Keystone Moldova: Two Decades of Social Impact

On September 30, Keystone Moldova celebrated two decades of activity along with local and international partners who have supported the organization’s mission to create a more equitable and inclusive society. This event brought together people with disabilities and their family members, support persons, representatives of international organizations, central and local public authorities, community members and civil society representatives from across the country.

Executive Director, Ludmila Malcoci, opened the event with a presentation of Keystone Moldova’s achievements in its two decades of activity. “In order to build an inclusive community for people with intellectual and psycho-social disabilities, we have supported the Government in the development and implementation of the legal and institutional framework, contributing to the elaboration of more than 50 normative acts and regulatory mechanisms, we have developed more than 300 community-based social services, which provide services to more than 30,000 beneficiaries annually.”

Chuck Sweeder, Executive Director of Keystone Human Services came with a word of congratulations. “Every time I visit Keystone Moldova I am very impressed by the dedication, passion, energy and creativity of the local team. The impact that Keystone Moldova has had here in Europe and on us in the United States is immense. By developing leaders, Keystone Moldova has ensured that the future of its services is very bright. I look forward to what the next 20 years will bring.”

Daniella DiPierro, Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy to the Republic of Moldova, noted Keystone Moldova’s partnership in supporting the process of deinstitutionalization of children with disabilities in Moldova “A vision has defined Keystone Moldova’s 2 decades of success, 2 decades of promoting sustainable change and improving the lives of vulnerable people through system capacity building and improving the regulatory framework. The United States is proud to have such a partner.”

Keystone Moldova, with the financial support of the European Union, has implemented projects in which more than 200 social services have been developed, including mobile teams, personal assistance, day and rehabilitation centers, canteens and social laundry. “Keystone Moldova has brought hope to many people in need and has worked to provide a better life for people with disabilities. Keystone Moldova has been and continues to be a reliable partner and we are glad that together we have supported initiatives that meet the needs of people in need.” said Magdalena Mueller-Uri, Head of the Cooperation Section of the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova.

Also, the Minister of Labour and Social Protection, Mr. Alexei Buzu, underlined the crucial role of civil society organizations, such as Keystone Moldova, in the development and implementation of social inclusion policies: “What Keystone Moldova has done is beyond numbers, it is a moral stake through every service they have developed and every person with disabilities they have managed to empower. It will be a source of great pride for all of us when we reach zero children institutionalized. We will go to the last residential placement center and together we will turn off the lights and put up the padlock.” said Mr. Buzu.

The event also provided a platform for people with disabilities who have benefited from Keystone Moldova’s support for independent living in their communities. They shared their life experiences, highlighting the direct impact of the organization’s work on their community integration. To learn more about these stories, please click here.

This anniversary is a moment of reflection and gratitude to all those who have supported Keystone Moldova’s mission over the years. The organization reaffirms its commitment to continue to promote an inclusive, accessible and equitable society for all its members.