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Social Empowerment
Social empowerment aims to enable young people in difficult life situations to lead independent, self-determined lives – ideally in a lasting way – through the development of key skills. The Timothy Spirit Foundation pursues this through its own projects, through collaborations with institutions and organisations, and through direct financial support.
Smiles of Ayo
In Kenya, Timothy actively supported the Smiles of Ayo Foundation. The organisation works in Kibera (Nairobi) to improve living conditions through education and empowerment programmes for women, young people, orphans and vulnerable individuals. The Timothy Spirit Foundation supports Smiles of Ayo through financial contributions.
Timo-Tenda
After Timothy’s passing, his family, together with Smiles of Ayo, launched the Timo-Tenda programme. It offers young women from Kibera the opportunity to acquire practical skills (hairdressing, manicure, pedicure) that enable them to become self-reliant and financially independent. The programme runs for approximately three months, includes around 20 participants per cycle and is offered three to four times a year.
In Kenya, further small-scale projects in the spirit of “Timo-Tenda” are being considered, for example in the areas of fashion/sewing, music/music production or programming/IT.
In the Zurich region, the Timothy Spirit Foundation intends to implement one or two larger programmes aimed at empowering young people facing difficult life circumstances. These may be developed independently or in collaboration with other institutions and organisations.
Mental Health
The starting point is Timothy’s illness (depression, psychosis, later paranoid schizophrenia, dual diagnosis), which he battled repeatedly over approximately ten years. Despite committed support and therapy, there were recurring phases that set him back significantly. This raises the question of whether—especially in cases of dual diagnosis (the combination of mental illness and the use of psychoactive substances, particularly cocaine)—there might be alternative, more effective treatment approaches.
In close cooperation with experts in medicine and psychiatry, the Timothy Spirit Foundation aims to explore ways to improve the long-term effectiveness of therapeutic measures with regard to achieving an independent, self-sufficient lifestyle. Particular attention is given to “transition phases,” such as the move from inpatient treatment to supported or independent living and working situations.
The Timothy Spirit Foundation supports innovative, scientifically plausible and practice-oriented approaches for the treatment and support of young people with mental health challenges (particularly dual diagnoses). This is achieved through the promotion of programmes developed and supervised by qualified professionals.
Public Good
The starting point is Timothy’s broad willingness to donate, even when he himself had limited financial means. His regular donations are continued by the Timothy Spirit Foundation. The Foundation does not accept unsolicited funding requests in this area.
Donations
In line with Timothy’s own giving priorities, the Timothy Spirit Foundation provides regular contributions to charitable organisations such as the Salvation Army Switzerland, the Swiss Red Cross, SOS Children’s Villages, Kindernothilfe Switzerland, Save the Children and the Social Services of Pastor Sieber. The Timothy Spirit Foundation reserves the right to review and adjust the list of beneficiary organisations periodically, in keeping with Timothy’s values.
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