Happy faces in the 'House of Smiles' from the Völs parish newsletter, 3/2023

At the end of August, a group of supporters of the Noe Partium project, along with two board members from the Noah Association, traveled to Romania. Pastor Christoph would have liked to join but unfortunately had to cancel due to illness. At the House of Smiles, we were warmly welcomed by people with disabilities and the staff with big smiles. The relaxed and very warm atmosphere deeply moved all of us. Twelve individuals with cognitive disabilities have been attending this day care from Monday to Friday for nearly six years. Here, they stitch, paint, play, learn, prepare and eat meals together, sing, laugh, pray, and more. Some of these individuals live at home under very precarious conditions. At the House of Smiles, they have a protected space, receive professional support, and loving care.

In conversations with Irina and Judit, the two main responsible persons, the many organizational and financial challenges were also discussed. A special challenge is the completion of the residential building currently under construction, where ten people will receive a new home. A lot has been accomplished. The shell of the building is up, windows and doors have been installed. If everything goes according to plan, the house should be ready for occupancy in spring 2024. About 83% of the construction costs have been funded. Approximately €70,000 is still needed.

How it all began – A dream becomes a blessing

Tünde Löchli, former director of Caritas in the Satu Mare Diocese in Romania, and Pastor Andreas Tausch (Fliess), together with others, dreamed of creating an institution for people with cognitive disabilities in Romania. The mayor of Micula, a village in northeastern Romania, embraced the idea with great openness. The community provided an old kindergarten building, where the House of Smiles was able to open in the autumn of 2017.

In Tirol, the Noah Association was founded in 2013 under the leadership of Pastor Andreas Tausch with the goal of supporting the project financially in the long term. The Noe Partium Association is the legal entity behind the project in Micula. Thanks to a large donation, the construction of a residential building could also be started. Once again, the local community helped by providing a plot of land free of charge. Construction began in the summer of 2021. However, the project then hit a standstill. Almost two years ago, Tünde Löchli passed away due to complications from COVID-19. It was a great shock, and everyone involved wondered how the project would continue. The war in nearby Ukraine, just seven kilometers away, and the general inflation added to the challenges. But thanks to the dedicated staff on-site, much volunteer support from the village of Micula, and generous donors, this young and growing project continues to thrive. In memory of Tünde, the residential building will be named Tünderhon, which means "Fairy’s Treasure" in German.

Sponsors support us with a monthly contribution. Donations to the Noah Association are also tax-deductible.

I would also like to express my heartfelt thanks to Pastor Christoph for the birthday campaign for his 60th in favor of Tünderhon and to all donors.

Gottfried Lamprecht, Chairman of the Noah Association