Mission and goals


DR BEN FURMAN'S SKILLFUL ACADEMY

Our mission

Fundacja Pomocy Dzieciom ULICA was established to systemically strengthen the psychological resilience of children and young people – especially those facing difficulties in life.

Our mission is to equip children, young people, their families and professionals with tools and skills that help them overcome challenges, building agency, a sense of community and sensitivity to the environment around us.

We develop the competences

of teachers, educators, psychologists, tutors and foster care workers.

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We implement innovative methods

based on the philosophy of Dr Ben Furman and on Solution-Focused Brief Therapy.

We organise

conferences, training courses including in Dr Ben Furman's Kids' Skills and Skillful Group methods, supervision and workshops.

We build communities

of Kids’ Skills practitioners through the SKILLFUL ENERGY educational platform

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We run

prevention and motivation programmes for children, young people and families.

We bring together

educational, care and local communities, creating more effective forms of support for the young generation.

Values and principles

Our programmes focus on the strengths of children and families, developing psychological resilience, building a culture of appreciation, positive relationships and pro-environmental attitudes. We believe that comprehensive support and cooperation are the key to lasting change.

Respect and agency
We see potential in every child and family.
Empowerment
We help children and young people believe in themselves and their abilities.
Community
We build relationships based on support, trust and care for the environment.
Competence and professionalism
We work on the basis of the latest knowledge and proven methods.
Innovation
We implement modern solutions, promoting mental balance and responsibility for our surroundings.
Synergy
We join forces across different communities to support the young generation effectively.

Our achievements and goals

1991

2021

2023

2024

2030

When the Foundation first took to the streets of Katowice, there was practically no support system in the city for so-called street children. The Foundation's leaders set up one of the first day support centres for children and young people.

In 2011 and 2012 the Foundation organised two international expeditions
to the Himalayas and to Scandinavia
, aimed at children growing up in a marginalised environment.

In 2023 our work was recognised by the European Brief Therapy Association (EBTA). The ULICA Foundation received a prestigious award for excellence in solution-focused practice (The award for Excellence in Solution Focused Practice).

Over the years
the Foundation has provided direct help to more than 9,500 children, reached 60,000 children through trained professionals and delivered more than 115 different projects.

Over the next 5 years, through the work of the MOTIVATION AND PREVENTION CENTRE, we want to reach
children
and young people all over Poland with our psychological resilience programme.

Goals for 2026

Systemically strengthening the psychological resilience of children and young people, including conducting resilience research among children and young people.
Developing and professionalising staff working with children and young people.
Supporting families and local communities in building positive relationships and a sense of security.
Creating and disseminating innovative educational and prevention programmes.
Promoting a culture of complimenting, appreciating strengths and building agency.
Developing cross-sector cooperation for children, young people and their families.
The development of the ULICA Foundation and the Centre it established is supported by its Strategic partner Neo Energy Group.
More about NEG:

Neo Energy Group, as one of the leading developers and operators of renewable energy sources (RES), is continuously involved in sustainable development activities. The company also takes part in social initiatives that not only promote the well-being of children and young people but also build their psychological resilience – a protective shield and a key element of their health and prosperity. By supporting the ULICA Foundation and its Centre, NEG actively contributes to the development of ecopsychology and Dr Ben Furman's ideas. It also shows that responsible business and sustainable development mean investing not only in technology but also in people – especially the young generation. The innovation that is part of Neo Energy Group's DNA is also visible in the work of the Foundation and the concept it promotes, which uses modern tools to rebuild and strengthen the psychological resilience of the youngest. As a result, children's problems begin to be seen differently. They become processes of learning new skills that help overcome difficulties and initiate the process of desired change. Making these initiatives available to local communities is further proof that Neo Energy Group understands and takes very seriously its social role, which has the power to drive positive change. By supporting the ULICA Foundation, the company joins forces with those working for a better tomorrow, in which every child – regardless of where they live – has the chance to develop healthily in harmony with the world around them

E-mail

If you have any questions, please contact
the Foundation's Strategic Director
Natalia Soja

Photo report from the conference in the Polish Senate