A day care unit for adults with disabilities has been opened in Herceg Novi, and the local government announced that the city has thus received a licensed social protection service intended for people over the age of 27.
"Thanks to the successfully implemented project to expand and equip the existing Center in Sutorina, the capacities of this institution have been expanded, so in the future, in addition to children with developmental disabilities, it will also provide support to adults with disabilities and their families," the statement reads.
The new department was opened today by the Mayor of Herceg Novi Municipality Stevan Katić, Minister of Public Works Majda Adžović, Minister of Social Welfare, Family Care and Demography Damir Gutić and Director of the Center for Day Care for Children with Developmental Disabilities and Adults with Disabilities Petar Kovačević.
Katić emphasized that this is an important step forward in the development of local support services.
"I am particularly proud of the fact that the Municipality of Herceg Novi started this time from an empty plot of land in Sutorina, and over the years, dedicatedly and continuously, built a support system - first a Day Care Center for Children, and today a modernly equipped Day Care Center, which meets the needs of both children and elderly citizens. This functional unit is complemented by the old school building, the ground floor of which will be put at the service of the Center," said Katić.
He thanked the line ministries, employees of the Day Care Center and the Municipal Secretariat for Local Self-Government for their engagement in the implementation of the project. He also expressed his gratitude to the non-governmental organization "New Chance in Novi", because with their support it was possible for the city to receive a day care center for people with disabilities even before the Center was expanded, and this cooperation, as announced, continues through the work of the day care center for the elderly.
"We expect that the new Law on Social and Child Protection will continue to recognize municipalities as key partners in this area and that stable support will be provided to all services developed by local governments," said Katić.
The Minister of Public Works, Majda Adžović, pointed out the importance of this infrastructure investment, emphasizing that with the expansion of the facility, the Center has acquired a new, equally important role - providing continuous support to adults with disabilities.
"The expansion has improved spatial and technical capacities, as well as the conditions for providing all-day services to people over 27 years of age, in accordance with current standards. The total spatial capacities now cover more than 400 square meters, which has created better conditions for the organization of work and the quality of service provision. This project is part of a broader commitment to improve public infrastructure and strengthen institutional support for beneficiaries and their families through planned investments," said Minister Adžović, emphasizing the importance of the partnership between the Government and local governments in the implementation of the project.
Gutić emphasized that the previous Day Care Center has further strengthened its role in the community, responding to the needs of users and their families, and that it now operates under the name of the Public Institution "Day Care Center for Children with Developmental Disabilities and Adults with Disabilities".
He recalled that the day care service for adults with disabilities has so far been provided by the non-governmental organization "New Chance in Novi", with the support of the local government, and that licensing the center represents an important step towards providing sustainable and quality services in the community.
"The development of these services shows that the social protection system can and must adapt to the needs of beneficiaries, providing them with support at all stages of life. The Ministry remains committed to the development of community services as the foundation of an inclusive society and the prevention of institutionalization. It is precisely day centers like this that enable children with developmental disabilities and people with disabilities to remain in the community for as long as possible, preserve social relationships and actively participate in social life, with support for families," Gutić said.
Kovačević said that the Center represents "the result of a shared vision - that every person in the community has the right to a dignified life, support and a sense of belonging."
"It is not just a space, but a place of safety, understanding and opportunities for personal development. I would like to thank the Municipality of Herceg Novi and the Ministry of Social Welfare, Family Care and Demography for recognizing the importance of this institution and their selfless support in its establishment. I also owe great gratitude to the Secretariat for Local Self-Government, which has been with us from the very beginning, as well as to the employees and professional team who work every day with a lot of knowledge, patience and effort. By opening this center, we are taking an important step towards a more inclusive and humane society. I believe that it will become an example of good practice and a place that we will all be proud of," Kovačević emphasized.
The opening was attended by beneficiaries and their families, employees and management of the Center, as well as representatives of state and local administration, companies and institutions, including the President of the Herceg Novi Municipal Assembly Miloš Konjević and the Secretary for Local Self-Government Vesna Samardžić.
The Municipality said that the opening of the new department has further improved the support system for people with disabilities in Herceg Novi. The new department is licensed for 15 users, so the Center now provides services to a total of 45 people – 30 children and 15 adults with disabilities.
The Ministry of Public Works allocated funds for the expansion of the Center and the reconstruction of the old school building in Sutorina, while the Ministry of Social Welfare, Family Care and Demography, in cooperation with the local administration, is participating in co-financing the stay of the beneficiaries. The project documentation and funds for equipping the facilities were provided by the Municipality of Herceg Novi.
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