The Regoč Association from Bukovlje near Slavonski Brod ceremoniously opened a new chicken coop, completing another segment of its unique food production in which employees and individuals with intellectual disabilities participate equally.
At the estate of the Regoč Association in Bukovlje near Slavonski Brod, joy echoed over the past few days. This association, which cares for individuals with intellectual disabilities, ceremoniously opened a new chicken coop for thirty feathered residents, and the event was celebrated in a true family atmosphere by the users and staff.
"We celebrated the opening in the best company. With smiles from our users, a fragrant barbecue, socializing, and fun beach volleyball. Moments like these remind us how important togetherness, joy, and mutual support are," Žaklina Ćirić, the association's development coordinator, told 24sata.
The users immediately took over the care of the hens, making sure they had enough food and water, and they are eagerly awaiting the moment when they can collect the first eggs. The charming hens and their fresh eggs, brought from the newly opened coop by user Martina Sušac, are just part of the rich story of this estate, which spans an impressive 6,000 square meters.
The association has two large, modern greenhouses where a variety of vegetables and herbs are grown year-round. From tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers for ajvar, to berries and lavender. Currently, there is real culinary excitement as the hardworking hands of the users prepare up to 2,000 liters of homemade tomato sauce, which will be used in culinary workshops throughout the year.
"The Regoč Association today brings together about 350 users, 35 of whom are in day care, while eight live in organized housing with 24-hour support. The foundation of our work is simulating family life," Ćirić proudly emphasized. This goal is achieved through as many as 16 active workshops conducted daily, including culinary, pastry, sewing, and weaving workshops, woodworking, physiotherapy, and sports activities.
While the most heat-resistant individuals performed outdoor tasks, the majority of users found refuge in air-conditioned rooms where they baked cakes and prepared refreshing fruit cocktails. In addition to work, rest is not forgotten, so users regularly visit the city pools and socialize with other associations.
"We gladly receive guests; they come from other associations, both from Croatia and abroad. They are interested in how we do things because I believe we are the only association in Croatia with this organized form of food production in which our employees and users participate," concluded coordinator Ćirić with a big greeting from all the users.
