Join Keystone Human Services International in Building Inclusive Global Communities

By Charlie Hooker, President and CEO of Keystone Human Services International

Keystone Human Services International is part of an ongoing global effort to create a society where people with disabilities receive appropriate support and have the same opportunities and support as everyone else. In my last letter, I shared some of our activities in Moldova and India to create more inclusive communities, including the deinstitutionalization of children from the Orhei institution in Moldova, consultation to the Moldovan government, and support for the implementation of the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), as well as workshops and educational opportunities in India to train leaders, families, advocates, and individuals with disabilities in Social Role Valorization and inclusive, community-based services.

Recently, Keystone Moldova, representatives from the Ministry of Labor, Social Protection, and Family, the Ministry of Finance, and the directors of six residential institutions participated in a study visit to the Czech Republic. This study visit resulted in the development of a working group in the Ministry to develop the methodology for transforming residential institutions and supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities and mental illness within the community. In addition, eight mentors, including two from Keystone Moldova, received training in using transformation principles to support individuals with disabilities.

These activities are making great strides to advance the human spirit of people across the globe. We have been honored to receive grant funding from a variety of international donors, such as the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (European Commission), the East Europe Foundation, and The Hans Foundation.

However, many of these international grants require matching funds from Keystone Human Services International, which can make it challenging for us to provide additional needed services for the children, adults, and families we support.

We need your support to truly make a difference and continue to advance the human spirit. Please join us with your personal financial contribution. A gift of any size can make an impact, and you can designate where you would like your gift to go.

If you are interested in being part of bringing children out of institutions or supporting vulnerable children in their villages in Moldova, you can designate your gift to support Keystone Moldova.

If you are interested in our change agentry in India, you can donate to support the work of Keystone Institute India through Keystone Human Services International.

If you would like to support the overall work of Keystone Human Services International, you can give an unrestricted gift.

Building inclusive communities is a global issue that affects all of us. I invite you to join us as change agents and support our work to make the world a safer, more inviting place for all people.