About 4% families (5,012 persons) living in Warsaw Śródmieście district take advantage of the Social Help Center (report, 2012). The families are affected by problems of poverty, addictions, disabilities, and in majority of them the children are threatened by inheriting the problems of their parents. The aid provided by the SHC is not sufficient. Four family assistants hired by the SHC work with about 60 families.
The goal of the project was to counteract the marginalization of Śródmieście’s families through community-based activities focused on their gaining independence, motivating for activities and increasing participation in social life.
In case of 36 persons (20 families) improvement of social situation and increase of social activity was achieved, a feeling of controlling own life increased as well as feeling of belonging to the society.
On regular basis, meetings were held - of mentors (2 persons, each taking care of 10 families) with 36 adult members of 20 families, individual or joint with both partners or with other adult members of the families, who live together. Social and psychological help were provided. Support in child care problems and in dealing with official issues were provided. Contacts with the SHC employees, court, and labor office etc. were maintained. Legal consulting - 59 hours for 19 families – was assured. Importance of social activation was stressed. There were organized: 35 group events (13 events organized by mentors, 22 initiated by the participants), 5 all day trips - 2 for parents, 2 for whole families and 1 for the youth and a 6-hour Family Picnic.
20 families covered by aid of the SHC because of a difficult financial situation and of the Juvenile and Family Court because of serious negligence of children have benefited from the activities: the 11 families are single mothers, and in 12 families there are more than 4 children.