TESTIMONIALS

• When I first spoke to Angela Achitei about the projects of the “Alaturi de Voi” foundation, I was simply impressed of what she told me. Then I visited the social enterprise Angela and her colleagues developed and I convinced myself that Angela’s words are backed-up by facts. It’s impressive and encouraging to see how they managed to change for the better the destinies of so many people. In other developed countries, social enterprises are encouraged and supported, people most often choose their products, out of empathy and solidarity with their peers. It would be best for all of us if there would be more understanding and support from the authorities and from society for these generous and inclusive models of economic and social development.

  

  Cristina Guseth - Director, Freedom House, Romania

• I admire ADV and Angela Achitei (and not just because we have the same name). What Angela has started in Iasi is in fact a way of believing in people and in their – sometimes unknown – strength. The network she has created in the field of social services and social economy structures shows the local community from Iasi and not only what it truly means to be a good citizen. It is a model for both local and national public policies.

  

  Angela Cristea – former Head of the Representation of the European Commission in Romania

• I had the chance, in over 15 years of activities in the non-governmental sector, to see many projects being developed and I watched them grow with the concern of a person knowing how serious their challenges are in ensuring continuity. The “Alaturi de Voi” Romania Foundation has managed to find an efficient manner of development through the establishment of UtilDeco, also having in mind that the programmes developed by the foundation are an expression of local needs. I was impressed to see how UtilDeco has evolved from an idea of several years ago to a truly efficient shelter unit, while being a best practice for the manner in which beneficiaries – people from groups at risk – are involved in different activities which highlight their talent and dedication. It is possible! The “Alaturi de Voi” Foundation through UtilDeco show it is possible in Romania to do things this way! By knowing the true needs of beneficiaries and through true management skills and dedication, it is possible to have amazing projects, not just in Bucharest, but also in other places from Romania.

  

  Violeta Alexandru – former Ministry for Public Consultation and Civic Dialogue

• My visit at UtilDeco was very educational and impressive. I appreciate their efforts to improve social services and to influence and change the ways in which we look at social services and social enterprises. I would love to visit them again because I discovered a bird – eye – view and a system of offering improved services, including to people from rural areas.

  

  Tove Bruvik Westberg – Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway in Romania

• To us, ADV is a trend setter through the things they have been doing for many years in the field of social economy, for bringing together the interests of organizations in the social field at local and regional level, through their fight to ensure that the work of people in the field of social care is respected and acknowledged. ADV proves every day that it is possible for organizations not located in Bucharest to successfully promote public policies at national level.

  

  Ionut Sibian – Executive Director of the Foundation for the Development of the Civil Society

• I had the opportunity to visit the “Alaturi de Voi” Romania Foundation and I was deeply impressed. ADV is changing the local community of the Iasi county and other neighboring communities through everything they are doing for people at risk and for people with disabilities from the area. They involve these categories in different local projects, educate help them become integrated in society. The information, education awareness campaigns of young people from rural areas and the psychological and social assistance addressing people with disabilities and from different categories at risk, as well as the entire activity developed within the UtilDeco shelter unit bring added value to society. They are developed by people dedicated heart and soul to their mission, wonderful people I love and respect and for whom I wish many beautiful projects. I value their involvement and passion and I very much wish there more social enterprises like this one in Romania. They need us, nothing else matters other than the smile, content and happiness of a person who succeeds to be involved in society. I urge all of you to get involved, to not be indifferent. Any small gesture is important!

  

  Gabriela Streza EOY Program Manager - Ernst & Young / following her visit at the ADV headquarters in 2016

• I appreciate the activity developed within the UtilDeco shelter unit with and for people with disabilities; I believe the main ingredient to their success is dedication. This is one of the best practices which can be multiplied, this way supporting the social and professional integration of people with disabilities and their quality of living.

  

  Mihaela Ungureanu – former President of the National Authority for People with Disabilities – State Secretary / Following a visit to ADV in 2016