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Caleb House Foundation

Caleb House (Casa Kaleb in Romanian, Kaleb Ház in Hungarian) aims to help young people who have grown up in children’s homes in Cluj-Napoca, Romania to learn the skills to cope with independent living.

Casa Kaleb girl The Caleb House Foundation is a legally-registered Romanian non-profit organisation, which works in connection with supporters overseas including the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.

The vision for Caleb House came about when the Aksza Mission to Street Children in Cluj-Napoca identified the need for an “aftercare house” for young people aged 18 and over. Living in the house would enable them to continue in education and teach them life skills in preparation for independent living.

The acquistion of Caleb’s premises was aided by funds donated by PCI’s Youth and Children’s 'Wings Project'; while furnishings were paid for by PCI's Young Women’s Group (now integrated into Presbyterian Women).

The programme provided at Caleb House includes:

Learning how to budgeting and manage the household
Learning how to cook and plan meals
Teaching on personal care and hygiene
Help in thinking through career options and preparing for job interviews
Social skills training
Counselling
Nuturing in the Christian faith

Official opening of Caleb House The Caleb House project operates from a recently-constructed building in the Someseni area of the city of Cluj. Currently, three young people, between the ages of 18 and 23, are resident in the house.

The property is laid out to provide a home for both male and female young people, with separated living accommodation and washing facilities.

The young people also have a common room which can either be used for study purposes, or for relaxation. It is equipped with a computer with internet access and a digital piano to help them develop their musical talents.

Darren and Nicola Aitcheson, who arrived in Cluj in 2007, helped in the setting up of Caleb House and when it became operational were resident houseparents, helping the young people to grow and develop into mature young adults with the confidence to move out and live independently.

The Aitchesons' term of service at Caleb came to an end mid-September 2009, when returned home after two years in Cluj.

Andrea Melzer, a 29 year-old qualified social worker with experience in Christian youth work, in both Romania and Hungary, was appointed as the Aitchesons' successor, taking up her new responsibilities on 1st September, 2009. Unfortunately, due to ill health, Andrea resigned in December after only four months in the job. The Managing Board is now urgently seeking to find a suitably qualified and experienced person to appoint in Andrea's place.

The Caleb House Foundation is very grateful for the prayers of all who have supported the work of Caleb House since it opened. They value continued prayer for wisdom and guidance as they seek to find the right person(s) for the vital role of houseparent(s).

Ilona Veres, who is principally involved with the Aksza Mission to Street Children, is a member of the Board of the Caleb House Foundation that oversees the work at Caleb House.