successfully enrolled in and graduated from a course. Despite his past struggles and being in a new country with limited support, he remained respectful and actively contributed to Dar Leopoldo. He eventually moved out of Dar Leopoldo and rented his own place. He has stayed in touch with the team, particularly his social worker, sharing his academic achievements and good grades leading up to his graduation.

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We had a client who faced significant challenges, including a history of alcohol and drug addiction, specifically heroin and cocaine. He had spent years in prison. Upon his release, the client was referred to our services, and together, we began working towards helping him achieve independence.

We arranged appointments with his psychiatrist, assisted him in applying for his pension, and enrolled him in active aging centers as he suffered from loneliness. We also applied for housing accommodation on his behalf and supported him during hospital appointments. During our sessions, we developed a budget plan, which enabled the client to start saving money.

The housing authority eventually granted him a place to stay, and we then focused on helping him settle into the community. Our interventions included assisting him in acquiring some furniture and basic kitchen equipment for his new home. We accompanied him on grocery shopping trips and familiarized him with the neighborhood, showing him where essential amenities like the pharmacy and clinic were located.

Once the client moved into his new home, we continued to check in on him every few days. He is now living independently, and he occasionally visits us to share a cup of coffee while recounting his experiences and life stories.