"Buildings can be built with financial assistance, but what happens in them can be built only by those people who are dedicated to their mission with their whole heart." -- P. Quendler (founder)

Not only a home, but a nurturing environment

The accommodation of the abused women and children in our house is only the first step in their accommodation to a better way of life. The psychologists, pedagogist, social workers, volunteers, and all the other friends of "Saint Ann," work together with mothers towards their resocialization.

"Women come here out of a great need. They have failed, they are going through some tragic experience. Because of those circumstances work with them is so difficult. I explain to them everything that is in the child's interest." -- Dr. T. Turato (retired pediatrican)

Since we strive towards creating all the preconditions necessary for a normal family life, the activities in our house are many. We teach women how to organize their house activities and duties, how to work and play with their children. In "Saint Ann" women can learn the secrets of a more nutritious, diverse yet economized cuisine, as well as be trained in sewing, and gardening.

"Life in St. Ana is conceptualized to be as similar as possible to a normal family life. We work on the knowlege of healthy nutrition, on the adoption of the right rhythm-to know how to divide time for work, relaxation, and rest. I think that the learning of the most ordinary life rhythm." -- B. Delic (psyschologist)

We have a small field on the outskirts of Rijeka where we grow much of the food that we use in our cooking. It's healthy and cheaper than buying from the store. It also gives the women a sense of providing for themselves with their own hard work. It is important for them to contribute to their own survival and not feel they exist only on the whim of donors; this is one small way we empower our women with the self-security to make it on their own.

"Many women come here from chaotic families and they have never had a chance to live normal life." -- B. Delic (psyschologist)