Arts and Culture Poland Project #67004

Art Empowerment for Disabled and Elderly in Poland

by To The Future

Project Report | Jan 27, 2026
A Place to Belong

By Barbara Lewandowska | Project Leader

Each week, our Social Support Centre opens its doors to a special group of people—seniors who carry not only years of experience but also stories shaped by loss, displacement, and the quiet strength that comes with starting anew. Many of them arrived in Poland seeking safety after the war in Ukraine. Some came with family; others arrived alone. For many, the word “home” has taken on an entirely new meaning.

Our centre has become more than just a space for painting or drawing—it is a place where people feel they belong. Art remains at the heart of what we do, but just as important as creativity is the sense of being seen, respected, and valued as a human being. Every brushstroke, every conversation over tea, every shared smile reminds our participants that they matter.

Some of our seniors live with children or relatives, often in small spaces, navigating the tension between closeness and the longing for independence. Others live alone, far from the life and friendships they once knew. At our weekly workshops, they find a rhythm—something steady in an unsteady world. Through simple moments of making art together, they rediscover joy, pride, and purpose.

One of our participants, Liuba, fled from Kharkiv. At first, she sat quietly by the edge of the table, hesitant to speak. Over time, surrounded by warmth and laughter, she found her voice again—helping others mix paint, sharing her embroidery techniques from home, and telling stories that turned silence into connection. Today, she is one of the first to greet newcomers, reminding them that everyone has a place here.

This transformation is what our centre stands for. We build bridges between people, foster understanding across generations, and create moments of peace that help heal emotional wounds. While our programs revolve around creativity, they are equally about dignity and hope—the belief that every person deserves respect, autonomy, and care.

For many seniors, especially those who have left everything behind, this space is a sanctuary. It gives families a moment of relief and offers elders the freedom to express themselves and feel whole again.

Thanks to your continued support, our centre remains a place of belonging, where art and humanity meet. Your generosity helps ensure that seniors—no matter their background or challenges—can find connection, kindness, and the simple comfort of being part of a community.

We create belonging.
We create dignity.
We create peace.

Thank you for standing with us.

Links:

Our post on social media

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Sep 29, 2025
Creating a Space of Hope and Connection

By Barbara Lewandowska | Project Leader

Since our last update, our dedicated space—the Social Support Centre—continues to be a beacon of safety, inclusion, and engagement for people at risk of social exclusion. At the heart of our work lies the transformative power of art, which plays a crucial role in helping individuals overcome life’s challenges by offering a meaningful outlet for self-expression, connection, and personal growth.

We have witnessed inspiring stories of change. Many senior participants, coming from diverse multicultural backgrounds, initially joined our programmes feeling shy, unsure, and disconnected. For some, joining group activities was a new and unfamiliar experience. Many of these seniors seek peace and acceptance, especially considering that, in many cases, they may face hostility or prejudice in their daily lives. Through regular participation in our art workshops, they gradually built confidence and a sense of purpose. Creative expression provided them with a safe space to explore their emotions, share stories, and forge new bonds. Over time, many seniors began supporting one another—fostering a warm, welcoming, and inclusive environment that embodies diversity and compassion.

Our work also demonstrates how art acts as a bridge that unites generations, backgrounds, and communities. In our weekly workshops, seniors, children, and young people with disabilities come together in a shared creative space. A touching example is a young woman who, initially hesitant and reserved, started to open up as she was surrounded by encouragement and shared experiences. She began helping younger participants with colors, exchanging stories, and becoming an active part of the group—embodying how art fosters social cohesion and mutual understanding.

In addition, as more refugees and displaced individuals join our community, our space becomes an even more vital refuge. Many seek not only artistic activity but also peace and acceptance—rare commodities in their often tumultuous lives.

These stories are just a glimpse of the profound impact art has across our projects. It is more than mere creativity—it’s a practical, accessible tool for social interaction, emotional resilience, and mental well-being. It ensures that no one feels invisible or excluded, making individuals feel valued, empowered, and part of a community that cares.

With your continued support, we can sustain and expand this vital space. Together, we offer individuals opportunities to develop new skills, share meaningful experiences, and enhance their emotional well-being. For elderly persons living alone, families supporting loved ones with disabilities, and refugees seeking safety, these gatherings are not just workshops—they are a source of vital connection, hope, and relief.

Thank you for being an essential part of this journey. Your ongoing support transforms lives, fostering an inclusive community where everyone has a place to belong.

Links:

Our post on social media

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Jun 2, 2025
Art fights fear and loneliness

By Barbara Lewandowska | Project Leader

Feeling of being together via art

We have created a space—our Social Support Centre—where people at risk of social exclusion feel safe, welcome, and engaged. Art plays a key role in helping individuals overcome life’s difficulties by offering a meaningful outlet for self-expression, connection, and personal growth.

Some of our senior participants arrived feeling shy and unsure. For many, joining group activities was a new and unfamiliar experience. However, through regular participation in our art workshops, they gradually became more confident and involved. Creative expression provided them with a sense of purpose and belonging. Over time, many began supporting one another and contributing to a warm, inclusive atmosphere.

We often see how art becomes a bridge that connects different generations and backgrounds. In our weekly workshops, seniors, children, and young people with disabilities share the same creative space. One participant, for example, who initially remained quiet and reserved, slowly opened up. Surrounded by others and encouraged through art, she began to connect, helping younger participants mix colors, sharing stories, and becoming an active part of the group.

This is just one of many stories we’ve seen. Across the project, art is more than just creativity—it is a practical and accessible tool for social interaction, emotional support, and building resilience. It allows people to feel seen, valued, and part of a community.

Thanks to your continued support, we can provide a space where individuals develop new skills, share meaningful experiences, and strengthen their mental and emotional well-being. For elderly individuals living alone or families supporting a person with a disability, these meetings are more than just workshops—they are a vital source of connection and relief.

We create connection.
We create hope.
We create change.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Your continued support truly makes a difference.

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is an initiative by Fundacja To The Future that provides inclusi

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