by InTrieste
In a city known for its rich cultural heritage and historic coffeehouses, a new initiative is quietly reshaping the fabric of local communities. The Family Center, a program spearheaded by the Municipality of Trieste’s Department of Social Services and Policies, is emerging as a vital resource for families navigating the complexities of modern life.
Launched with funding from the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region and supported by Italy’s Ministry of Labor and Social Policies, the initiative aims to provide crucial services for families—particularly those facing economic or social challenges. The Family Center functions as a gathering place where parents and children can find guidance, support, and resources tailored to their needs.
The program extends beyond traditional social services. It fosters collaboration between public institutions, the nonprofit sector, and private organizations, weaving a network of support that strengthens family life and community bonds. At its core, the initiative is designed to help parents balance the demands of work and child-rearing, while also offering educational opportunities and social activities for preteens and teenagers.
A particularly innovative aspect of the Family Center is its integration with the Habitat Microaree (HM) program, a longstanding initiative focused on empowering residents in some of Trieste’s more marginalized neighborhoods. Over the past eight months, the Family Center has taken root in four such districts—Cumano, Melara, Valmaura, and Borgo San Sergio—offering homework assistance, digital literacy workshops, and discussions on emotional well-being.
“We wanted to create a place where families feel heard, where young people can be protagonists in their own future,” said a spokesperson from La Quercia and Duemilauno Agenzia Sociale, the two social cooperatives responsible for implementing the project. “It’s about more than just providing services; it’s about fostering a sense of belonging.”
To celebrate the project’s progress, a video documenting its impact will be screened this week at a series of End-of-Project Festivities. The gatherings will bring together municipal representatives, social workers, local religious organizations, and families for an evening of reflection, games, and discussions about the future of the program.
“This is just the beginning,” one organizer said. “We’re building a space where families can thrive, where support is not just a service, but a community effort.”
As Trieste continues to balance its historic identity with the evolving needs of its residents, the Family Center stands as a testament to the power of local initiatives in shaping a more inclusive and supportive society.
