Preliminary Introduction to Collaboration with Emad House
On one of the Thursdays in Mehr (October), around 5 PM on the 21st of Mehr, the idea of initiating a continuous and meaningful project in partnership with NGOs or various charitable organizations was discussed during a work meeting. Today, I, Farahnaz Bagheri, a senior CSR expert, am narrating that moment.
Currently, while society's attention is focused on political movements, and on the other hand, many organizations are grappling with sanctions and difficult economic conditions, it can be said that non-governmental and civil institutions face greater pressures and challenges than before. Because, on one side, they do not have a place within government concerns, and on the other, as a result of the current situation, they are experiencing reduced public support. For this reason, and considering the commitment of senior organizational leaders and the history of volunteer activities of the "Netrise" in this area, it seems that the present time is ripe for introducing this kind of organization’s initiatives with the launch of an official project.
Therefore, by leveraging the charitable aspect of social responsibility, we aim to undertake this work, which not only responds to the organization’s concern with fulfilling its social responsibility but also alleviates some of the burden on families facing the sorrow of a child's illness. Children who have not yet been born have tasted the pain of suffering, and have exchanged playful innocence for colorful medications. In this project, by collaborating with Emad House, we will take a step forward in a path that, with its support, can reduce the number of sad days for one or more families.
About Emad House
Emad House was founded in 2018 (1397 in the Iranian calendar). This charity’s mission is to support families who travel to Tehran or stay there for the treatment of their children (under 18). All children accommodated in this facility are undergoing organ or bone marrow transplant procedures.
To date (Fall 2022), this center has three main buildings located on Ghoba Street with a capacity for 5 families, on Tarasht Street with a capacity for 13 families, and finally on Jomhouri Street with a capacity for 8 families. Additionally, 13 apartment units across Tehran have been converted into living spaces for Emad House, providing a total capacity to accommodate 40 families. Moreover, Emad House is currently in the design and permit acquisition phase for its permanent residence located on Gharib Street, which spans approximately 450 square meters and can independently host 40 families.
Services Provided by Emad House
Emad House’s slogan is "A Home Away From Home." Accordingly, all accommodations are designed to feel like homes, not just places for sleeping, nor reminiscent of clinics, hospitals, or official or formal locations. Upon entering each house, the atmosphere is similar to that of a typical Iranian home. Efforts are also made to ensure that all houses are located near children's hospitals.
Furthermore, meals for the children, often accompanied by their guardians, are prepared in dry (non-perishable) form by Emad House. The cooking is typically done by the mother or guardian of the child. This approach takes into account the dietary sensitivities and specific regimens of the children, alleviating a significant burden from their families. It provides peace of mind in two critical areas: the place of residence and the provision of food.
Netrise's Collaboration with Emad House
As part of its social responsibility project, Netrise has undertaken to cover the costs of Room No. 5 in the Ghaaba Building until the end of this year. To promote social responsibility and to have a greater impact in this area, it intends to share a narrative from this room with you each month.
Ethical concerns regarding privacy and the need to preserve the tranquility of the guests at Emad House prompted us to explore the stories of someone who, under the title of host, has created additional facilities for mothers residing in the Ghaaba Building throughout the years of Emad House's existence. In a sense, this person has managed affairs and has always been a listening ear for the occasional heartfelt confessions of the mothers here. With the hope that this initiative will open our eyes to different perspectives of this city and that each story will serve as a new beginning for others.