Address: 4400 Nyíregyháza, Közép u.17.
Telephone: 42-432-001

Patronage Association was established in 1995 to support disadvantaged young people. Its first institution, 'St Joseph' Protection Home was established in 1997. The 'Home' gives new opportunities for day-care, development and employment of mentally disabled young people who have left the education-system. In Nyíregyháza, the Start Rehabilitation Company employs these 20 young people under care. The Association 's operation is financed by the state, as well as from money coming from charges and applications.

In 1998, they submitted an application to Hand-in-hand Foundation for a 'small-group' living home programme. With the 6 million HUF won at the tender a property was purchased. Now it provides space for the activities, and was reconstructed to serve as a living home.

To reconstruct the building they applied for the Cooperating Netherlands Foundations, founder of the Maholnap Foundation, successfully, so in 2000 the reconstruction of the building according to the new plans began. Since the regulations in force concerning living homes sets 8 persons as the minimum number of inhabitants of the 'Home', a reconstruction bigger than what had been originally planned became necessary. The new trussing was completed, windows of the attic rooms were done, the whole attic area was built, and the demolition of the ground floor was finished. The new wall and stairs were also built.

In 2001, to finance further construction, 1 million HUF was gained at a tender by Nyíregyháza Mayor's Office, and another 10 million came from the Ministry of Social Affairs. In 2002, the new living home was completed. Now, there are 4 single and 2 double rooms, a living-room for common use, a kitchen, a study, 2 separate bathrooms, a washing room and a utility room for drying and ironing.

In October 21, 2002, Mrs. Göncz (then first Lady of Hungary) inaugurated the 'Home'. In spring 2003, the authorization necessary for the operations were acquired, so the young people could move in. With this support an opportunity for 8 young people aged 18-30, all having slight or mid-serious mental problems, to begin their adult life was granted. During the day these young people work at the home together with their mates. Due to the support given the 'Home' provides ideal facilities for 5 females and 3 males to develop into adulthood and live a full life in a family-like atmosphere, and separated from their family.

As to the other plans for 'St Joseph Home' one is to create attic rooms in the building to provide more room for individual and group activities, and for free-time activities. To achieve this, they are searching for further sponsors and invite tenders for this worthwhile project.