Dear supporters of the Noah Association

For a long time, we planned to send you a letter towards the end of the year with up-to-date information about the House of Smiles, Tünde's visit, the progress of the construction of the House of Lights, and information about the project sponsors and the development of donations.

Now I have to share the incredibly sad news that Tünde Löchli passed away on Friday, November 20th. Tünde, former director of Caritas in Satu Mare, was the soul and driving force behind the Noe Partium project. In October, she was in Tyrol, visited school classes at Paulinum in Schwarz, gave a lecture at the House of Encounter in Innsbruck, attended the exhibition opening at Kunsttreff Impulse Gallery in Kematen, and met many people. She always spoke with great enthusiasm about "her children," the House of Smiles, and the House of Lights. I had the privilege of traveling with her during those days and was deeply impressed by her love for people and her expertise.

Noe Partium is supported by a dedicated team. Right now, everyone is wondering how things will continue without Tünde. It will take time to find a new way of organizing, but it will continue. Andrea Tasnadi Asztalos, my predecessor as chairwoman of the Noah Association, now lives in Romania and will be our contact person for Noe Partium for the time being. All employees, all volunteers, and especially people with disabilities need our full solidarity and support right now.

I wish you all a peaceful Advent season, a Merry Christmas, and God's blessings in the New Year.

Gottfried Lamprecht, Chairman of the Noah Association

A good life for people with cognitive disabilities

Reflection on Tünde’s Lecture on October 13th at the House of Encounter

Tünde spoke about the differences in the lives of people with disabilities between Austria and Romania. She mainly pointed out differences in mentality, the lack of support for people with disabilities and their families, as well as the lack of facilities. In many cases, families could not accept their child’s disability, were overwhelmed by the situation, and were left alone.

The stories of the individuals who found refuge at the House of Smiles were moving. One woman lives with her alcoholic grandmother in a house without water or heating; another was abandoned by her mother as a baby at the hospital. At the House of Smiles, these people receive guidance, learn many skills such as embroidery, are encouraged to exercise, learn healthy eating, and most importantly, form friendships and overcome social isolation.

With shining eyes, Tünde told us that with the construction of the House of Lights, a big dream is coming true.

So far, around €19,000 have been donated to the Noah Association this year.

We have received €5,000 each from the Bishop Stecher Memorial Association and the Kiwanis Club Schwaz . With this, we can support Noe Partium with both the ongoing operational costs at the House of Smiles (salaries, food, heating, etc.) and the construction of the House of Lights.

In 2020, the House of Smiles was able to cover 20% of its costs through public funds and 10% through the sale of its own products. The remaining costs had to be covered by donations. A large part of the work is done voluntarily.

Your donations are passed on directly to Noe Partium. A big THANK YOU to all donors! Please continue to help so this young plant can grow and develop.

Our bank details:

IBAN: AT71 3626 0000 0074 6909

BIC: RZTIAT22260

Werden Sie Pate!

Vor einem Jahr haben wir die Projektpatenschaft für Noe Partium gestartet. Mittlerweile haben wir neun Paten, die monatlich zwischen 10 und 20 Euro spenden. Unser Traum ist es, ein großes Solidaritätsnetzwerk aufzubauen, damit die Menschen mit Behinderungen, die im Haus der Lächeln und im Haus des Lichts leben und arbeiten, langfristig ein gutes Zuhause haben. Helfen Sie uns, die Anzahl der Paten im Jahr 2022 mindestens zu verdreifachen.

E-Mail: info@verein-noah.at