images from romania

Jenel

Jenel (34) has lived in institutions all his life. As a result of severe neglect, Jenel spent his entire childhood in a cot and has ‘cot legs’ as a result. He now walks with the aid of a frame.

Jenel's dream: to be able to play (2006).

Jenel’s dream has come true; he moved to live in Casa Comber in February 07 where he enjoys life and spends time with his friends

Catelutsa

Catelutsa (44) has spent most of her life in various institutions.

Catelutsa’s dream: to have her own kitchen in which to work and clean (2006)

Catelutsa moved into Casa Comber in January 07.  She adores her new home and is happiest cleaning and working in the kitchen!

Mihai

Mihai (30) is a young man with Down’s Syndrome. He has lived in institutions from a very young age. He has siblings but has not had contact with them since childhood.

Mihai's dream: to play with his own Lego set and to go for a drive in a car (2006).

Cornel

Cornel is a young man with Down Syndrome who was placed in care at birth.

Cornel’s dream: to work in his own garden (2006).

Cornel has lived in Casa Comber since February 07 and loves to work in the garden

Paulica

Paulica (30) has a very mild physical disability. Her family are known but have not had contact with her since birth.

Paulica’s dream: to live with her friends and to have a clean bedroom (2006).

Paulica moved to live in Casa Comber in January 07.   She loves her new home and shares a bedroom with her best friend, Geta

Cristian & Nicolae

Cristian (31) and Nicolae (27) are brothers who both have mild intellectual disabilities. They have lived in institutions all their lives. Their family brings them home at Christmas and other holidays.

Nicolae and Cristian’s dream: to live together in new home.

Cosmin

Cosmin (25) was has been in institutional care since early childhood.

Cosmin’s dream: to learn woodwork and take photos (2006).

Cosmin moved to live in Casa Comber in February 07.  He now owns his own digital camera.  He has a job in the photocopy centre in the County Council which he loves.

Mihaela Mitran

Mihaela Mitran (36) was placed in an institution in early childhood. Her family are known but have never had any contact with her.

Mihaela’s dream: Mihaela is a shy withdrawn, sad young adult. We were unable to discern what dreams she may have (2006).

Mihaela’s life is utterly transformed since moving to Casa Comber in January 07.  She is social and communicative.  She has a job as a cleaner in the Social Services Dept which she loves. 

Florin

Florin (28) was placed in institutional care in infancy. He has lived in a number of institutions since then.

Florin’s dream: to live in a clean home.