Sample Case Histories

Svetlana and Stefan and their four children live in very cramped quarters.  Svetlana is unable to work due to looking after Wiktoria (2) who is seriously ill.  The little girl suffers from epilepsy and brain damage due to lack of air and blood at birth.  The father is also unemployed but earns a little via seasonal field work.  Their eldest (Tatiana) is 16, and they have 2 other little girls, Emilia (3) and Patrycja (4). Tragically Emilia has been diagnosed with advanced stomach cancer and is currently undergoing chemotherapy.  Their cottage is in poor condition and is in need of renovation. 

Gosia is a 26 year old single mother of 4 whose husband tragically died this year. She is also very poor. She recently found a flat, but will have to pay about PLN 700 monthly, which is not easy for her with very limited social assistance.  With 2 school age children and 2 small children at home each day she is unable to work, and so struggles financially to make ends meet.  Her flat lacks furniture and furnishings, and she needs clothes for herself and the children, plus wholesome food, cleaning supplies etc. 

Kasia and Kazimierz live in extremely poor conditions, consisting of only one room and a small kitchen.  Previously there were no proper washing or sanitation facilities either, but with the help of volunteers, we've been able to install an indoor toilet and shower.  They have a physically and mentally challenged child - Marisia (10), one healthy child - Sebastian (8), and a third child - Łukasz (6), in state care as he was also born severely handicapped.  The father has been able to find some part-time construction jobs, but the family situation has been very difficult, and needs outside help.

More Case histories and specific info available upon request.