Emmaus Center of Spiritual Support for Persons with Special Needs

The Emmaus Center of Spiritual Support for Persons with Special Needs was established at the Ukrainian Catholic University in 2001.

The center’s mission is:

• to spread the Christian vision of the gifts and special vocations of persons with developmental disabilities throughout Ukrainian society
• to provide spiritual support for them and their families
• to foster the spirit of community and the gift of friendship with persons with special needs and to witness to the dignity and value of each human being

The center organizes the work of volunteers who spend time with the developmentally disabled and their values. It also helps coordinate sheltered workshops, where persons with special needs find value in their lives and companionship.

The Emmaus Center organized the trip to Ukraine of Jean Vanier, leader of the international L’Arche movement, in 2007.