On the occasion of the upcoming holidays, the Mayor of Kaštela Denis Ivanović, accompanied by Deputy Mayor Antonio Budimir and Head of the Department Antonia Kljaić, visited several associations and institutions that operate in the field of social welfare and care for the most vulnerable groups of citizens. On this occasion, they visited the MIR Center, the Naša dica Association, the Maestral Children's Home branch - Miljenko and Dobrila, and the St. Jerome Association.
At the MIR Center, the delegation was welcomed by psychologist Matija Frančula and office manager Ana Grubišić, replacing the unable director Boško Rozga. They discussed the cooperation with the City of Kaštela so far and plans for the future, including the project to build a home for the elderly, for which project documentation should begin next year.
At the Naša dica Association, the city leaders were welcomed by the association's vice president, Vedrana Šarić, and her associates. She pointed out that the association had just celebrated its 18th birthday and was entering a new phase of development.
– We have come of age and are moving towards independence. We are in negotiations for a larger space because the current one is too small for the projects we are planning, and in the long term we also want to solve our housing issue by purchasing land – said Šarić, thanking the City and everyone who supports the work of the association, especially through the humanitarian tournament "Four Cafés of Kaštela", the proceeds of which will be a significant support for future plans.
At the Maestral Children's Home branch – Miljenko and Dobrila, the city delegation was welcomed by the head Ivna Grubišić with beneficiaries and associates. She emphasized the importance of the City of Kaštela's continued support, especially through financing of half-day care, which contributes to the prevention of separation of children from their families.
– Although we are an institution for accommodating children, our desire is for the children to stay here as short as possible and to provide them with family-like conditions. We currently have 41 children, which is above capacity, but we are trying to provide the children with the warmest and most comfortable environment possible – emphasized Grubišić, adding that, with the help of the City and the Rotary Club of Kaštela, the attic space has been arranged for free activities and half-day stays.
The visit concluded at the St. Jerome Association, where the city representatives were welcomed by President Bernarda Janković with associates and users of the Day Care Center for the Elderly. She spoke about the association's daily activities, work with retirees, care for the homeless, and the implementation of the "Make a Wish" program, through which ten women who care for the elderly and disabled have been employed.
– Our users live for these moments of socializing. We try to offer various workshops, creative activities and board games, and through humanitarian actions, such as making and selling Advent wreaths, we provide additional funds for the needs of the shelter – said Janković.
Mayor Denis Ivanović pointed out that the pre-holiday tour of associations and institutions is already traditional.
– These associations and institutions have been doing extremely important work for many years and the City of Kaštela cooperates closely with them. I am glad that we are thinking together about future projects, such as building a home for the elderly or finding space for the work of associations. I wish all of them, and especially our elderly fellow citizens, happy and blessed holidays – said Ivanović.
The pre-holiday visit took place in a warm and friendly atmosphere, with a message of unity, gratitude and support for all those who contribute to the quality of life in the local community with their work every day.
Photo: GK
