06/10/2026
“Painting. Teacher. Friend. 1-hour bus. I love it. Bye.”
This is how Edip, a 20-year-old from Hatay, describes the rehabilitation center he attends every day.
With a 70% intellectual disability, Edip uses few words—but his joy says everything. Even after a one-hour bus ride, he shows up excited, ready to learn, connect, and express himself.
At our partner, ESYAD’s center, he finds more than crayons and coloring pages. He is supported by caregivers who encourage him, celebrate his efforts, and help him build confidence and independence.
Edip’s mother discovered the center through a social media post—and found a safe, supportive space for her son. Today, it’s part of a larger effort to provide psychosocial support, promote inclusion, and empower individuals with disabilities and their families.
In Edip’s words, it’s simple: a place where he belongs.
Thanks to your support of the TPF Turkiye Earthquake Fund, over $1M in grants have been provided for psychosocial and mental health programs—reaching more than 150,000 people in collaboration with dedicated local partners. Your support makes stories like Edip’s possible.
