Casa Famiglia
Casa Elvine
Family-style care for children in difficulty, in the spirit of Elvine Ritter de Záhony.
— A story of care
Since 1891, beside the children of the Collio.
The Villa Russiz Foundation welcomes children in difficulty at Casa Elvine. A family-style care model with an educational approach that assesses each child's concrete situation and their condition of hardship and/or neglect. The educational action aims to reconcile the child in difficulty with their own life path, developing skills and resources for a suitable and rewarding social integration.
— The project
Educational planning and networking.
The educational paths implemented for each child are based on educational planning and networking.
Educational planning
Continuous observation and analysis of the child's needs lead to the formulation of the PEI (Individualized Educational Project).
Networking
Many adults and services revolve around the child: collaboration is essential to give the child a sense of safety and protection.
— The history
Over a century of care.
1891
Countess Elvine Ritter de Zahony of Gorizia founds an evangelical school in Russiz for the poorest, also admitting Catholic girls, at a time when elementary school was only for boys.
1916
On Elvine's death, during the Great War, Villa Russiz becomes a lazaretto and military hospital in the first rear area of the Italian front. Countess Adele Cerruti serves here as a Red Cross nurse, taking on this place as her life's great mission.
1926
On 21 February, Elvine's testamentary wishes are recognized by the Kingdom of Italy and Villa Russiz is elected a Moral Entity, with approval of the 'Regina Margherita' orphanage directed by Countess Adele Cerruti.
1974
On 25 June, the Institute's name changes to 'A. Cerruti – Villa Russiz'. Since 2009, Villa Russiz has taken on the legal form of a non-profit Foundation.
2012
The 'Casa Elvine' family home is established, licensed to host 16 minors and equipped with every facility to carry out proper care and educational activities.
— The locations
Casa Elvine and the historic site.
Casa Elvine
It has 9 rooms and 16 beds, equipped with a lift to remove architectural barriers. The renovation project, started in 2005 and completed in 2012, was designed around the child, who should not feel like a guest here but perceive Casa Elvine as their own home.
The historic site
In addition to Casa Elvine, the Foundation manages the estate's real estate and agricultural assets, investing the proceeds in the Family Home.
Support Casa Elvine.
Every bottle of Villa Russiz supports the family home. You can also contribute with a donation or by taking part in our events.
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