Novi Koraci (New Steps)

The first open Christian recovery centre in Požega

Organisation: EPC Novi život Požega

Small groupsChurch PlantEvangelismYouth ministryDiscipleshipHealthLeadership developmentFamily ministry Croatia

Target at this event€17,340

Budget€17,340

Date set to close2028-12-01

€1,4668 % of target €17,340

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Description

The "Novi Koraci" (New Steps) project is an initiative to establish the first open Christian center for personal recovery, mentorship, and discipleship development in the city of Požega. The project is submitted by the local church EPC Novi život Požega under the leadership of Pastor Petro and his wife Yana Syniuk. The center is planned as a safe, neutral space of acceptance and support, where everyone in crisis can find understanding, take a step towards freedom and faith, and experience God's love. The program is aimed at the residents of the city of Požega and the Požega-Slavonia County who find themselves at a life crossroads, with a particular focus on women and youth. The main goal of the project is to help people overcome life's difficulties and addictions, raise new spiritually mature Christian leaders, and integrate them into the active life of the community.

Problem

There is a complete absence of such open spaces and support programs in the city of Požega. At the same time, many people struggle with addictions and life crises. Although Požega is a traditionally religious environment, there is a clear lack of holistic care for people and a missing accessible "doorway" to reach those in need—many of whom, due to feelings of shame or fear of judgment, hesitate to come directly to church. Until now, existing programs have been conducted only occasionally in church premises, homes, or outdoors, which are not adapted or suitable for this specific type of regular work with people on the margins of society. Without establishing a dedicated permanent center, it is impossible to ensure the systematic development and quality expansion of these vital support programs.

Solution

The project's solution is to establish the city's first permanent, neutral, and accessible physical space through financial support. The center will offer a safe environment for personal recovery. The project will integrate spiritual and emotional care: it plans to provide individual Christian counseling, support groups for women (specifically the "Raširi krila" program), and an adapted "12 Steps" recovery program. For children and youth, the center will create a safe leisure space with informal activities (table tennis, games), Royal Rangers meetings, and a Movie Club with discussions on moral and Christian values. This will help engage people who would otherwise not enter a church, showing them God's love in a practical way, raising new leaders, and integrating participants into the local church community.

Activities

The implementation of the project is planned for 12 months (starting from October 2026):
Preparation (October 2026): Renting and equipping the premises with furniture, appliances, Movie Club technical equipment, a table tennis table, and printed materials.
Launch (November 2026): Promoting the programs in the local community, holding introductory info-meetings, and forming the first functional groups.
Regular Programs (December 2026 – June 2027): Weekly "12 Steps" groups, "Raširi krila" women's support groups, individual counseling, Royal Rangers meetings, and Movie Club twice a month.
Summer Format (July – August 2027): Tailored summer schedule focusing on intensive individual mentorship for new leaders and informal youth activities at the center.
Evaluation (September 2027): Analyzing results and spiritual impact, collecting participant testimonies, and preparing final financial and narrative reports.

Target population

People in life crises and addictions, women, youth, and families seeking support and spiritual care

Project leader

Petro Syniuk

Evanđeoska pentekostna crkva u Republici Hrvatskoj

Petro and Yana Syniuk are missionaries and leaders of the EPC "Novi život" church in Požega. Holding degrees in culture, ongoing theological studies, and counseling certificates, they are dedicated to helping people in crisis. They successfully lead support groups, the "Raširi krila" women's program, and youth camps. Their desire is to open a safe space in Požega where everyone can receive spiritual and practical support, experience God's love, and take new steps toward recovery and growth.

Goals

# of support and growth groups launched 3
Launch and maintain regular meetings for 12-Step recovery groups and "Raširi krila" women's support groups.
# of unique center visitors 100
Reach unique individuals in Požega through support groups, Movie Club, youth programs, and community counseling.
# of individual counseling sessions provided 30
Provide individual and family Christian counseling sessions for people navigating personal and emotional crises.
# of new volunteer leaders trained 2
train and equip new volunteer leaders to facilitate center activities and mentor participants.

Immediate results

Rented and equipped the first permanent, neutral space for the "Novi Koraci" center in Požega. Purchased furniture, multimedia equipment for the Movie Club (projector/TV, sound system), youth leisure items (table tennis table, games), and kitchen appliances. Printed program materials and manuals for the 12-Step groups and the "Raširi krila" women's ministry. Launched official promotion and community outreach. Initiated regular operations for one 12-Step group, two women's groups, twice-monthly Movie Club meetings, Royal Rangers activities, and individual and family Christian counseling sessions.

Short-term outcomes

Residents of Požega gain accessible support to overcome life crises, addictions, and emotional difficulties without fear of judgment or shame. Women in the "Raširi krila" group gain emotional strength and build a healthy personal identity. Youth have a safe space for leisure, socialization, and developing critical thinking based on Christian values through the Movie Club and Royal Rangers. Reduced social isolation among participants. Provided at least 20-30 individual counseling sessions for people in crisis. Recruited and trained 2 new volunteers to lead center activities.

Long-term impact

Establishment of a permanent support hub in Požega and Požega-Slavonia County, fostering mental and spiritual recovery. Systematic aid for marginalized individuals struggling with crises and addictions. Strengthening the local community by integrating new people into the active life of the local EPC "Novi život" church (integrating 3–5 people in the first year, with further growth). Training mature Christian leaders and volunteers capable of serving others. Building a positive image of the Christian community in the city through practical social contribution and collaboration with local organizations.

How results are measured

Evaluation of results will be based on specific indicators over 12 months:

Total reach: At least 100 unique center visitors.

Group work: Holding at least 30 group sessions (one 12-Step group, two women's groups).

Individual assistance: Delivering 20 to 30 Christian counseling sessions.

Youth engagement: Engaging at least 20 youth in Movie Club (twice a month), table tennis, and Royal Rangers.

Leadership and church integration: Training 2 new volunteer leaders; integrating 3–5 new individuals into the regular life of the local church.

Financial sustainability

EPK grant funds will cover 100% of first-year expenses (€17,340), securing space setup, long-term equipment purchases, and foundational operations.
After the first year, financial sustainability will be maintained through the following structure:

Local church budget EPC Novi život Požega (30%): Dedicated donations and internal budget allocations.

Local government grants (20%): Applying for City of Požega and County funding for civil society and religious initiatives.

Individual donors and partnerships (50%): Securing funds through systematic partnerships, individual donations, and crowdfunding within the broader evangelical community in Croatia and abroad.

Potential for growth

If successfully implemented in Požega, the project holds high potential for replication in other locations. The established open-center model—combining recovery groups, counseling, and youth outreach—will prove its practical effectiveness and serve as a reliable blueprint. Experience gained in the first year will allow us to define a clear working methodology and train new leaders and volunteers. This will build a strong foundation for launching similar initiatives in other locations with a high demand for practical pastoral and social support for people in crisis.