Društvo Barka

Founded in 1997, Društvo Barka is a non-profit association based in Medvode, Slovenia working on disability, health, arts & culture.

Društvo Barka, also known as Skupnost Barka, is a Slovenian non-profit humanitarian association founded in 1997 and part of the international L'Arche federation. It provides home and work environments for adults with intellectual disabilities, who live together with volunteers and assistants in two residential units in Zbilje near Medvode. Users take part in daily care centre activities, including woodwork, weaving, sewing, drawing, painting, gardening, cooking, dance and holidays. The organisation also runs art therapy, horse-assisted therapy and healthy-eating projects, and hosts domestic and international volunteers. Its activities are funded partly by the Slovenian Ministry of Health, EU rural development funds, donations and sales of handmade products. Its stated mission is to show the gifts of people with intellectual disabilities and to work towards a more humane society.