Here are some brief highlights in the history of Aspern:

1995

Vira Koshil starts an informal program aimed at taking care of orphaned children and providing support to impoverished families.
In the summer, the first Holiday Programs are started in Vienna, Austria as well as in the Crimea and Cherkassy regions in Ukraine.

2000

In cooperation with the City’s Social Services, a shelter and home for street children is opened in Darnytsa. The center provides emergency assistance to children in crisis situations. On March 13, 2000, the Charity Foundation “Aspern” is registered as a not-for-profit organization under Ukrainian law.

2001

Aspern starts an AIDS/HIV prevention program for at-risk youth.

2002

Aspern starts the “Babushka Project”, formalizing the initial support program started in 1995 that brings humanitarian aid to families in need.

2003

Start of the International Volunteer Program. Since the start of this program, we have welcomed volunteers from the USA, Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Belgium who have given their time and expertise to work with our children.

2005

In cooperation with UNICEF Ukraine Aspern creates an AIDS/HIV prevention campaign amongst street children.
After a decision of the Kyiv administration Council, Aspern loses the building where the project is housed and has to – temporarily – close its residential program.

2006

The Social Dormitory Project opens, a residential program providing assistance to at- risk adolescents aged 15 to 23.

2007

The “Social and Psychological Rehabilitation Center” opens, a residential program providing support to children in crisis situations (from 0 to 15 years).

2008

In November the “Educational Center” opens, offering a range of vocational trainings to the larger community.

Since its informal start in 1995, Aspern has assisted more than 10,000 children and families.