We founded the Hercules Day Center in 2007, after securing funding from the Princess Margareta of Romania Foundation to renovate our two-story building. To this day, we remain the only day center in southern Argeș County providing social services to underprivileged individuals, despite the fact that the town of Costești and its neighboring villages - the community where we operate - are heavily affected by numerous economic and social challenges.
About the Hercules Day Center
Our goal is to combat poverty, social exclusion, and school dropout within the Costești community (Argeș County). We focus primarily, though not exclusively, on supporting children - as they are the ones with the best chance to break the vicious cycle of poverty and lack of education in the future. Parents receive occasional assistance and counseling as needed, and they participate monthly in the center's activities. Additionally, seniors visit our Seniors' Club and occasionally volunteer to support the children.
A Warm and Welcoming Space
Our Story
The Hercules Center – from a dilapidated building to a welcoming home for dozens of children
The story of the Hercules Day Center began in 2000, with the acquisition of the building that houses our activities today, made possible through the support of a partner organization from the Netherlands. The building, later recognized as part of the national heritage under the name "Casa Bădescu," was restored with respect for its original architecture through volunteer work and funding from Heidi Fonds. A pivotal moment came in 2006, when a partnership with the Princess Margareta of Romania Foundation allowed us to transform an empty house without facilities into a day center dedicated to children. On November 15, 2006, the Hercules Center opened its doors - a warm and welcoming space designed specifically for the needs of the little ones.
In the following years, the building was fully furnished and equipped: the upper floor and attic were completed, creating spaces for play, study, and relaxation, a computer lab, and a modern kitchen where meals are prepared daily for dozens of children with the help of generous partners. The courtyard and playground were gradually transformed, and in 2008, an events hall was built to help financially support the center. From the very beginning, we wanted the Hercules Center to be more than just a place for activities: a second home for children from vulnerable families, a place of care, beauty, and safety. Today, the children, the association's team, and our volunteers together form the great Hercules family, united by the same values.
Supporting Education
The Costești Community, Argeș
The town of Costești, located 130 km west of Bucharest, has approximately 10,000 inhabitants, most of whom depend on agriculture for their livelihood. Due to limited economic opportunities, many adults commute to Pitești - incurring high costs for their families - or leave to work abroad in an attempt to overcome poverty. This economic situation generates numerous social issues: alcoholism, domestic violence, family breakdowns, and parental migration, which often leaves children in the care of relatives. Children are the most affected, facing poverty, neglect, the lack of a proper study environment, and emotional instability - factors that frequently lead to absenteeism, school dropout, and poor academic performance.
At the same time, the town of Costești offers very few cultural or recreational alternatives for the more than 1,200 children and teenagers enrolled in local schools and high schools. The lack of leisure activities heightens their vulnerability and highlights the vital need for a day center that provides education, supervision, nutrition, social support, and extracurricular activities - especially in cases where parents are unable to provide these resources.
Standing by the Children
Beneficiaries
Children
50 children (ages 6-14), students in grades 1-8 at the school in Costești. The children visit the Hercules Center daily, and the groups are updated annually.
Seniors
Seniors who wish to socialize, feel useful, and pass on the knowledge and experience they have gained over the years.
Parents and Grandparents
The families of our 50 children receive parental & psychological counseling, as well as occasional gifts (hygiene items, clothing, footwear), depending on their needs and the sponsorships secured by the Hercules Association.
Opportunities and Development
Activities
Canteen
Provides daily meals
After-school
Homework assistange and support
Activities
Reading and education clubs
Recreation and Play
Access to a specially designed playground
Workshops
Creative workshops, cooking, painting, and more
Counseling
Psychological counseling for both children and parents
Volunteering
Activities involving parents and volunteers from Costești and Bucharest
Holidays
Organizing trips, summer camps, and recreational (play-based) activities
Photo gallery
