When people first hear about the "Creativity Lab" at Maleva 49 in Kohtla-Järve, they often think it's just a craft club. But those who come to us every week (and we've already held 25 anniversary meetings!) know that something much more important is happening here.
Our main, fundamental goal is to combat loneliness and maintain the cognitive health of older adults. Loneliness quietly robs a person of joy and health. We decided to create not just a meeting place, but a full-fledged living space where everyone finds understanding, care, and the motivation to move forward. Our recipe for fighting boredom and despondency is simple...
- Intelligence and health: regular neurogymnastics, the Stroop test, drawing with both hands on two sheets of paper simultaneously to maintain mental clarity and train memory.
- Creativity and creation: working with air-blown plasticine, paints, and brushes.
- Live emotions: Bibabo dolls, comedy programs, watching favorite comedies and heartwarming films, karaoke, uplifting experiences, and watching educational programs.
- Communication and excitement: the legendary lotto, the board game "Snakes and Ladders," and, of course, warm get-togethers over a cup of tea, where everyone feels heard and needed.
This is an ecosystem of support and active longevity. But to develop this initiative, scale it up, open new venues (we have many exciting plans!), and make the lives of participants even brighter, we need resources.
We fund our project ourselves and believe that truly sustainable projects must stand on their own feet. Constantly asking for help is a dead end. Our goal is to learn how to earn money ourselves by creating a high-quality, in-demand product and transforming the lab into a functioning social enterprise.
And now, our most important step on this path is completing the pilot samples of our signature art kit, "Paint Yourself – Realize Yourself!" (see photo).
This isn't just a souvenir box. It's a product with soul and deep meaning:
- Detail and quality: Inside are stunning figurines, acrylic paints (12 colors), brushes (2 pcs.), mini easels, and reliable fasteners so the finished work can be proudly hung on the wall.
- We're working on the packaging, component safety, aesthetics, and even translations into several languages ​​to ensure our product is understandable and appealing to everyone.
- Social impact: By purchasing this kit, a person receives more than just a fun evening activity or a gift for loved ones. He directly supports the funding of our meetings, helps pay for materials, and helps develop the project in Ida-Virumaa.
Why are we publishing all of this on Open Collective?
We're sharing this process here because complete transparency is important to us. You see how an idea born from a desire to help older people cope with loneliness takes material form, turning into a finished business product.
Thank you to everyone who supports us in word, deed, and financial support. You help prove that old age isn't loneliness, but a time for new discoveries, creativity, and creation.
Together, we're creating a finished product that will help us continue to care for people!