District 7780 Clubs Support ARK – International Therapy Centre for Young People in Wojciechów, Poland
By: Dr. Carol Marcotte, Saco Bay Sunset RC
In the fall of 2023, District 7780 fostered international partnerships with Ukraine and Poland. During this time, the Rotary Club (RC) of Lublin Centrum and RC Saco Bay Sunset secured a District 7780 Disaster Grant to renovate a convent in Ukraine that sheltered 46 refugees. Now known as the Peace Shelter, it continues to provide refuge, with a plaque recognizing District 7780’s contributions.
Building on these connections and with the support of District 7780 and PDG Marion Cheney, a Poland Outreach Team traveled to Poland to explore various Rotary-led projects. One of these was ARK, formally known as the International Center for the Treatment of Mental Illness and Drug Addiction Among Young People.
ARK was founded by two RC Lublin Centrum Rotarians, Dr. Milanowski and his wife Dr. Katarzyna Szmygin-Milankwska, who purchased land containing two unfinished buildings. This led to the establishment of the Project Ark Foundation, which aims to support Polish and Ukrainian adolescents struggling with mental health issues—while aspiring to expand its impact globally.
The 30-bed residential facility has been completed and currently shelters Ukrainian refugees. ARK is a truly international initiative, exemplifying the spirit of Rotary International. To date, 14 Rotary Clubs from the U.S. and Europe have joined forces on this project, contributing to the funding of essential equipment, including audio-visual tools for therapy and instruction.
Additionally, Rotarians are working with psychiatrists and psychologists to ensure comprehensive support for the program. In the coming weeks, three plaques will be installed on ARK’s main building, marking District 7780’s pivotal role in this transformative, lasting, and historic effort.
Rotarian Mateo Karczjaarzuk, of RC Lublin Centrum and International Champion for ARK, has confirmed that the plaques will soon be placed on the walls of the therapeutic facility and will continue to be supplemented over time. Among the clubs represented on this multi-Rotarian, international plaque are RC Dover, NH, and RC Saco Bay Sunset, whose names will stand as a testament to their dedication to this important humanitarian mission.
