When it comes to supporting families and children at risk, Foundation Second has, for many years, developed and upheld an approach that consistently delivers the best results: every family is supported individually, with understanding and respect for their real circumstances. This is why Foundation Second does not use pre-prepared food or hygiene packages. Instead, every purchase is made intentionally and immediately before visiting the family.
This way of working is possible thanks to close cooperation with the Family and child support service at the Home for children without parental care Sarajevo. Foundation Second and this Service have been working together for three years, and the key people in the field are Amina Pohara, Head of the Service, and psychologist Vesna Stanišić. They visit families daily, enter their homes, follow their living conditions, and understand better than anyone the needs of both children and adults they support. Because of this, they can accurately assess what each family truly needs, which groceries they use, what type of hygiene products are appropriate, and whether there are any limitations, health specifics, or habits that must be taken into account.
For this reason, shopping is always done immediately before each visit. Only the items a family truly needs at that moment — and that fit their lifestyle — are purchased. This approach respects the real needs of every family and ensures that donations are used responsibly, rationally, and meaningfully.
We are also publishing this article in response to frequent questions from donors who wish to personally buy groceries and prepare aid packages. Although donor goodwill is immensely valuable, experience shows that pre-prepared packages often do not match the actual needs of families. They frequently contain products a family does not use, food that children do not eat, hygiene items unsuitable for small children, or large quantities of goods that cannot be stored or consumed in time. Some families lack even basic equipment needed to prepare certain foods, which further limits the usefulness of donated groceries. For these reasons, targeted purchasing immediately before the visit has proven to be far more effective.
This model of support contributes not only to the practicality of donating but also to its ethical dimension. Families do not receive what is considered universally useful, but what is specifically needed by them. This prevents the sense of being overwhelmed with items they cannot use, while simultaneously building trust, a sense of respect, and the understanding that their specific needs are recognized and valued.
Foundation Second, in line with its cooperation agreement with the Home for children without parental care Sarajevo, pays special attention to protecting the identities of families and children. For this reason, photographs of the exact locations of homes are not shared, the faces of parents and children are not shown, and sensitive personal information is never disclosed. Every form of assistance is provided quietly, respectfully, and within the framework of professional confidentiality.
Humanity is often reflected in the smallest details, and an individualized approach is one of the most important details in the work of Foundation Second. It enables us to provide assistance that is accurate, appropriate, and compassionate — the kind of support families truly need. In cooperation with the Family and Child Support Service, we continue to build a model of support that brings real results and creates lasting positive change in the lives of children and families.
If you wish to be part of this effort and support families who need help the most, you can make a donation by adding the note “Families at Risk.” This ensures that your support is directed specifically to this group of beneficiaries.
📞 Call 17077 to donate 1 EUR,
or make a direct payment to:
💳 Foundation Second
Sarajevo – Nurije Pozderca 8
1413115320025053
🌍 For international transfers:
IBAN: BA391413115310005729
SWIFT: BBIBBA22XXX
Bank: Bosna Bank International DD Sarajevo
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