St. Teresa Day Center
In this section
Therapy & Recovery
Background
The center was established in 2010 within the “Nicolae Stoleru” Secondary School in Baia, Suceava County. It initially supported 24 children with disabilities through specialized and personalized therapy and recovery services. In 2011, the center operated in a space provided by the Suceava County Council in Fălticeni, and in 2017 it relocated to the village of Spătărești. Since 2018, the center has had its own dedicated facility in Fălticeni.
To date, 342 children and young people with disabilities have benefited from free therapy and recovery services, as well as various forms of material, emotional, and family support. The center also helps them develop essential life skills to overcome the challenges posed by their disabilities.
Our team of therapists offers each child the opportunity to grow emotionally, socially, and behaviorally in a supportive and friendly environment.
Milestones
• 90 children and young people with disabilities attend the St. Teresa Day Center
• 13 staff members, including 7 therapists
• 83 children and young people with disabilities enrolled
• 11 therapists
• Celebrating 10 years of service
• 309 children supported since opening
• Average of 28 new cases per year
What Makes Us Unique
Quality. Diversity. Accessibility.
Support. Collaboration. Growth.
Children with disabilities and their families often face difficult socio-economic conditions that make private therapy services inaccessible. That’s why the services provided by the St. Teresa Day Center are not only necessary—they are indispensable.
The center offers children the opportunity to follow a long-term therapeutic program, continuing for as long as needed to reach their full recovery potential.
We take pride in every therapy we offer:
- Physical Therapy (Kinetotherapy)
- Behavioral Therapy / Cognitive Stimulation
- Speech Therapy
- Sensory Stimulation
We believe in the power of therapy
Educational Therapy
Our therapy emphasizes play as the primary way children learn and express creativity. We use educational games and sensory stimulation activities to support cognitive development.
These therapies are especially effective for children with ADHD or global developmental delays and are conducted in specially designed spaces.
These spaces include ambient lighting, calming music, sand tables, relaxation swings, and sensory materials (such as textured boards with silk, beans, corn, beads, and rough surfaces).
Physical Therapy (Kinetotherapy)
Online Therapy
Online therapy became a priority during the COVID-19 pandemic and remains essential for maintaining therapeutic progress. We uphold the same high standards in the online environment, using therapy platforms, speech therapy tools, and interactive worksheets.
A key benefit of online therapy is the strengthening of the parent-child relationship. With ongoing support from therapists, parents have learned professional techniques and become more actively involved in their child’s therapeutic journey.
To support therapy at home, we provided families with:
- Devices for accessing online platforms (tablets, smartphones)
- Mobile internet access
- Guidance on using digital tools and platforms (Zoom, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, phone)
- Age-appropriate educational kits tailored to each child’s needs
Therapy with a Twist
Birthday Celebrations
We celebrate each child’s birthday at the center. These group activities help children feel seen and valued, creating joyful memories and meaningful moments. We tell stories, sing songs, and organize games and contests with prizes.
Every child receives a certificate and a gift from the FARA Foundation.
Center Celebrations
The center’s anniversary days are moments when the children’s smiles shine the brightest.
Each year, we choose a different theme to celebrate. From costumes to games and activities, everything is tailored to the children’s abilities and preferences, with their full involvement. All decorations and props are handmade through a collaborative and creative effort by the entire team.
For our 10th anniversary, the chosen theme was the “Circus”—a vibrant and imaginative celebration that sparked joy and creativity in every child.
A Therapeutic Environment Designed for Growth
Our center is equipped with specialized rooms and materials to support a wide range of therapies:
- 2 individual therapy rooms
- 1 group therapy room
- 2 speech therapy rooms
- 2 physical therapy rooms
- 1 sensory stimulation room
- 1 play/waiting room
Impact
14
years of service
300+
children supported
300+
parents involved
Over 90 children visit the St. Teresa Day Center every month.
Types of Intervention
- 31.4% of children receive at least two types of therapy (individual, group, speech, or physical therapy)
- 25.6% receive only individual therapy
- 24.4% receive only physical therapy
- 18.6% receive only speech therapy
91% benefit from therapeutic stimulation aimed at social inclusion
Intensity of Intervention
- 92% of children attend two sessions per week
- 23% attend three to four sessions per week
- Approximately 820 hours of therapy per month
- 160 online counseling sessions for parents per year
- 27 face-to-face counseling sessions for parents per week
Capacity & Resources
- 11 therapists on staff
- Maximum capacity: 90 children with disabilities and 90 parents
- Each therapist works with an average of 5–6 children per day
The team conducts approximately 200 therapy sessions per week
Our Partners
Education
- Vasile Lovinescu College, Fălticeni
- Special Kindergarten, Fălticeni
- Licurici Kindergarten, Fălticeni
- General School No. 10, Suceava
- Inclusive Education Center, Suceava
- Ștefan cel Mare University, Suceava
- Ion Irimescu School, Fălticeni
- Valea Moldovei Secondary School
- Pinocchio Kindergarten, Fălticeni
- Voinicelul Kindergarten, Fălticeni
Social Assistance, Health & Culture
- Fălticeni Children’s Club
- Fălticeni City Hall
- Ion Irimescu Art Museum, Fălticeni
- Dr. Iuliana Perianu, MPI
- Dr. Adriana Istocescu, NPI
- Doctor Lungu Clinic
Sponsors
- Sanimet Com
- Brico Store Romania
- Express Euroscan SRL
- Romfour Tour SRL
- Alevia Fălticeni