A bit of history ...
Main building in 1992
From 1948 until the Velvet revolution (1989), the Czech Republic was under communist rule.
Mentally and physically handicapped individuals used to be entrusted to state institutions on a full-time basis. Until then, parents were the only care providers. The vast majority of these state institutions were located far away from Prague, and transportation could be very problematic. Once admission for specialized care was finally granted (which could take up to 10 years), many parents living in Prague were de facto separated from their beloved ones for too long periods of time.
In September 1991, Modrý Klíč (The Blue Key) was founded by a group of disabled children’s parents who refused to go on with such a unsatisfactory situation. In March 1992, the first 35 clients were admitted at MK, in an old building which was first rented, and later on given to MK by the municipality of Prague 4.
TODAY IN SHORT
Main building in 2022
At the beginning of 2024, Modry Klic is in charge of 115 clients: 88 clients receive day-to-day care (half-board), 22 are on a full-board basis from Mondays to Fridays, and since 2022, 5 additional clients live at MK 7 days a week. These services are ensured by about 80 employees (full-time basis equivalent).
Operational costs amount to more than 2 million euros per year and are covered for about 80% by the Czech State, Prague Main City and Prague municipalities, as well as parents' contributions. The remaining 20% must be covered by sponsors’ donations.
As a general rule, longer term asset investments must be financed thru donations made by corporate sponsors, private donors, or charity organizations.
In addition to the daily and weekly programs (therapy, specialized developmental activity, relief services for parents, housing, catering, etc.), Modrý Klíč provides, similarly to school bus transportation, specialized transportation services to day-to day clients. For that purpose, Modrý Klíč uses a minibus (capacity 17 seats or 12 seats + 3 wheelchairs). This minibus is also indispensable, for instance, to bring clients to specialized medical appointments outside MK.