20 years, united for a better future
For 20 years, United Way has been the place where stories with happy endings come true. Throughout these years, through education, health and socio-professional integration programs, we have offered equal opportunities and hope for a better life to more than 100,000 vulnerable people. We strongly believe that, as long as we stand together, entire communities thrive.
Below you will find 20 stories that illustrate our work
and which motivates us every day to continue to be next to those in need:
From shyness to confidence: Gabriela’s story, a young woman who overcame challenges
Gabriela, intelligent and curious, encountered difficulties in integrating into the collective at school. Family problems made it more difficult for her to adapt and her lack of self-confidence prevented her from making friends. Everything changed when Gabriela...
By giving, you learn: Mihaela’s story, an inspiring young woman
At school, Mihaela did not get along well with some subjects. Both mathematics in middle school and chemistry in high school were the subjects that challenged her. Everything changed when Mihalea was accepted into the educational program supported by United Way. Here,...
The income program opened up new perspectives for Sorina
A helpful hand offered in time completely changed the trajectory of Sorina's* life. At only 18 years old, Sorina seems to weigh every word she says carefully. This practice, which is usually acquired late in life, in her case is due to the difficult times the lived in...
Andreea`s story, a young woman who flourished thanks to the support she received
Being raised in state instituions, without parents, it was difficult for Andrea to get where she is now. But with a lot of effort and support from the United Way`s income program team, she managed to create a path for herself to follow. She is an example of courage...
A chance for independence: The income program that Adrian was a part of, helped him rewrite his story
Like all young people raised in foster care, Adrian* entered adult life without the support that those who have family receive. Having a home is a luxury, without a home it's almost impossible to keep your job, without a support network you have no one to share your...
After months of break, he started physiotherapy again. Now he walks alone
From the cruel diagnosis he had received, at the first sure steps. Stefan's story is one of courage, perseverance and hope. Ștefan is a cheerful teenager of 17 years old, who really likes trips and cars. At the age of 6, he was diagnosed with autism in Romania. With...
From home kitchen, to a restaurant`s kitchen: Antonio’s story
Antonio was born in a modest family from Ferentari. He is the eldest of four brothers. His life changed in 2016 when he first came to the day care center in the educational program of United Way. The center became his second home and implicitly his second family. A...
At home, she shares her loneliness with a puppy, but she found friends at the center for seniors
Ms. Delia, a lady with a life full of experiences, found her refuge in art and in the community of the day center for elderly, supported by United Way. In fragile health conditions, but with an young spirit, she continues to pursue her passions and inspire those...
Nicolae overcame his limits because he had the help needed
Beyond the challenges of his childhood, Nicolae discovered at the educational center a family and a community that supported him to become the young man he is today. Nicolae, a shy child from Ferentari, entered the educational center supported by United Way in the...
From shadow to light: The story of a mother who defeated destiny
From a childhood marked by shortages and abandonment, Natalia* managed to reinvent herself and become a loving mother and a good professional, thanks to the help she received in time. Natalia hardly remembers her mother, as a stranger who appeared from time to time...
Head up: Darian, an example of ambition and perseverance
Darian is a student in the 10th grade in the Natural Sciences profile, which was the most competitive class for admission. If most of the students who enter high school prepare themselves privately with expensive meditations for their parents, Darian entered this...
Reading opened new horizons for Rita
Rita* always had very good academic results, but her mother felt that, from a certain point, she could no longer support her. Because she grew up in foster care and didn't do much schooling, Rita`s mother realized she didn't know how to keep up with her daughter's...
With a smile on her face, Cristina confidently looks to the future
Before becoming an ambitious young woman with big plans for the future, Cristina was also a vulnerable child in need of support. Cristina and her three siblings found a second home at the educational center supported by United Way. Here, in a welcoming ambience, she...
Education and support – the formula that worked for Marian
As children, Marian and his siblings had a difficult life. But thanks to the educational program of the center supported by United Way, things have changed dramatically. Marian is now 23 years old. He grew up with other children from the center, where he received...
Petru overcame all obstacles, because he had the necessary support
Petru is a 27 years old successful professional, but when he was a child, his parents needed support to overcome some difficult situations and to raise their children the way they wanted. That's how they ended up asking for the help of the center from the United Way...
From a helped child, to support for others: Dumitru’s story, an example of dedication
When he was little, Dumitru and his brothers came from a family that needed help in order to give them a normal childhood. Their parents, overwhelmed by their situation, came to the educational center supported by United Way. Here, Dumitru, like his other brothers,...
From shortages, to college. Petruț’s path to a better life
Did you know that many gifted children drop out of school because of shortages? Petruț's story proves that help offered at the right time can radically change a destiny. When you are the youngest of eight siblings, you hardly ever have new clothes and shoes....
With the right help, Rareș fulfilled his dream of becoming a barber
Rares* was a boy like any other, until life challenged him. Low grades and absences were just the beginning of a downward spiral. What would have happened if he had not received the necessary help in time?... Teachers and social workers know this reality. It's like a...
An active life, despite health problems, thanks to home care services
At 94, Mrs. Pal, a former doctor with her own health problems, is a source of inspiration for us all. Dr. Pal has a notebook in which she notes the name of her patients and all the advice she gives them. Even though she is 94 years old, despite her own health problems...
Education changed Maria’s destiny
Is it possible for an underprivileged kid to become Olympic and attend a good high school? Yes, for Maria, with the help of United Way, this was possible. Eight years ago, Maria was in first grade and her life was full of concerns that shouldn't rest on a child's...
