LIFELINE CHICAGO AND ST. GEORGE SERBIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH BRING JOY, FRIENDSHIP, AND UNFORGETTABLE MEMORIES TO ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES IN SERBIA

Belgrade, 17 October 2026 – Sometimes, the greatest gifts we can give are not material possessions, but experiences that bring happiness, build confidence, and create memories that last a lifetime.

Through the extraordinary generosity and compassion of St. George Serbian Orthodox Church and its Circle of Serbian Sisters in Schererville, Indiana, Lifeline Humanitarian Organization of Chicago, under the patronage of HRH Crown Princess Katherine, was able to provide just such a gift to eight adults with disabilities and intellectual developmental challenges from the Kovačica Day Center in Serbia.

Thanks to this heartfelt donation, eight participants and four dedicated staff members enjoyed a five-day retreat at the Sunčani Breg Hotel in beautiful Zlatibor, with accommodations and meals provided.

For many of us, a few days away in the mountains may seem like a simple pleasure. But for these individuals, the experience meant so much more. It was an opportunity to explore new surroundings, reconnect with friends, develop independence, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life that so many of us take for granted.

During their stay, participants enjoyed walks along Zlatibor Lake, visits to Dino Park, shopping excursions, games, music, and shared activities with friends from the Kikinda Day Center. Beyond the laughter and excitement, these experiences helped strengthen friendships, build social skills, and encourage personal growth.

Dušanka Petrak, Director of the Kovačica Day Center, expressed her heartfelt appreciation:

"There are no words to express how grateful we are for the opportunity to spend five wonderful days in beautiful Zlatibor again this year."

She explained that spending several days away from home was an important milestone for both participants and their families. With the encouragement and care of their accompanying staff, participants embraced new experiences, adapted to unfamiliar surroundings, and gained greater confidence in their own abilities.

These are accomplishments that cannot be measured in dollars, but their impact can be felt for years to come.

A Special Thank You to St. George Serbian Orthodox Church and Its Circle of Serbian Sisters

Lifeline Chicago extends its deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to St. George Serbian Orthodox Church and its Circle of Serbian Sisters in Schererville, Indiana, for making this beautiful experience possible.

Your generosity is a shining example of what it means to put faith, compassion, and love for others into action.

You did not simply sponsor a five-day retreat. You gave eight deserving individuals the gift of happiness, friendship, confidence, and cherished memories. You also gave their families the joy of seeing their loved ones experience new opportunities and take meaningful steps toward greater independence.

It is especially touching to see our Serbian-American community reaching across the ocean to make such a personal and meaningful difference in the lives of people in our homeland.

To the parish community of St. George and the dedicated women of its Circle of Serbian Sisters: Please know that your kindness has touched lives in ways you may never fully realize. Your generosity reminds us that distance does not diminish our responsibility to one another and that even the simplest acts of compassion can have an extraordinary impact.

We also extend our sincere appreciation to Dušanka Petrak and the devoted staff of the Kovačica Day Center, whose patience, dedication, and loving care make these experiences possible.

An Invitation to Our Serbian Communities: Together, We Can Do So Much More

The generosity of St. George Serbian Orthodox Church and its Circle of Serbian Sisters is an inspiring example of the tremendous good our communities can accomplish when we come together for a common purpose.

Imagine how many more lives we could touch if other churches, Circles of Serbian Sisters, Serbian organizations, and community groups followed their example.

There are countless children, adults with disabilities, families, and institutions throughout Serbia whose lives could be made brighter through a thoughtful act of generosity.

Not every project requires a large donation. Sometimes, providing a few days of happiness, meeting a basic need, or offering an opportunity that would otherwise be out of reach can make an immeasurable difference.

We invite our Serbian churches, sisterhoods, organizations, businesses, and individuals to partner with Lifeline Chicago in continuing this important mission. Whether through sponsoring a specific project, organizing a fundraiser, or bringing your community together to support those in need, there is a place for everyone to make a difference.

Let the kindness of St. George serve as an inspiration to us all.

When we give together, we accomplish more than any one of us could alone. And when we open our hearts to those in need, we strengthen the bonds that connect our Serbian communities across generations and across oceans.

On behalf of Lifeline Chicago and, most importantly, the individuals whose lives you have brightened, thank you, St. George Serbian Orthodox Church and Circle of Serbian Sisters. You have shown that true generosity is not simply about what we give, but about the lives we touch.

Lifeline Humanitarian Organization of Chicago proudly continues its mission under the patronage of HRH Crown Princess Katherine of Serbia, bringing hope, dignity, and compassionate assistance to those in need throughout Serbia.

Crkva Svetog Preobraženja Church on Zlatibor Mountain. For these special individuals, prayer is a source of comfort, strength, and hope—a beautiful reminder that faith brings peace to the heart and joy to the soul.

During their stay in Zlatibor, our participants enjoyed walks along the mountain trails and around Zlatibor Lake.

Everyone was especially happy to reunite with our friends from the Kikinda Day Center and to spend three more days together than they did last year.

Spending several days away from their families was a significant challenge for our participants and their parents alike, but with the help of the staff who accompanied them, they managed it successfully. Being away from home, meeting new people, and adapting to unfamiliar surroundings all help our participants become more independent and develop their social skills. These experiences are extremely valuable, not only for the participants themselves but also for their families. This trip has been an important step forward in their personal development.

Everyone thoroughly enjoyed these activities, which also helped the participants develop their social skills and build friendships.

Fun at Dino Park! Everyone also went shopping, and made the most of their free time. They were able to participate in workshops, board games, and evenings of music with the participants from Kikinda