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Long term support for 400 children from single-parent families across three Slovak cities

Single-parent families are one of the most vulnerable groups in Slovakia. Out of 1.4 million households, 357,000 are led by a single parent, caring for around 510,000 children. Nearly half of these families live at risk of poverty, affecting more than 270,000 children.

With poverty thresholds rising and services unevenly distributed across regions, too many children start life without the stable environment they need to learn, grow, and thrive.

Jeden rodič, founded in 2019, has become a lifeline for these families. Through social assistance, psychological counseling, and guidance, it has already helped 1,396 single parents regain stability, equipped 3,953 parents and children with essential skills, and delivered over 48,500 hours of professional counseling. 

Now, through a new partnership with The Human Safety Net, this impact is set to expand significantly.

Small Steps – Big Changes: A Programme Designed for Real Transformation

Beginning in September 2025, the “Small Steps – Big Changes” programme will provide systematic, long-term support for 300 single-parent families and 400 children across three Slovak cities: Liptovský Mikuláš, Levice, and Vranov nad Topľou—regions where unemployment is high and access to early childhood services is limited.

What the Program Delivers

At its core, the program ensures that children from birth to age six receive the early-intervention support that can change the entire trajectory of their lives. Over an eight-month tailored journey, each family works with a dedicated social worker focusing on key developmental areas:

  • Motor development
  • Language and communication
  • Social skills and interaction
  • Emotional well-being and regulation

Parents learn practical strategies to support their child’s development—setting healthy boundaries, resolving conflicts, managing stress, and finding a sustainable balance between work and family life.

Strengthening Families and Communities

Beyond individual care, every four months the program brings families together for playful, interactive community events. These gatherings help reduce isolation, build peer networks, and connect parents to local resources and support systems. They create the sense of belonging that single-parent families often lack.