Province of West Central Europe

For a number of years the Brothers in the Netherlands have been exploring the possibility in Nijmegen of establishing a project for adolescent boys at risk. The Dominican Sisters of Neerbosch (a congregation in Nijmegen) have joined the Brothers for this project.

Its goal is to provide preventative shelter and accompaniment for boys aged 12 – 17. The house will be run by “care parents” who will live and stay in the house with the young people. As a result of several meetings with the City of Nijmegen, the City considers the house as a pilot project with a preventative mission. The City has agreed to provide significant financial support.

On 15th April 2014, the 14th anniversary of the foundation of the Province of West Central Europe, the Brothers and Dominican Sisters were given the keys to the house which will be used for the project. It is an ideal property with space for the young people, an apartment for the house parents, a garden and a garage which can be used for recreation. The “House To Be” is a necessary and exciting new project, which is consistent with the desire of the General Chapter for a significant presence among poor and vulnerable children.