At Pwrteams, we believe in giving back to causes that create real, lasting change. As part of our Christmas Charity Give initiative last year, we donated 25 EUR on behalf of each employee to charities of their choice, making a tangible impact in Ukraine, Poland and Bulgaria. In this interview series, we highlight the work of these organisations and the impact of our collective contributions.
One of the charities our Bulgarian team has chosen to support was PULSE Foundation, a non-governmental organisation that has been standing by survivors of violence for more than 25 years.
We spoke with Julia Andonova, Development and Communications Director at PULSE, to learn more about their mission, their achievements and how our donation is making a difference. Read what she shared with us below.
Tell us more about PULSE Foundation and its mission.
The PULSE Foundation is a non-governmental organisation that has been providing direct support to people affected by or at risk of violence for more than 25 years. We work in two main areas:
- Direct 24-hour support for survivors of violence. This programme includes accommodation in a crisis centre and consultations with various specialists – psychologists, social workers, lawyers, educators, healthcare professionals and others.
- Prevention. We truly believe and hope that one day there will be no need for programmes assisting survivors of violence. Our mission is to work towards a world free from violence by providing help and support to those who have experienced it and increasing society’s awareness of the issue in order to eliminate all forms of violence in human relationships.
When was the foundation established, and what inspired its creation?
The PULSE Foundation was founded in 1999 by three brave and ambitious women who did not hesitate to bring the issue of domestic violence and protection into the public space and to start providing support programmes.
Today, 25 years later, what started as an idea, a single room and a phone, has grown into a large organisation that offers comprehensive support programmes for survivors of violence, as well as training programmes.
In 2024, we registered the first branch of the organisation in the city of Kardzhali.
What challenges does your organisation face, and how do you overcome them?
The challenges we face are many and constant. At the moment, I can summarise them as challenges related to misinformation and propaganda in our society, which greatly affect the people in the most significant need, and challenges related to financial survival, as we are able to provide help thanks to donations/fundraising campaigns and projects, which can be quite irregular, and this is а big challenge.
What are some of the proudest achievements in your journey so far?
Our greatest achievement is the trust of the people who turn to us in some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Behind every number, there are real human stories, and we are grateful to have helped them continue their lives free from violence.
In short, our achievements in numbers are:
- In over 25 years, we have helped more than 15 500 people.
- In 15 years, 675 people found refuge in our Crisis Centre.
- We have worked with 6 480 people on prevention programmes for addiction, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis.
- 7 870 people received support from our psychologists, social workers and lawyers at the "Tatyana Arsova" Centre for Social Rehabilitation and Integration (CSRI).
- Over 1 000 people received humanitarian aid during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- 1 200 volunteers joined the Youth Club "To Be Friends".
Could you share more about the projects you’re currently working on and their impact?
We recently completed a project supported by L'Oréal. Thanks to this project, over the course of a year, we were able to help more than 200 women and children affected by violence gain access to a lawyer, social worker and psychologist, as well as receive humanitarian support. Our latest video was made possible thanks to this project.
This year, we are set to launch a large-scale campaign to build a new crisis centre – “House Dream". This facility will allow us to help more people in a warm and welcoming space, designed entirely to meet the needs of survivors of violence.
Of course, our round-the-clock work with survivors never stops – our core programmes remain available 24/7 to provide support.
We are also looking forward to the warmer days ahead, during which we have planned various initiatives for mothers and children from the centre.
PULSE Foundation was one of the organisations we supported through our Christmas Give campaign. How has our donation helped your work?
I would like to take this opportunity to thank your team for the support you have provided.
With your donation, we managed to provide psychological support to women affected by violence and their children, cover the costs of a legal case and supply essential food and hygiene products.
Your support allows us to respond to the individual needs of the people who turn to us for help.
For more details, check out this video.
Thank you!
What are your plans or aspirations for the future of PULSE Foundation?
We dream of a world where our work is no longer needed, but as long as there is a need, we will never stop supporting survivors of violence 24/7, bringing them hope and faith for a better future. We will continue to develop and expand our programmes.
We are planning the construction of a crisis centre in Pernik and the establishment of a new centre in Kardzhali, as there are currently no similar facilities in these regions.
We will also keep creating beautiful tulips, candles, soaps and greeting cards in our creative workshops, helping survivors heal from trauma. By participating in charity bazaars and events, we will secure additional funding for our centre.
For those who are inspired by your mission, what are the most effective ways they can support your foundation?
We need your support to continue helping others!
In the long term, monthly or payroll donations would provide sustainable support for violence survivors.
We would be happy to organise creative workshops and charity bazaars, where we can share more about our cause. While people create beautiful items, they will also have the opportunity to learn more about the work we do and the impact their support can have.
Your ongoing support helps us continue to make a lasting difference in the lives of those who need it most. Thank you!
Anyone interested can contact us:
Committed to making a difference
At Pwrteams, giving back isn’t just something we do during the holiday season – it’s a fundamental part of our values. Supporting organisations like the PULSE Foundation helps us contribute to meaningful change in the communities where we live and work.
We are proud to stand by our employees and partners in making a real difference. Want to learn more about how we give back? Read about the initiatives we're supporting and how we're making a difference together.
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