Constellations
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Mission Statement
The objective of Constellations (a non-profit organisation) is to create living spaces for people with a mental disability Since its start in 2001 by a group of parents, Constellations has worked in the Brussels region to support children/young adults with mental disabilities, with the mission to develop proper housing for them. There is indeed a dramatic lack of places (day and residence centres) in the capital of Europe. The Constellations team is composed of parents and scientific authorities coming from the two largest communities of Belgium. After creating 50 places and 3 houses in Brussels (between 2006 and 2013) in the space of 7 years, we chose to support projects initiated by other associations with the same goal as us, i.e. creating living places for people with a mental disability. By bringing our know-how/financial support to their projects (since 2014), we allow them to work more efficiently and thus open more rapidly. These projects must meet the following criteria: - to be in line with the Constellations statement of purpose - Constellation's Charter - and to contribute to reducing the shortage of living places in institutions for people with a mental disability in the Brussels Region, thus guaranteing their well-being in the long term. We obviously take a lot of time to analyze the project proposals to guarantee that the projects is viable and will go to the end and also beyond the construction of the building. This by making sure that the operating facilities (infrastructure, staff, equipment, funding, ...) are adequate and available in the long term as well. We also make sure that the relationship between Constellations and the other ASBL's is smooth since we will have to work intensively together during the whole duration of the projects which last many years. Once the houses are open, operating expenses are covered by the Region concerned, thus guaranteeing the long-term future of its inhabitants. We continiously monitor the functioning of the new houses once they have opened to make sure all goes well, and provide our advice in case of enquiries.
About This Cause
What do we do ? We build facilities which offer daycare and accommodation to people with mental disabilities in and around the Brussels region. Between 2006 to 2013 Constellations opened three houses. Because the waiting lists were still too long, Constellations decided to optimize the possibilities for the creation of new facilities through projects developed by other associations. Since 2014, Constellations has been providing their steering committees with experience and financial support, enabling a rapid implementation of these projects. In order to receive Constellations’ support, the projects must have received prior approval from a subsidizing authority and have to be in line with the Constellations charter. Our charter describes the fundamental rights that every person with a disability must be able to enjoy. Once the projects have been carried out and the construction is finished, the operational costs of the residential houses are provided for by the regional authorities (Brussels or Wallonia). This guarantees long term sustainability, and a stable future for the residents. Who are we ? Constellations is a Belgian non-profit organisation (Asbl) created in 2001 by a group of parents who wanted to do something about the lack of residential places for young people (21+) with mental disabilities in and around Brussels. The waiting period for these places could sometimes be up to ten years! The result was the establishment of a new organisation aiming to create new residential places for these young people. Constellations works with a full-time project coordinator and a part-time administrative assistant. 95% of their salaries is provided for by the Brussels Region. The Asbl can also count on a regular volunteer and the full support of its board of directors, all of whom are volunteers. The Board of Directors is composed of parents, experts and professionals from the sector as well as scientific authorities from both the French speaking and the Dutch speaking communities. Thanks to our volunteers the operational costs remain well below 10% and are usually, depending on the year, between 5% and 8%. The Constellations model Constellations supports projects developed by other associations. This is important, because the lack of suitable residential places demands urgent action. Supporting others means optimizing existing possibilities. To our knowledge, this is a unique model. How does it work : Constellations offers powerful leverage: every year we work on a new project with a partner, while continuing the previous projects until completion. We also help partner organizations to prepare projects. - We are involved in marketing and sponsorship. - We contribute up to 300,000 euros, money we raise from individuals, private companies and foundations. - This initial financial contribution cannot be underestimated: it gives credibility to a project and makes it easier to obtain the necessary additional funding. We help our partners in their fundraising efforts for the project through the foundations we know. It makes it possible to raise an additional 1.500.000€. The strong and trustworthy relationships we have established with these foundations over many years pay off: they appreciate our achievements, in particular the fact that we have completed all our projects. - Upon request, Constellations can help in other areas, such as negotiating with banks or construction firms. Over the years, we have developed a network of connections in the world of politics and administration. - We will, however, never interfere with the internal management, the educational project or the recruitment of educational staff, etc. of these associations. This is essential and it saves us a considerable amount of time. The results of this approach are excellent and have boosted our effectiveness: - Between 2006 and 2013 (seven years), we opened three houses ourselves. - Between 2014 and 2022(eight years), we opened five houses in collaboration with other organizations. One more house will open before the end of 2022. - Three projects are being developed now and will be implemented by 2025 Constellations ethical charter Constellations brings together young people with mental disabilities and their parents, professionals in the sector and anyone who is interested in helping to provide the necessary assistance to people with mental disabilities. All of us recognize the rights of people with mental disabilities as written in the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (United Nations General Assembly, 30 March 2007). We are committed to promote, protect and insure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms of people with disabilities, and we will advocate for the respect of their intrinsic dignity. Our key convictions in this regard have guided us in our own charter: - respect for people with disabilities as adults with their own rights - the importance of openness to others and “living together” in the city - quality of life - the possibility to make their own choices Our centres are managed in accordance with the legal and regulatory requirements applicable in the regions that have granted the approval. Ideally, the places to live which we provide should be located in the city, well-served by public transport and in the vicinity of shops and recreational centres. Buildings for accommodation and those for daytime activities should be separated but nearby each other. This way, they will be easily identifiable as two separate units: one where “I am during the day to participate in activities”, and the other one “where I am at home and can relax.” The two buildings are constructed differently, which helps the residents emotionally and mentally to structure their lives, which in turn contributes to their autonomy. 1. Our Goals The person with a mental disability receives tailor-made support. This support promotes inclusion within society and active participation in the way he or she wants to shape their own life. 2. Focal community The association was established with the aim of providing places to stay for young people after they leave the school system, since there was an acute shortage of this kind of places. The centres which have been created by our association, and those we have helped to create or have supported, are aimed primarily at young adults with moderate to severe mental disabilities, in combination or not with other disabilities. 3. Philosophy and Ethical projects - To guarantee the freedom of philosophical, political and religious opinion. In this context, attention will be paid to ensuring that everyone can express their personal convictions and, to the extent of their abilities, put them into practice. Likewise, each person will be expected to respect the opinion of others. - To allow each person the freedom to form emotional and sexual bonds with the partner of his or her choice. The centres will be careful to recognise these ties and to put into practice this recognition, for example by responding favourably to a request for a change in accommodation. If the person is still considered as a minor, or is under guardianship, decisions about his or her emotional or sexual life will be made in consultation with, and with the agreement of, parents or guardians. - To strive to meet the aspirations, demands and needs of adults with mental disabilities in living as harmoniously and independently as possible, taking into account their possibilities and providing them with the guidance, support and security they need to do so. - To aim at promoting collaboration and consultation between people with disabilities, professional support and families. Encourage interaction with external stakeholders (support services, family planning, legal service, mental health service, etc.). - To develop a warm environment in the centres in order to ensure the well-being of the persons with mental disabilities.