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2021-03-31-accounts

Padest, High Street, Sennybridge, Brecon, Powys, LD3 8PG Tel: 01874-636575. Mobile: 07910939716 Website: www.reachingromania.com Charity Registration Number: 1081605

ANNUAL REPORT – YEAR ENDING 31[ST] MARCH, 2021

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND:

We welcome you all to the Annual Report of “Reaching Romania” for the above year end. We have prepared a detailed report on the Charity’s activities and performance for the period in question.

For those present for the first time - we are a Christian Charity overseen by a Board of Trustees who serve on a voluntary basis and outside the pandemic period make self-funded trips to Romania to meet with leaders to monitor and assess the needs of our projects. For the past 22 years we have through the love of Jesus provided physical, emotional and financial support, but most of all, spiritual hope to those in need. Our work covers meeting the basic needs of elderly people with limited pensions to supporting minors in Children's Homes, homeless people, a Christian Centre & Music School, an Educational Project plus individuals and families with specific needs.

Despite the end of Communism 32 years ago, there is still much poverty in Romania, especially in rural areas. The country has the lowest health budget in Europe and many earn below the minimum wage. Property prices and rents together with, heating, food and fuel costs are high in comparison to wages resulting in much hardship. Unfortunately there is still much oppression, corruption and red-tape throughout the country. The desperate needs of the people continue to touch our hearts leading us to respond in a practical and spiritual way. Thank you for being part of God’s family who cares.

Even though, due to the pandemic we were unable to visit Romania during the year we remained in constant touch with our Project Leaders who provided regular updates. We are grateful to the Luca family, Petre Bala and Ramona Vladut, the leader of the Widows Mite Project for ensuring that food parcels and all the Christmas gifts were distributed.

It has been a challenging year for many charities financially but God has blessed us with an increase of over £7.000 in our income mainly as a result of generous donations from unexpected sources. This has enabled us to provide additional support to our projects whilst retaining a contingency fund should our income decrease in the next financial year or emergency funding is required for any of the Ministries/Projects.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT:

The Charity is governed in accordance with its Constitution and complies with the legal requirements set out by the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Trustees during the year were:

Christine Woods – Chairperson Mihai Csaki

Irene Phillips – Secretary Emanuela Calinescu - Treasurer

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We have a duty by law to include with this report details of our policy on recruitment of Trustees which is attached as an Appendix.

OBJECTIVES:

As per our Constitution, the Charity’s objectives are: to relieve poverty and distress, to advance religion and education.

ACTIVITIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS:

As Trustees we ensure that our activities fall in line with our objectives. We are prayerful and use wisdom and discernment in all our decision making. This report focuses on the main activities undertaken by the Charity in line with guidance from the Charity Commission for England and Wales on public benefit .

With God’s provision we continue to make a difference to the lives of the sick, the disabled, the vulnerable and many poor disadvantaged people with exceptional circumstances. We demonstrate God’s unconditional love in all that do aiming to provide spiritual hope for a better future.

In addition to the £21,000 funding spent on our projects, over 550 shoe box gifts and other essential items were transported to Romania for distribution to those in need. We continue to provide food parcels and appropriate help to poor individuals and families in a variety of ways, e.g. medical expenses, sanitary items, safety equipment, mobility and hearing aids, reading glasses, essential building maintenance, appliances, funeral expenses and clothing. We aim to improve the quality of life of those in need. Our regular contact with the teams in Romania ensure that we continue to fulfill our aims and objectives.

PROJECT UPDATES:

Widows Mite Project:

32 women and 3 men on low pensions were supported during the year in the States of Arad and Timisoara. There have been changes to this Ministry in that several younger widows in desperate need have been added. We are blessed to have leader, Ramona with such a heart for these precious people – she assesses their needs and provides whatever help is required as well as giving spiritual support. They all receive monthly food parcels and a supply of winter wood or a heating allowance. Dependent on the need some receive help with prescription and essential building maintenance costs, sanitary and other essential items like zimmer frames hearing aids, second hand washing machines etc. Members of Harvest Church in Arad also help with second hand clothes . This Ministry which produces much fruit is expensive to run and we would value your prayers for more financial provision.

San Nicolau Mic “Jesus Generation” Bible Centre and Music School:

The Ministry continued to meet on Zoom due to pandemic restrictions and lack of a suitable building. Leaders, Marius and Elena hold Saturday meetings which Irene has the pleasure of linking into. They have also been running weekly courses on “Marriage” and “Relationships” as well as arranging counselling sessions on Zoom. The couple have been busy throughout the year writing worship songs and producing a variety of Christian and Music Programs/Videos on You Tube – Google: “Jesus Generation Arad” to see the extent of their programs . Please pray for a suitable alternative building to be found post lockdown.

Children’s Homes:

We currently have 7 monthly sponsors for the “Osana” Girls Home in Timisoara and the “Caleb” Boys Home on a small farm in Ianova run by the Mana Association. These Homes provide a safe and caring environment for 6 girls and 7 boys from difficult and traumatised backgrounds. The children are brought

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up in the Christian faith and are taught life skills. 100% of sponsorship goes towards their education, health care, food & clothing and update reports are supplied.

The “Osana” Girls House in Timisoara:

The last year had its own challenges with online learning complicated by the fact that the girls all attend different schools with differing teaching platforms. The house environment had to be adjusted so each girl could have enough privacy and internet access. They returned to school in October but at the beginning of November coronavirus entered the home but thankfully with no serious complications. Even though it was challenging to have school online, Pastor Remus and Andrea, the house parents were blessed to spend more value time with the girls. Unfortunately Remus and Andrea feel that the Lord is leading them to pastures new in September. They have done an incredible job over 12 years and we thank God for their servant hearts. They have had such a positive input into the lives of many girls who are so thankful. We pray that God will call the right couple to replace them as house parents.

During the summer of 2020 the girls spent 2 weeks in a Christian camp in the mountains where they made new friends and helped in any way they could. The manager was so impressed that he invited them back as volunteers for the future. It is so encouraging to see them all making huge steps into becoming responsible young people who walk with the Lord.

A highlight of the year was the marriage of Guila. We had known and supported Guila and her older sister, Rebecca since they were very young. Unfortunately, their mother developed severe mental health problems and has been an inpatient at a Psychiatric Hospital for many years. The girls suffered much trauma before being placed in “Osana” over 10 years ago and they maintain contact with their mother. We rejoice that God has blessed both girls with wonderful Christian husbands who adore them. We give Him all the thanks and glory.

The “Caleb” Boys House in Ianova, Timisoara:

Even though the virus partially turned their world upside down from Spring 2020 the children were not severely restricted in their activities. The school's performance requirements declined slightly due to online teaching. However the boys had enough tutoring to develop them into better students.

The farm and the animals offer many opportunities for practical work and playing together. Several new employees have been taken on. Timotei is a trained veterinarian who has moved into the village. He has developed a close relationship with the children. The animals are well and are being professionally cared for by him. During the year, in addition to the 5 existing boys, 3 others from Ianova village came into the Home in response to requests for help from the grandparents who cared for them.

Highlights of the year were excursions into some of the most beautiful areas of Romania and birthday parties for the 8 boys plus the staff and their own children. It is so encouraging to see these boys grow in their faith.

In December the Bormann family, who were house parents for two years, returned indefinitely to Germany for family reasons. In their place came the Wall family, who had been serving practically and occasionally caring for the boys for more than two years. So the changeover was not abrupt and there was a long acclimatization period for most of the boys .

The “Tabita” Children’s Home in Arad:

Irene, Wayne, Adina and Mike have a long established association with this Christian Home run by the “Debra” Foundation which currently accommodates 12 children, many of whom are siblings. This is a

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professionally run Home with a caring team who truly love the children. As well as the mamas they employ a social worker to help with past trauma and a teacher to help with homework and any on-line learning. During the year we supplied funds to help with educational equipment and treats as they were limited on outings due to the pandemic. Games and crafts were also sent over from Wales.

Please pray for all staff and children of the 3 Homes.

Vinga Children’s Program:

Unfortunately this program remains suspended due to lack of a leader. Please pray for the right person to be “called” to lead this ministry when the pandemic restrictions are lifted. We maintain links with the families in this very poor community and were grateful to Ramona, the leader of the Widows Mite Project who kindly distributed their Christmas boxes.

Homeless Project:

Due to the pandemic the Homeless Shelter was closed during the winter.

Support of disabled people in Arad:

Iasmina : Aged 13 has spina bifida and other medical problems. She receives sponsorship via the charity for her medical expenses. She is doing well at a School for the disabled. She now uses a walking stick and is only reliant on her wheelchair for longer distances. Three years ago her mother remarried her father but he left them after just one year. Mum, Andrea suffers with Lupus and depression. They continue to live with the grandmother.

Abel Cristian: Now aged 4 and physically and mentally disabled is also sponsored via the Charity. He was born into a poor family and his parents planned to abort him. His aunt and uncle successfully applied to become his legal guardians with a view to adopting him. We give thanks for God’s hand over his life and that he has been placed in a loving Christian home. Due to his disabilities his behaviour is sometimes challenging. Sponsorship funds have helped towards his medical needs and equipment. During the year he was hospitalized several times with urinary tract infections and epilepsy.

Nicu : aged 23 is registered blind and lives in a small apartment with his 4 year old daughter Delia. His partner left the family 3 years ago and he receives limited support in caring for his daughter - both his brother, sister and 2 nephews are also blind. We periodically help with food, clothes and any extraordinary expenses they incur. We are thankful that the family are also receiving some support from a Baptist Church in Arad.

Dorothea: aged 23 is physically and mentally disabled. Her parents care full-time for her and it is a huge responsibility. She loves music and dancing. We provide funding for sanitary items, clothing etc. plus suitable toys at Christmas

Mioara: in her 40’s has learning disabilities and mental health problems. She works part time cleaning the communal area of the apartment block in which she lives in accommodation inherited from her late parents. She has little furniture and is unable to safely cook for herself. Our friends, Dani and Lavi Luca check on her regularly when delivering food. We also provided funding for clothes.

Other families being supported:

Ileana & Gheorge: This couple in their 60’s still live in a shack in a field close to a motorway. They have no water and one light run by a car battery. Ileana continues to walk a long distance in all weathers to catch a bus to her cleaning job in the city. They are very poor and through the Luca family we provide food parcels. Like Mioara at Christmas we ensured they got a box of household items and nice gifts.

Gabi: In January 2020 Gabi and his wife Angi (one of the Jesus Generation team) were victims in a serious car accident caused by an intoxicated driver. Sadly Angi died at the scene and Gabi was injured which has prevented him working since. Their 2 children, Manu, aged 14 and Rahela 11 were not in the car and are

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devastated by the loss of their mother. Through the help of supporters we were able to come alongside them to help financially with funeral costs, food parcels and educational materials. Marius & Elena, leaders of Jesus Generation have also been extremely supportive to the family with counselling and spiritual help.

Please pray for these disabled and vulnerable people.

Food parcels :

In addition to the individuals and families mentioned above we bought Easter and Christmas food parcels for a further 12 families in need.

Asociata “Copilul din Mine”

During the year we supplied over £1,700 to help with this Educational Project providing new school bags filled with stationery, shoes and winter coats for children from poor families. The leader, Mihaela works closely with 3 schools in the area. During the year she also provided “Tabita” Children’s Home with a laptop to help with on-line lessons.

Shoe Box Distribution:

We are so grateful to everyone who supported our Christmas Appeal in any way. Again this year, due to the pandemic we had to rely on the good will of our Romanian team leaders and friends to distribute the children’s shoe boxes and gifts to the elderly, the vulnerable and the homeless on our behalf. They brought much joy into the hearts of all who received them as they celebrated the birth of our Lord and Saviour.

FUNDING:

Sadly the pandemic limited fund raising events but we did manage some virtual sponsored walks plus we were blessed with 2 runners who undertook virtual half marathons for us. Our income also included monthly sponsors and “one-off” donations including a tithe from a sale of a property, donations in memory of a friend and support from 4 churches. Despite these challenging times we continue to trust in God for His provision to maintain our current support of the Projects and any future needs that He may plant in our path.

FINANCIAL REPORT:

A separate Statement of Accounts has been prepared.

COMMUNICATION:

We continue to produce our Easter and Christmas Newsletters as well as providing regular updates in the Brecon Presbyterian Church Newshare and the Hirwaun Crucible. Irene provided journal and event updates on the website and we continue to pray that we will soon have a new website. Due to the pandemic our Hirwaun Friday craft mornings remained suspended but Irene worked from home covering and filling shoe boxes. During the pandemic we have maintained regular contact with our Ministry/Project leaders in Romania through Email and video calls via WhatsApp. We have provided update reports for our regular sponsors of the Widows Mite Project and the Children’s Homes.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND THANKS :

Thank you to everyone who supported us during the year with prayers, practical and financial help & also to the Romanian teams for their commitment during this challenging year. The support enabled us to reach out with the heart of Jesus to so many in dire need. May you be blessed in faithfully walking with us.

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APPENDIX:

RECRUITMENT AND APPOINTMENT OF TRUSTEES POLICY

Introduction:

As Trustees we have an ultimate responsibility for directing the affairs of the Charity and ensuring that it is solvent, well-run and delivers the charitable outcomes for the benefit of the public for which it has been set up. We recruit new Trustees to ensure that our board has the range of skills and experience necessary to comply with our collective responsibility.

What our Constitution says about Appointment of Trustees:

Although some of the following clauses are not relevant to our Charity, we have also taken into account the Small Charities Coalition’s Governing Document which states:

Recruitment/Appointment Panel:

A minimum of 2 Trustees will be involved in the recruitment process. Each may be assigned roles and tasks.

Skills/Need Analysis:

We will use the recruitment of a new trustee to review the needs of the charity and the skills and experience of the existing board. However we will also take into account that, as we are a Christian charity then any new Trustee must share our faith and ideally have a knowledge of the culture and needs of the people of Romania.

Before any appointment, we will conduct a skills/needs audit of our charity and trustees to reflect on the skills and experience we have, what we are missing and ultimately, what we would like to recruit.

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Even though we are a small charity we will consider the following guidelines:

The audit may show we do not need to recruit because either the skills/experience already exist within the board or we have Trustees that would like to develop their own skills/experience to meet the gaps identified by the skills/needs analysis.

Role Description:

An up to date role description and application form will be written at the time of any vacancy using the following guidelines:

Advertising:

In order to recruit suitable Christian applicants we will advertise in Churches and Christian circles. Decisions on where we advertise will be made at the time of any vacancy and will be recorded.

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Interview:

A minimum of 2 Trustees will conduct the interview. Shortlisting will be done if necessary. Questions will be prepared but the interview will be informal. Records will be kept.

Selection:

New Trustees will be invited to observe a Trustee meeting and be given copies of our relevant Policies and Working Practices.

Appointment:

Induction:

We will welcome any new Trustees and they will be given an Induction Pack including:

They will be introduced to the other Trustees and invited to accompany them on a visit to the Projects in Romania.

Retention:

We will review the board on a regular basis. As well as identifying skill gaps it is an opportunity for existing unmotivated trustees to try new areas or have a different role to focus on. We will consider Trustee away days for group training or team building.

Reviewed December 2021

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Statement of Accounts – 1[st] April, 2020- 31[st] March 2021

Registered Charity Number: 1081605

Summaryfor Year ending31/03/21 Summaryfor Year ending31/03/21 Summaryfor Year ending31/03/21 Summaryfor Year ending31/03/21 Summaryfor Year ending31/03/20 Summaryfor Year ending31/03/20 Summaryfor Year ending31/03/20 Summaryfor Year ending31/03/20
Funding Categories Income Expenditure Balances Income Expenditure Balances
Income Y/E
31/03/21		 Opening
Balance
£6,354.75		 Y/E
31/03/20		 Opening
Balance
£4,084.74
General Donations 14,394.17 1,886.68
Ramoth CC –
Wayne’s caretaker
wages		 1,680.00 1,680.00
CharityBoxes 72.75 144.72
Sponsored Events 3,975.56 3,899.26
Designated for
Jesus Generation		 660.00 2,661.92
Designated for
Child Sponsorship
& Chld’s Homes		 2.986.30 1,860.00
Designated for
Adult Sponsorship		 300.00 Nil
Designated for
Shoe box
transportation		 1.464.00 1,179.00
Designated for
Shoe box content		 270.00 475.97
Designated for
Widows Mite
Project		 1,909.00 4,144.00
Coffee Mornings Nil 1,604.76
HMRC Gift Aid
refund		 1,478.86 2,511.68
Total Income £29,190.64 Plus Income £22,047.99 Plus Income
Expenditure Y/E
31/03/21		 Y/E
31/03/20
Jesus Generation
Bible Centre &
Music School		 3,000.00 3,294.64
General Fund 1,970.00 1,191.50
Child Sponsorship
& Chld’s. Homes		 5,300.61 2,557.12
Adult Sponsorship 1,200.00
Widows Mite
Project		 7500.00 6,264.85
Vinga Children’s
Programme		 Nil 991.89
Educ.Project:
(bags,shoes &
coats)		 1,780.00 1,700.00
Newsletters,
stamps, stationery,
web registration
etc		 406.58 419.07
Insurance, Audit &
Bank Charges		 423.00 464.00
Shoe Box Content 312.69 1,394.91
Transportation
Costs to Romania		 1,500.00 1,500.00
Total Expenditure Y/E
31/03/21		 £23,392.88 Less
Expenditure		 Y/E
31/03/20		 £19,777.98 Less
Expenditure
Closing
Balance
£12,152.51		 Closing
Balance
£6,354.75

CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examinerfs report on the accounts Section A Indepeiident Examlner's Report Report to thé truste8 rnember5 of On accounts for the yoar •ndod ¢AoI/ Charlty no (If any) 105/6 05 S•t out on pagws I report to the trustsès M my examinatffi of the ac￿untS of the 8bove charlty ('the Trust.) for th8 year ended ResponslblHttés and basls of report As the charitys trustees, you are r8sponslble for th8 preparation of th accounts in accordance with the requirem8nts of the Chanties Act 2011 (Ihe Act'l. I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's aco)unts carried OLrt under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I h8ve followed all the applicab18 Directions gwen by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. Independent rrhe ch8rlVs grcth Income exceeded £250.000 and l am quallfied to examlnerfs statement undertake the examination by being a qualtfied member of linsert name of aprAi¢8ble listed body]J. De16te l J if not applicable. I have compbeted my examination. come to my attention in connectron ci)nfwm that no material matters have ith the ex8min8tion (other than that disdosed beiow ') whith gives me cause to believe that in. any material respect: tha a¢¢ounting records wer8 not kept In 8ccordanc8 wlth sectlon 130 of the Charities Act., or the accounts did not accord wth the accounting records; or the aGcounts did not ¢x)mply with the 8ppllcabl8 requirements oncemirKJ th6 fom and contenl of accounts set (wjt in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fairf view which Is not a matter considered as part of an independent examlnatK)n. I have no con￿M$ and have come across no other matters in connection wilh the examination to bthich attentlon should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts lo be reached. . Pleasa delete the words in the br8ckets rfthey do not appty. Slgned". Namo: Relevant professional qualifl¢ation(s) or body IER Oct 2018

(if any): Address: /£4*14/4J Section B Disclosure Onty complete ff the examiner needs to highlighl material matters of concern (see CC32. Independent examination of charity a¢counts. directions and guidance for examiners). Glve here brief detalls of any ttems that the &xamlnorwishes to di$¢loso. IER Oct 2018