Bloom project

In Romania, Bloom project - ‘Pathways to an autonomous future for mothers’ 💜ran in partnership with Asociatia Casa Ioana. The purpose of the partnership was to test in an authentic environment the instruments developed as part of the program, enabling us to expand the support network for the vulnerable mothers beneficiaries.


Over the course of six meetings, we were trying (and we hope we succeeded) to create a safe and empathetic space for vulnerable women and mothers, where each can find their place and the strength to share life experiences, worries, and personal successes. All of these represent, for us, evidence of resilience.


We believe in the power of every woman to build her own path, and we are here to support them on this journey. Thus, during each meeting we focused on increasing the confidence and autonomy of each beneficiary, both through the identification and awareness of personal resources and skills, and through the development of new routines and strategies to cope with the difficulties of personal life, at work or in their relationship with their children.


Through Bloom project we aim to demonstrate that mental health is a priority and that every woman, regardless of her past, deserves to feel safe, confident and autonomous.
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𝘉𝘓𝘖𝘖𝘔 𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘰-𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 Erasmus+ and developed by Netwerkpro
in partnership with Caregivers

Bloom project - 'Pathways to an autonomous future for mothers’ aims at contributing to the social and professional empowerment of vulnerable mothers in Romania and the Netherlands.

In Romania, the project is designed for the mothers in Asociatia Casa Ioana, addressing the specific needs of this category of mothers.

Our main motivation is that every woman should have access to life-long learning, no matter what her background or experience is.

Part of the Bloom project, we develop a flexible toolkit with empowerment trainings specifically designed to cater to the needs of vulnerable mothers, making it accessible for other organisations that host or deal with women part of this category.

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𝘉𝘓𝘖𝘖𝘔 𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘰-𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 Erasmus+ and developed by Netwerkpro
in partnership with Caregivers

💮 Last November, Arine, Arlette and trainer Jacobien from Netwerkpro traveled to Bucharest to meet with Caregivers, both partners of the Bloom project.

🌟It was a remarkable experience. Jacobien Geuze conducted a train-the-trainer session for a group of caregivers supporting young mothers who had previously been in unsafe situations and were now living in a protected environment for a year. They were working towards independence and reintegrating into society and work. The work they do at this facility and with Caregivers is truly fantastic, and we were deeply impressed. Our train-the-trainer session was well-received; we had a day filled with depth and collaborated on developing a suitable curriculum to support these women. So much accomplished! 🌟

Meanwhile, Arlette Olaerts and Arine Huijboom worked on other aspects of the project. Arlette conducted interviews with various women at Casa Iona under the guidance of Ian Tilling (Founder and President), a shelter providing support to women and children experiencing domestic violence and homeless families. The work they do is outstanding, and it's inspiring to witness the strength of these women. Most of the women can return to society after six months (at most, a year).

In addition, we learned a great deal about our partners, about Bucharest, and about the history and culture of Romania. What a meaningful journey; we are still enjoying the impact of it! 💜

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