"How beautiful our house is…" — repeated a delighted 4-year-old girl today as she, along with her two brothers, stepped into their newly renovated home for the first time after spending a month in an alternative care institution. In the arms of their mother, whose eyes filled with tears of joy, a story of reunion and family was brought to a beautiful close — a story written together by people with big hearts.

This family, consisting of a single mother and her three children, has been at the center of efforts by Foundation Second and the Support service for families and children of the Home for children without parental care Sarajevo over the past weeks, who worked hand in hand to create the conditions necessary for the children’s return to their mother’s care.

The day before the children came home, a children’s room set — donated by local resident Azemina Alispahić — was delivered to the family’s address. Kind-hearted carpenter Senad Lončar assembled and installed the furniture free of charge, making sure the children would be welcomed into a safe and beautiful room. The transportation was provided without charge by the company Master, once again confirming that this city is home to people willing to help those who need it most.

Friends of Foundation Second also secured a donation of basic groceries and a vacuum cleaner — which instantly won over the seven-year-old boy, the eldest child in the home, who now proudly helps his mother keep their new home clean.

"This is one of those days when we can all be proud to be part of a team that brings smiles back to children’s faces and restores their sense of belonging. Returning children to their mother in proper living conditions is not just an administrative decision, but the result of joint efforts by institutions, organizations, and individuals. Thank you to everyone who was part of this story," said Amina Pohara, Head of the Support Service for Families and Children of the Home for Children without Parental Care Sarajevo.

This story once again shows how important it is to be a community that recognizes the needs of others and acts when it matters most.

"Every home where you can hear children’s laughter is worth every minute of effort and every donation. A special thank you to Azemina, the painters, carpenter Senad, and the team from Master transport. What remains is to find a dining table, a mattress for the Barbie bed that the little girl proudly showed to everyone, and to replace the old bed for the boy. We will also provide the mother with additional kitchenware, and Senad will make a kitchen cabinet and some shelves to make her daily life easier," said Belma Mujezinović, Director of Foundation Second.

Foundation Second will, with the help of its friends and donors, continue to support this family on their journey toward a safer and more dignified life.