ABOUT US

We foster empowerment, social engagement, and community belonging through a comprehensive range of services including direct aid, educational programs, psychosocial support, lifelong learning and training, and intercultural events. As a non-political and non-religious organization, we advocate for inclusive and respectful integration, bridging service gaps, and empowering displaced individuals to actively participate in host societies, promoting cross-cultural understanding, and upholding the dignity and rights of all refugees.

About Us

Foundation Situation Center “Open Doors” was established in the very beginning of the war in Ukraine by Andrey Nikolov, a Ukrainian national living in Bulgaria, and a group of like-minded partners. Our goal is to advocate for, support, facilitate and encourage the settlement of people displaced by the war in Ukraine, who are seeking refuge in Bulgaria, in a way that promotes their independence, integration and active participation in Bulgarian society. We aim to be an inclusive agency that acts as a gateway to fair, respectful and welcoming communities, where all members can actively and equitably participate and contribute.

Since the first days of the war, we have been supporting the adaptation and social integration of displaced Ukrainians in Bulgaria through direct aid, training courses, education programs, psychological help, creative workshops, cultural events, and many other activities for both children and adults.

Our mission is to support the people displaced by the war in Ukraine, who are seeking refuge in the Republic of Bulgaria, find security and stability in the country in a way that promotes their independence, self-sufficiency, and active and dignified participation in Bulgarian society.

ANNUAL REPORTS

Our annual reports provide a comprehensive overview of our efforts to support refugees. Each report details our achievements, financial statements, and future goals. By reviewing these documents, you can see the impact of your support and our commitment to transparency and accountability.

Our Goals

The FSCOD has a non-governmental, non-political and non-religious character, and pursues the following objectives:

Developing a comprehensive, expert and multidisciplinary approach to the adaptation and integration of persons displaced by the war in Ukraine, who seek refuge in the Republic of Bulgaria, in all aspects of Bulgarian society, by providing access to programs and services that allow displaced persons to participate with equality, dignity and respect in all aspects of life in Bulgaria.

Building a comprehensive ecosystem for support of displaced persons, which includes: communication, adaptation, social activities, health care, education, vocational training, mental health care, financial services, security systems, and others, as needed.

Creating conditions for displaced persons seeking protection in Bulgaria to gain access to and participate in the Bulgarian economy, so that they can be recognized as valuable contributors to society.

Supporting the development of professional skills of displaced persons seeking protection in Bulgaria.

Providing support and expert assistance to the institutions for consideration, improvement and implementation of crisis social policies toward people, displaced by the war in Ukraine.

Combining the experience of international experts (researchers and practitioners) from different fields in independent research in the field of migration flows and security issues.

Creating a platform for exchanging ideas between qualified specialists, representatives of academic circles, and the public sector.

Preparing specific and interdisciplinary research and analysis, methodological guidelines, and recommendations for solving current issues in the field of migration and security.

Supporting, through expertise, the decision-making processes in the field of policy-making and planning for ensuring security and peace in countries and regions characterized by high migration.

Creating information sources in line with the professed mission and goals.

Raising the awareness of Bulgarian society about the plight of people, displaced by the war in Ukraine, and helping foster positive relationships between Bulgarian society and the community of displaced people by facilitating cross-cultural understanding, awareness and communication.

Supporting persons displaced by the war in Ukraine so that they have access to the same level of care and opportunities as any other person in Bulgaria.

Providing up-to-date, specific, correct and verified information and referral to programs and services in the community, aimed at meeting the needs of displaced people.

Strive to address service gaps in support networks by rapidly addressing unmet and emerging needs.

Upholding all the rights of Ukrainian refugees and their families, through access to appropriate government agencies, authorities and services, providing translation, information, accompanying visits, and advocacy where necessary.

Our Values

The Foundation is built on the values described below, which are upheld atall levels, in all actions and by all participants in the organization:

Compassion

We practice empathy and supportive communication and actions both within the organization and in our interaction with all beneficiaries and partners.

Support

Our grassroots services are designed to fill service gaps, with minimal overlapping with the activities of other organizations working in the same field.

Empowerment

We help our beneficiaries build their confidence and independence, by encouraging and supporting their self-determination and strengths.

Independence

We are not affiliated with any particular religious or political group or movement.

Flexibility

We take pride in our ability to adapt and improve our methods, in order to respond most adequately to changes in the situation, and continue to effectively address the needs of our beneficiaries.

Inclusion

We support all people affected by the war in Ukraine, regardless of nationality, age, race, religion, gender, health status, or sexuality.

Our TEAM