The “Foundation for Social Change and Inclusion” (FSCI Bulgaria) was established in late 2008 with the main aim of promoting social development and the integration of underprivileged individuals, groups and communities across Bulgaria.
Our work is focused on breaking the cycle of poverty and social exclusion and restoring hope for a better future. We believe that every person has the right to access resources and opportunities that enable them to live and develop with dignity.
Our flagship activity is the “House of Opportunity” Programme – a network of family-type supported housing for young people leaving specialised institutions for children deprived of parental care. The programme has been running since 2009 and is based on Western European practices, adapted to the context and needs of young people in Bulgaria. Through this programme, young people from across the country who are vulnerable to risky behaviours such as involvement in criminal networks, begging, international trafficking and sexual exploitation have access to a safe and supportive family-like living environment. The foundation operates two “House of Opportunity” in Sofia with a total capacity of 10 places, where young people live for a period of up to two years and receive training and support in finding and sustaining employment; developing work habits; managing personal finances and household responsibilities; taking appropriate care of their health; developing social skills and the ability to build long-term positive relationships; adapting to independent living; as well as receiving follow-up support.
Over the years, FSCI has managed supported housing under the “House of Opportunity” Programme in Sofia, Varna, Burgas, Ruse, Gabrovo and Botevgrad. Today, our efforts are primarily focused on the two centres in the capital, as Sofia is the city where a significant proportion of young people leaving care choose to live. A “House of Opportunity” is also operating in Burgas, managed by our partner organisation “Verniyat Nastoynik” (The Faithful Servant).
Since 2016, the FSCI team has been actively involved in developing a network of local organisations across South-East Europe. The model developed and implemented in Bulgaria has been piloted in partnership with local organisations in several countries in the region, including Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Moldova and Serbia.
Over the years, FSCI has not only developed and managed programmes supporting young people leaving care, but has also created and implemented initiatives focused on early childhood development and the prevention of social exclusion from an early age. In 2015, the foundation established the “Svetogled” Centre in the “Fakulteta” district of Sofia – a community centre forming part of its early years development programme. Its aim is to support children and families from vulnerable communities by creating a safe and supportive environment for learning, socialisation and development.
Through small group work and active involvement of parents and families, the programme supports the development of social skills, preparation for entry into the education system, and the reduction of the risk of early school leaving. The work is focused on the long-term improvement of opportunities for development and social inclusion for children and their families.
Since the beginning of 2026, the management of the “Svetogled” Centre has been taken over by Concordia Bulgaria.
As part of its efforts to create sustainable opportunities for support and development, FSCI has also developed initiatives in the field of social entrepreneurship. In 2016, the foundation established and operated the social enterprise HOPe Restaurant – a project combining a high-quality culinary concept with a social mission. In addition to offering a carefully selected menu inspired by both Bulgarian traditions and contemporary culinary trends, the initiative aimed to support the “House of Opportunity” Programme by generating income and creating opportunities for young people to gain practical skills and work experience.
The operations of HOPe Restaurant were discontinued in 2020 due to the challenging circumstances related to the coronavirus pandemic. Nevertheless, the social model of the enterprise achieved significant results – many of the young people involved in the initiative acquired professional and social skills that proved crucial for their subsequent career development and successful social integration.
