The Hungarian Reformed Church Aid launched its Rehabilitation Employment Program in October 2017. Since then, we have obtained rehabilitation employment accreditation for 14 locations across Hungary.

The program began in the final quarter of 2017 with the employment of 23 people with reduced work capacity. Since 2018, we have continuously improved working conditions by upgrading workplaces, investing in equipment to optimize production, and providing professional development opportunities. Our employees have participated in job-search skills training and sewing courses, while internal incentive schemes have also been introduced to support long-term employment and personal development.

The primary activity of our employees with reduced work capacity is the production of Rescue Teddy (Mentő Maci) plush toys and Pöttyös Panni dolls for charitable purposes.

Since the launch of the program, they have handcrafted more than 60,000 Rescue Teddy bears, which are donated free of charge every month to the Hungarian National Ambulance Service. The teddy bears help comfort children during emergency medical care, making frightening situations less stressful for young patients.

Today, the Hungarian Reformed Church Aid operates 13 accredited rehabilitation employment sites—7 in rural Hungary and 6 in Budapest. Our goal is to provide employees with reduced work capacity with a safe, supportive, and inclusive working environment where they receive both professional guidance and personal encouragement. We strive to create workplaces that strengthen self-confidence and self-esteem while also providing secure employment and opportunities for long-term personal development.

Today, nearly 180 employees with reduced work capacity are part of the Hungarian Reformed Church Aid community.