Our desire at Lighthouse of Hope MK is to bring hope to children living in government group homes in North Macedonia, as well as support and encourage foster and adoptive families throughout Europe. Through our care and support, we empower children, infants, and their families on their journey towards healing and restoring their sense of wholeness. We are committed to shining a light on their futures and guiding them towards a brighter tomorrow.
In 2015, we arrived in North Macedonia, greeted with a new culture, beautiful mountains, and delicious food. North Macedonia has a rich history that stretches back to ancient times, with the ruins from cities from the 4th century BC sprinkled throughout its modern towns and villages. In our first year, we learned so much, including the fact that North Macedonia has the largest population of Roma people in Europe, with Shutka being the largest Roma subdivision in the world, located in the center of Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia.
As a family, we have always had a heart for children from hard places, and began our journey as therapeutic foster parents, adopting two children from the US foster care system after spending almost 6 years as therapeutic foster parents. Because of Zoran’s connection to North Macedonia, we decided the next natural step was to use our resources to help the children in institutions on that side of the world.
After arriving in North Macedonia in 2015, we quickly realized that the best way to help the orphans was to contribute to the deinstitutionalization process that began in 2017. We saw an increase in foster families and small group homes, and in 2018, we opened the very first day center for therapy - The JOY Home.
The JOY Home is our pride and joy. With brightly colored walls, big open windows, and comfortable furniture, The JOY Home serves as a welcoming environment for the children to receive various types of therapy. Our team of therapists provides daily care for orphans who are now living in group homes across North Macedonia. We believe that every child deserves to be loved and cared for, and through continued support, Lighthouse of Hope MK desires to provide the necessary care and support for the orphans in the region.
Through partnerships with the Ministry of Social Services and local therapists, The JOY Home offers a range of therapeutic services, including physical therapy, speech therapy, life skills training, and DIR Floortime therapy. Our trained and certified staff work to ensure that each child receives the best care possible, tailored to their individual needs.
During our time at The JOY Home, we have built strong partnerships with local businesses and companies who have been generous and supportive. We are also grateful to our volunteers who have come from various places to assist in the work at The JOY Home, including painting, yard work, cleaning, organizing, working with the children, providing training for the nurses, providing medical and therapeutic advice, and more.
At Lighthouse of Hope MK, we remain committed to contributing to the deinstitutionalization process that began in 2017, and to help give the children the care and support they need. Our vision for the future is to continue to expand our services and reach more children across North Macedonia. We are committed to making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and giving them hope for a brighter future.
Our desire at Lighthouse of Hope MK is to bring hope to children living in government group homes in North Macedonia, as well as support and encourage foster and adoptive families throughout Europe. Through our care and support, we empower children, infants, and their families on their journey towards healing and restoring their sense of wholeness. We are committed to shining a light on their futures and guiding them towards a brighter tomorrow.
In 2015, we arrived in North Macedonia, greeted with a new culture, beautiful mountains, and delicious food. North Macedonia has a rich history that stretches back to ancient times, with the ruins from cities from the 4th century BC sprinkled throughout its modern towns and villages. In our first year, we learned so much, including the fact that North Macedonia has the largest population of Roma people in Europe, with Shutka being the largest Roma subdivision in the world, located in the center of Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia.
As a family, we have always had a heart for children from hard places, and began our journey as therapeutic foster parents, adopting two children from the US foster care system after spending almost 6 years as therapeutic foster parents. Because of Zoran’s connection to North Macedonia, we decided the next natural step was to use our resources to help the children in institutions on that side of the world.
After arriving in North Macedonia in 2015, we quickly realized that the best way to help the orphans was to contribute to the deinstitutionalization process that began in 2017. We saw an increase in foster families and small group homes, and in 2018, we opened the very first day center for therapy - The JOY Home.
The JOY Home is our pride and joy. With brightly colored walls, big open windows, and comfortable furniture, The JOY Home serves as a welcoming environment for the children to receive various types of therapy. Our team of therapists provides daily care for orphans who are now living in group homes across North Macedonia. We believe that every child deserves to be loved and cared for, and through continued support, Lighthouse of Hope MK desires to provide the necessary care and support for the orphans in the region.
Through partnerships with the Ministry of Social Services and local therapists, The JOY Home offers a range of therapeutic services, including physical therapy, speech therapy, life skills training, and DIR Floortime therapy. Our trained and certified staff work to ensure that each child receives the best care possible, tailored to their individual needs.
During our time at The JOY Home, we have built strong partnerships with local businesses and companies who have been generous and supportive. We are also grateful to our volunteers who have come from various places to assist in the work at The JOY Home, including painting, yard work, cleaning, organizing, working with the children, providing training for the nurses, providing medical and therapeutic advice, and more.
At Lighthouse of Hope MK, we remain committed to contributing to the deinstitutionalization process that began in 2017, and to help give the children the care and support they need. Our vision for the future is to continue to expand our services and reach more children across North Macedonia. We are committed to making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and giving them hope for a brighter future.
