Supporting vulnerable youth through dedicated care and mobility in Woluwe-Saint-Lambert
In Brussels’ commune of Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, L’Ancre provides a critical lifeline for children and adolescents facing significant family difficulties. As a recognized residential service in the Aide à la Jeunesse system, L’Ancre welcomes young people between the ages of 3 and 18 who are temporarily removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or severe dysfunction. Its mission is to offer these children not just a safe place to stay, but the opportunity to rebuild trust, stability, and a positive outlook on life.
With capacity for up to 17 residents, L’Ancre is more than a shelter—it is a second home. Each child is welcomed into a structured yet warm environment where they can pursue education, receive psychological support, and engage in enriching activities. A multidisciplinary team of 11 professionals ensures 24/7 care, working closely with each young person to tailor support to their needs. Whether through individual therapy, school follow-up, or recreational activities, the aim is always reintegration into a healthy family or autonomous life. More information is available at lancre.be.
Supporting Mobility for Greater Impact
As part of its holistic care approach, L’Ancre supports frequent outings, medical appointments, supervised family visits, and school transitions. For this, reliable transportation is essential. However, their previous vehicle was aging and no longer fit for purpose.
United Fund for Belgium stepped in to help. Thanks to its financial support, L’Ancre was able to purchase a new, safe and functional vehicle. This means residents can now attend extracurriculars, reconnect with their families, and access necessary external services with ease. The vehicle also allows staff to be more responsive, flexible, and available, reinforcing the strong bonds of trust that are foundational to the centre’s work.
“Having a car makes it easier to deal with emergencies, facilitates group travel, and improves comfort for young people. Choosing a 7-seater car also allows for discretion and minimizes stigma when traveling to schools. How others view young people is also important for their social inclusion.”
Vinciane Gorez, Director
Help Us Drive Change for Vulnerable Youth
The young people at L’Ancre have faced more hardship in a few years than many face in a lifetime. But with the right support, their stories can change. By donating to United Fund for Belgium, you’re helping fund real, life-changing tools—like vehicles—that empower dedicated organisations to do their best work. Your gift helps ensure no young person is left behind.