All for a good cause

The Integrated Group Homes Foundation is the first fully organized private initiative in Cyprus, with the creation and operation of "Community Homes" (1994) for adults with mental retardation (over 20 years old). It offers shelter, protection and care to people with mild mental retardation who, after graduation and special education at the Christos Stelios Ioannou Foundation, have become independent to the extent that they can live with little supervision.

One of the main goals of The Integrated Group Homes Foundation, which operates on a purely voluntary basis continuing the vision of its great benefactors of the family of Stelios and Elli Ioannou, through special programs which the Board, staff and volunteers have created in collaboration with the local government and society, is the integration of the occupants into society with active and beneficial action.

The residents work and are employed by various companies. Members of the Foundation are also members of the Special Olympic Team with participations and wins in the Special Olympic Games, worthily representing our country.

Through private initiative, The Integrated Group Homes Foundation operates socialization programs, integration into a controlled workplace, music therapy, art, painting and occupational therapy workshops, excursions, participation in sports, but the most important thing for the residents is their home and family as most of them do not have close relatives or any other care.

The primary goal, as founding act and basic philosophy, is always to ensure the dignity and privacy of the residents.