The Karin Dom Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 1994 by hereditary diplomat and philanthropist Ivan Stancioff. The foundation is named after his cousin Karin, who was born with cerebral palsy—a remarkable individual and an inspiring example of resilience, love, and compassion.
Karin Dom began its operations in 1996 with the vision of creating a center modeled after the English approach. Its goal is to provide families with children with disabilities access to modern and effective therapeutic services, thereby preventing the institutionalization of these children.
Through his charismatic personality and strong personal commitment to serving society, Mr. Stancioff successfully attracted donors and supporters to advance the foundation’s mission.
Karin Dom works to support the full development and growth of children with special needs within their families, ensuring their successful inclusion in society and fostering greater tolerance.
Karin Dom is a modern, functional center offering a comprehensive range of social, health, and educational services for children with special needs and their families. It serves as a model for both Bulgaria and abroad.
Over 28 years since its establishment, Karin Dom has become a leading innovative complex for social services, annually working with over 450 children with special needs (aged 0 to 8) and their families. The foundation also shares its expertise with more than 1,000 teachers, specialists, and students while actively contributing to child-related policies. Its efforts are highly recognised by local, national, and international institutions.
The most significant achievement of Karin Dom lies in the transformative impact it has on each child and their family – enhancing independence and quality of life. The foundation provides early childhood development support starting from maternity wards, through adaptation in nurseries, kindergartens, and schools. Additionally, Karin Dom plays a vital role in fostering societal tolerance and volunteerism while advocating for inclusive attitudes toward people with disabilities.
Karin Dom actively drives change in attitudes toward people with disabilities, fostering tolerance and volunteerism. We are deeply grateful to our business friends and partners who recognise the importance of sustaining services for children and championing the cause of tolerance and acceptance of diversity. As one of our partners aptly said: “Be like windows that bring light into our lives – simple yet transformative!”
Karin Dom is funded through donations, project implementation, State-delegated activities, and Municipal-delegated activities.
2024: Winner in the “Big Little” competition by “24 Hours” media group for advancing social entrepreneurship.
2024: First place in the “Speech Therapist in NGO” category at Logopedia.bg’s annual awards (2023) and second place (2024) for Karin Dom’s speech therapy team.
2023: Third place in the “Agent of Change” category for team contributions.
2023: Awards for three children at the Sofia Cup adapted swimming tournament.
2022: National “Building of the Year” Award for Karin Dom’s new center.
2021: Special prize in the “Project of the Year” competition by the Lale Foundation.
2020: Second place in the MTSP (Ministry of Labour and Social Policy) National Award for Social Innovation in support of social economy.
2020: European Economic and Social Committee’s Civil Solidarity Prize.
2019: Nomination at the European Social Service Awards.
2018: “I Guarantee a Happy Childhood” distinction in the “Innovations” category by the State Agency for Child Protection.
2017: “Rescuers of Childhood” recognition by the National Foster Care Association.
2016: Third prize at Eventex Awards for the “Smile with Karin Dom” festival in the “Best Fundraising Event” category.
Antoaneta Ivanova is the new Executive Director of Karin Dom – a person with experience in the field of social services and child policies, an active advocate for children’s rights and healthcare in Bulgaria.
The social enterprise of Karin Dom received an award in the “Big Little” competition organized by the “24 Hours” media group, competing against 108 social enterprises from across the country.
The “Ivan Stancioff Annual Awards” event at Karin Dom created a unique atmosphere, filled with memories of a true visionary and the stories of numerous benefactors and volunteers!
The Training Centre of Karin Dom successfully conducted its pilot Internship Academy with 14 trainees from diverse disciplines, including speech therapy, psychology, special education, social work, and medicine, over a three-month period.
We successfully launched adapted swimming and aquatic therapy for children with special needs. We included 140 children and are delighted that three of them had a dignified and exciting performance at an adapted swimming tournament in Sofia, winning medals.
We have created a Children’s Fund to ensure that more children and families can access quality therapeutic services.
Join the Karin Dom Children’s Fund too, because childhood cannot wait!
We presented awards in memory of Ivan Stancioff. Awards for responsible business and partnership in the name of children were given to three companies: Cargill Bulgaria, Fantastic Services Bulgaria, and CluneTech. For contributions to child policies and inclusive education, Kindergarten №38 “Margaritka” – Varna Municipality was recognized. For personal contributions to child policies and inclusive education, the award went to Galya Koycheva – a parent of one of the children who have been part of Karin Dom since its beginning.
Special Award for Longstanding Contributions to Children’s Well-being
Zhechka Ivanova received a special award for her personal contributions and long-term work dedicated to the well-being of children. Zhechka, as she is affectionately known, has been committed to Karin Dom’s cause since its inception and has been a source of inspiration and learning for the entire team.
Karin Dom has joined in supporting children and families from Ukraine by initiating activities aimed at overcoming the trauma of war. We conducted training sessions for parents regarding traumatic stress and its impact on child development, prepared educational and engaging materials for children, and provided therapeutic services for children with special needs from Ukraine.
On 19 September 2022, we officially opened the new Karin Dom. Thanks to partners, donors, builders, and a donated plot from Varna Municipality, we managed to build and relocate our entire activity to a new building that meets the needs of children and families. The building features modern architecture, plenty of light, open spaces, and an eco-friendly interior. The project is tailored to Karin Dom’s requirements, with facilities including rehabilitation halls, a pool and baby bath for hydrotherapy, a Montessori centre, children’s demonstration kitchen, diagnostic rooms, sensory room, medical centre, training facilities, and an inner courtyard with children’s playgrounds. By constructing this new specialized centre, we continued the legacy of Karin Dom’s founder, the Bulgarian diplomat and philanthropist Ivan Stancioff.
On 24 November 2021, we lost a great Bulgarian, a man with a big heart and strong faith in Goodness! Ivan Stancioff (Johnny) – a philanthropist, traveller, dreamer, and eternal optimist, for whom nothing was impossible – left us.
He dedicated himself to the cause of children with special needs and inspired many followers along the way to dream together with him of a brighter and kinder world for children. Love and kindness that are contagious, a person who gives himself and will forever remain living in our hearts and the hearts of the people whose lives he changed forever.
His work and love for children will remain and endure through time via Karin Dom and the vast community of followers and ambassadors of kindness that he left behind!
We launched several new activities with the support of the Kahané Foundation: “Karin Dom on Wheels” – a mobile service for children and families in small settlements in the Varna region, as well as “Baby Box” – a gift box for newborns in the maternity wards of Varna, which we prepared with the essentials for the first months, along with guidelines for early child development and the opportunity for consultation with our team.
Karin Dom received the “I Guarantee a Happy Childhood” distinction from Bulgaria’s State Agency for Child Protection for its contributions to advancing early childhood intervention as a service and family-mediated support model.
We received a special award from the Lale Foundation on the occasion of our 25th anniversary. It is for all the projects we have implemented over these years, for the thousands of children and parents from across the country whom we have supported.
Karin Dom recently organized an international online conference titled “Effective Approaches to Supporting Early Childhood Development and Cross-Sector Collaboration”, featuring leading experts from the U.S., Bulgaria, Turkey, Greece, and Georgia.
Karin Dom was awarded the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) Civil Solidarity Prize as one of 23 laureates selected from 250 applications across the EU and the UK. The recognition highlights the foundation’s innovative response to challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 crisis, particularly through initiatives demonstrating solidarity, creativity, and effective support for vulnerable children and families.
International Architectural Competition for the New Karin Dom Building (19 November 2019)
On 19 November 2019, the Karin Dom Foundation and Varna Municipality officially launched an international architectural competition to design a new facility for the centre. The initiative sparked a global response, with 174 entries from 48 countries across 5 continents, making it one of the largest architectural competitions in Bulgaria’s history.
The competition was won by UNAS Studio – Bilyana Asenova (Bulgaria) and Sasha Chabati (Italy). The Berlin-based team unanimously impressed the jury and captured the hearts of Karin Dom’s staff with their compact interior design, precise architectural solutions, and maximised preservation of green spaces.
On 1 November 2018, Karin Dom launched an online shop to support children’s therapy. Named the Family Shop “Ambassadors of Good”, the initiative reflects the organisation’s belief in collective kindness and the power of community to transform the lives of children and families.
Ivan Stancioff was awarded the “Heart of Bulgaria” distinction for his exceptional philanthropic efforts and his significant contribution to founding Karin Dom.
Karin Dom received the “Saviour of Childhood” award from Bulgaria’s National Association for Foster Care in recognition of its dedicated support and care for children with disabilities in foster families. The organisation was honoured for addressing both the physical and emotional challenges faced by these children, who often endure profound psychological distress alongside their disabilities.
In April 2017, Karin Dom and SG Expressbank were awarded first place for the “Support the Family” project in the annual Tulip Foundation “Project of the Year” competition. From 2011 to the end of 2016, the joint initiative supported over 157 children with special needs and their families across 30+ settlements nationwide.
As Karin Dom marked its 20th anniversary, it reflected on its remarkable achievements: supporting 1,876 children and their families, training 4,457 specialists and parents, and collaborating with over 300 external organisations across Bulgaria. The organisation successfully integrated more than 300 children into mainstream kindergartens and schools, and was supported by over 500 volunteers from Bulgaria and abroad.
The family charity festival “Smile, Karin Dom” was once again held in the garden of Karin Dom in Varna. This event, which has become a tradition, brings together the community in support of Karin Dom’s mission to help children with special needs.
Karin Dom’s international conference, “Modelling New Services for Children with Disabilities in Bulgaria,” brought together over 500 specialists working with children with special needs in Varna. Guest lecturers included partners from the English school Spring Common Academy, thanks to whom some of the innovative therapies applied there were borrowed and adapted at Karin Dom.
The Bulgarian school at the Embassy of Bulgaria in London will now be named after Ambassador Ivan Stancioff. Mr. Stancioff’s merit is that, as ambassador to Great Britain in 1991, he decided to revive the school with his own funds, and for some time it was entirely at his expense. At that time, it was the largest abroad, with 240 children aged 4 to 18 attending.
Karin Dom’s training team has been invited to train and support teachers in kindergartens across the country as part of UNICEF’s “Together from Kindergarten” initiative.
Specialists from Karin Dom and their colleagues from all over the country completed a course on therapy for children with cerebral palsy based on the Bobath concept. Gillian Stern from Great Britain, President of the European Bobath Tutors Association, conducted the training with a series of lectures, demonstrations and practical sessions.
Karin Dom launched introductory and advanced training for Early Intervention Centres in the country, which the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy created under the “Social Inclusion” project. The centres were built in 46 municipalities to support the development of children from 0 to 3 years of age who have delays, disabilities or are at risk of such.
Another participation of Karin Dom in the Balkan Sports Games in Edirne for children with special needs. Bozhko brought us 2 gold medals. Hooray 🙂
The joint project of Karin Dom and SG Expressbank “Support a Family” was awarded 1st place in the category for best partnership between business and NGO at the tenth annual “Together” awards of the “Workshop for Civic Initiatives” foundation.
Since September, children with special needs have been undergoing music therapy with a professional music therapist.
We also created Communication Groups for children with multiple disabilities.
We held the Second International Conference on Autism Issues with international participation. Guest lecturers were: Dr. Bistra Vlasakova, Boston Children’s Hospital, USA; Diane Maxson from Boston University, Amanda Botut from the University of Texas at Austin, and Richard Gammon from the English special school Spring Common Academy.
Varna Municipality ensured the sustainability of early intervention services with the opening of the first municipal delegated activity in Bulgaria – the Early Intervention Centre. Karin Dom will provide these social services to 40 children with special needs and their families. Until now, Karin Dom financed these services through projects.
Karin Dom organised an International Conference on Autism Issues with the participation of foreign lecturers who shared experience and knowledge on therapeutic methods and new trends for working with children on the autism spectrum. Guest lecturers from the USA: Dr. Ramzi Nazir and Dr. Bistra Vlasakova, Boston Children’s Hospital; Jason Travers from the University of Massachusetts Amherst; Diane L. Maxson from Boston University.
Karin Dom introduced a new therapeutic method for Bulgaria – trampoline therapy. Trampoline therapy is being introduced for children with various special needs. Trampoline therapy provides a variety of movement opportunities, therapeutic exercises and meets a wide range of specific needs.
In partnership with the Foundation for Children at Risk around the world, a Toy Library was opened. It provided activities for 75 children and their families during the year.
With the help of donors, premises for a Parent Club were renovated – a cosy meeting place where parents can share and exchange ideas and advice.
Karin Dom introduces a new effective methodology in its work – ABA therapy (applied behavioral analysis) for children with autism spectrum disorders.
Gymnastics Groups are formed.
Karin Dom receives the “Project of the Year 2011” award from the Lale Foundation for the project “Early Intervention to Prevent the Abandonment of Children with Disabilities”.
The Montessori Club opens its doors, offering full-day visits for all children aged 2 to 5 years.
Communication groups for children with speech problems have been established.
With project funding, an Early Intervention programme is launched to support families with children with disabilities or at risk of developing such, with the aim of preventing their abandonment in institutions.
Early intervention allows children with delays or disabilities to become full and active members of our society and often prevents institutionalisation. Learn more about the benefits of early intervention in the video.
Karin Dom is licensed as a Centre for Vocational Training by the National Agency for Vocational Education and Training at the Ministry of Education.
Karin Dom receives state funding for the first time as a Centre for Social Rehabilitation and Integration for 20 of the 148 children attending.
In 2008, training was conducted for the Karin Dom team with specialists from the Netherlands and Great Britain to work on the TEACCH and PECS systems.
A multisensory room is equipped with opportunities to stimulate all senses – sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch and vestibular experience.
Musical activities are introduced, led by a professional musician who works with the children individually and in groups.
The Karin Dom team conducted training for 127 specialists, support staff and parents from all over the country.
Mariana Nikolova is the new Executive Director of the Karin Dom Foundation.
In 2007, 146 children with special needs received consultations and therapies at Karin Dom. The number of integrated children in mainstream kindergartens and schools for 2007 is 11, the total number of integrated children becomes 148.
149 students from Bulgaria and abroad visited Karin Dom to get acquainted with the Centre’s activities, coursework and dissertations, internship and educational practice.
The first playground in Bulgaria for children with special needs was built at Karin Dom with the support of Kids International with a special surface. The swings are secured with belts, and there is also a special platform swing.
Karin Dom receives a minibus with the help of Rotary Club London and Rotary Club Varna Galatea, on which a hydraulic platform is additionally mounted so that children with motor disabilities can be transported to and from the centre.
Journalist Kate Blewett from the BBC is filming a film about the home for abandoned children with disabilities in Mogilino and footage from Karin Dom. The film shows the difference when a child grows up in a family and receives effective therapy for their development.Video – Karin dom
The number of children integrated into mainstream kindergartens and schools is 117.
We took part in the Special Olympics in Albena resort.
Groups for children with hyperactivity and autism have been established.
A cabinet is equipped with a specially organised environment according to the system of Maria Montessori, where children with special needs learn preschool, primary school, social and daily skills.
Karin Dom Foundation celebrates 10 years.
Karin Dom is awarded the “Eco Flag” for active and significant participation in the “Eco-Schools” Programme of the International Foundation for Environmental Education.
Start of training activities and sharing of acquired experience with specialists from various social institutions, day centres, auxiliary schools.
In 2002, the Karin Dom team consists of 17 specialist staff and administration.
Karin Dom becomes the winner of the grand prize of the Delegation of the European Commission in Bulgaria “Made in Bulgaria with the support of Europe” for the best project in the field of “Social Activities and Healthcare”.
Rumyana Hinova becomes Executive Director of the Karin Dom Foundation.
11 children are integrated into mainstream kindergartens, 9 into mainstream schools.
The first training of the team on the Montessori method is held, with lecturer Feodora Stancioff.
Karin Dom provided professional services to 156 children with special needs and their families.
Karin Dom is organising a conference on “Early Intervention. Partnership with parents.” More than 130 therapists, educators, psychologists, doctors, social workers, parents participated.
The Conference Centre starts to function on the top floor of the Karin Dom building – a hall for 50 people, toilets for disabled people, with easy access from the staircase and a lift for people with wheelchairs.
The entire Karin Dom team gave a demonstration of working with children with cerebral palsy in Velingrad.
During the year, students from all over the country did their practice or prepared their dissertations at Karin Dom.
A round table on the problems of children with impaired hearing is organised at Karin Dom.
The children visited the Palace in Balchik and took a walk on board an English warship.
81 children are covered, of which 61 are from Varna and 20 from other settlements in the country.
The project “Free time for parents” is launched. Through a stimulating afternoon programme with games, activities, music, drawing, visits to landmarks, confectioneries, cinema, museums, children with physical and mental disabilities get to know their hometown of Varna, communicate with other children and adults and feel happy.
First participation of Karin Dom in Special Olympics in Nessebar and first gold medal brought by Dimcho for throwing a small ball.
President Zhelyu Zhelev officially opens the Centre for Children with Special Needs “Karin Dom”. The renovated building has special rooms for physiotherapy, for the psychologist, for the speech therapist, for parental consultations, for art activities, a playroom and rooms for group therapy.
Cleaning and landscaping of the area around Karin Dom begins. The first flowers and trees are planted.
Bobath therapy is introduced under the guidance of Vivian Williams, a Bobath specialist from England. A free interactive English language programme is organised for the team. 96 children with special needs used the services of Karin Dom during the year.
Establishment of the Karin Dom Foundation – the first NGO in Bulgaria to introduce modern methods of working with children with disabilities, adhering to the principles of respect for the dignity of each child and respect for his rights as a person.
Ivan Penev is invited to be the Executive Director of the Karin Dom Foundation.
The term “children with special needs” is introduced. The Karin Dom team actively works against classifying such children as “un trainable” and sending them to institutions hidden from the eyes of the public.
