About us

People who build things together

Since 2008, we've been bringing people closer together and making room for everyone in the community.

It all started with a wish for everyone to find their place.

Our story

The Werdnig Hoffman Association was founded in 2008 in Carei, out of a wish to help build a better life for people with disabilities and a community where everyone finds their place.

A man and a woman in magenta T-shirts, holding drawings

We know how much it can mean to get out of the house, meet people, discover a new place or take part in an activity where you feel welcome.

That's why we create occasions for people to meet, learn, support one another and gain confidence.

Our work brings together people with disabilities, caregivers, children, young people, volunteers and partners. We organize camps and trips, educational and cultural activities, nature outings and food drives for families in need. In Pietroasa, Bihor County, we have Căsuța Prieteniei (the Friendship House), a place meant for get-togethers, friendship and nature.

What drives us

Together, we're building a community that learns to look beyond appearances.

Five focus areas

For a more open community.

  • We create opportunities for people with disabilities, caregivers and volunteers to meet, relax and take part. We discover new places, share experiences and enjoy the time we spend together.

    Camp participants in white T-shirts with the association's flag
  • We learn through play, conversation and shared experiences. We run workshops and gatherings that build self-confidence, teamwork and an understanding of diversity.

    Participants sitting in a circle, writing and drawing
  • Through art, stories and cultural activities, we give people the chance to express themselves and discover what brings them together. Every contribution finds its place in what we create together.

    Dancers in folk costumes
  • With our partners and volunteers, we collect and distribute food and provide material support to people and families in vulnerable situations.

    Bags of food from the food drive
  • We bring people closer to nature through inclusive outings and environmental education activities. Together we discover biodiversity and learn to respect the environment.

    A group on a riverbank, surrounded by mountains

Our values

What guides us

  • Dignity

    Respect for every person, just as they are.

  • Accessibility

    A chance for everyone to take part.

  • Friendship

    Bonds that last beyond the activities.

  • Responsibility

    Care for people and for the community.

How to join

Three steps to your first activity.

  1. First step

    You write to us

    Tell us a little about yourself, when you'd like to come and your accessibility needs.

    O femeie râde, la o masă cu foi și carioci
  2. Then

    We talk

    We get in touch to better understand what you need and tell you about the activities.

    Trei femei stau de vorbă pe iarbă
  3. Together

    You join in

    You join us at camps, workshops or nature outings, as a participant, caregiver or volunteer.

    Grup mare, cu brațele ridicate

Things that matter start with simple get-togethers.

A few thoughts on what we do and why, from the association's projects.

A camp can be the start of a friendship. A workshop can build confidence. A day out in nature can open up new possibilities.

Werdnig Hoffman Association

Projects and activities

We want a place where everyone can take part, where people with disabilities, caregivers and volunteers can meet, get creative and enjoy nature.

Werdnig Hoffman Association

Căsuța Prieteniei, Pietroasa

Much of what we do is possible thanks to the people, organizations and companies who choose to stand with us.

Werdnig Hoffman Association

Our partners

At a glance

Some highlights

From our founding to today: the people, the work and a community that grows together.

  • Over150

    members

    from across the country

  • 186

    people each month

    supported by our food distribution programs

  • Over300

    students involved

    in our awareness campaigns

  • Over19,000 kg

    of food distributed

    in 2025

  • 5

    focus areas

    for a more inclusive community

A young man in a wheelchair on the accessible swing

Our mission

A community where everyone finds their place.

We support the inclusion and participation of people with disabilities and of people in vulnerable situations, through learning opportunities, practical support and shared experiences.

  • People with disabilities take part in community life

  • Families in vulnerable situations get practical support

  • We learn through play, conversation and shared experiences

  • Nature and culture are open to everyone

The team

The people behind our initiatives

Our team keeps the projects moving, together with the volunteers and partners who join us.

  • Robert Iosif Veres

    President

  • Eva Sanda Veres

    Vice president

  • Dorisz Maria Gherlea

    Founding member

Join us!

The team grows with every volunteer.

Stand with us

The story continues with you.