CASA L'APPRODO
The people
The programme is aimed at women aged between 18 and 64 who are experiencing temporary difficulties and who recognise the need to embark on a journey of personal growth, with the motivation and willingness to tackle their own problems.
The facility provides accommodation for single women experiencing various forms of vulnerability: mild mental health issues, which are manageable within a community setting and monitored by the Mental Health Centre; a history of alcohol or substance dependence, following the start of a treatment and rehabilitation programme; situations involving violence, personal vulnerability, a lack of family support, family conflict or separation.
Women who are victims of human trafficking may also be accommodated, during the initial phase of their removal from the streets and for a limited period.
The service is intended for women residing in the Province of Trento, with priority given to those from Vallagarina. Women residing outside the Province may only be admitted in particularly serious cases, subject to agreement with the provincial representatives and provided that the waiting list does not exceed 30 days, in accordance with the terms of the agreement with the Province.
The life
Casa l’Approdo offers a peaceful and safe environment where women can stay, reflect on their difficulties and work on regaining their skills, with a view to achieving independence in the future.
Through the constant support of its staff, the centre guides each woman along a personalised pathway, designed to foster personal growth, strengthen her existing resources and help her regain or safeguard her dignity.
The house
The community has 18 beds available: fifteen dedicated to planned residential placements and three reserved for emergency admissions. On the first floor, there are also two apartments designed to support the development of independent living skills. These are used by residents who have completed the community program and need to consolidate certain competencies before transitioning to independent accommodation. In addition, a studio apartment on the ground floor is available for special emergency situations, always in collaboration with local Social Services.
Casa l’Approdo provides a calm, safe, and supportive environment where each woman can rediscover abilities and potential that may have remained unexpressed, strengthen her self-esteem, and work towards greater autonomy.
The main tools of the program are the Individual Educational Plan, community life, and the relationship with staff members. The plan outlines shared goals and commitments, while everyday life becomes a practical opportunity for growth through engagement with house rules, management of shared spaces, relationships with other residents, interaction with volunteers, and participation in recreational and cultural activities.
Residents are directly involved in the management of the house and in the daily routines of community life. In this way, everyday needs and challenges become opportunities for discussion, responsibility, personal growth, and reflection.
Admissions are always arranged in agreement with the local Social Services and, where appropriate, with other specialist services such as the Mental Health Centre, Alcohol Addiction Service, Drug Addiction Service (Ser.D), and Family Counselling Centre. Together with the resident, a shared Admission Plan is developed and signed by all parties involved, outlining the objectives of the placement and the mutual commitments undertaken.
Following an initial trial period, the program is monitored through regular reviews involving both the services and the resident. Each woman is assigned a key worker who provides ongoing support through regular meetings, helping her achieve her goals and maintain the commitments agreed upon.
The appartments
Women who have successfully completed the community programme may continue to be accommodated in small flats within the facility, designed to help them practise and consolidate the independence they have achieved.
Placement always takes place in consultation with the referring service. Staff support participants throughout the process through interviews and home visits, monitoring the progress of the project, which has a limited and defined duration.
CASA FIORDALISO
The story
Casa Fiordaliso was founded in 2002 as a support scheme for mothers with children who are facing difficult circumstances and need parenting support.
The facility, funded by the Autonomous Province of Trento, can accommodate up to nine mother-and-child units, with specific educational programmes agreed with the local social services or linked to emergency situations.
The people
Casa Fiordaliso provides a home for pregnant women and mothers with children – both Italian and foreign – who are facing personal, family or social difficulties.
Care may also be arranged on the recommendation of the Juvenile Court, with the aim of protecting children, supporting mothers in their role as carers, and observing and strengthening parenting skills.
The staff work in teams and are on duty at the facility 24 hours a day.
The life
Life at Casa Fiordaliso takes place within a community-based, family-oriented setting, designed to offer women a peaceful environment that fosters personal, educational, professional and financial growth.
Mothers remain primarily responsible for the care and upbringing of their children. Care workers support them in this role, whilst respecting their different cultures, traditions and personal histories.
Each household follows an individualised educational plan, agreed with Social Services, which sets out objectives and a pathway for personal development. Everyday life becomes an important part of the work: running the household, looking after the children, preparing meals, cleaning the premises and taking part in community life.
The support workers assist mothers through dialogue, a supportive relationship and collaboration with local services, promoting independence, self-awareness and the development of personal strengths.
The House
Casa Fiordaliso is made available to the Cooperative by the Cassa di Risparmio di Trento e Rovereto Foundation and the Municipality of Rovereto.
The building spans four floors, with spaces designed to meet the needs of mothers and children. Families are accommodated in furnished rooms and have access to various communal areas: a kitchen, a dining room, a TV room, a laundry and ironing room, an outdoor terrace equipped with children’s play equipment, and a multi-purpose hall.