Support for Life Association (Hayata Destek Dernegi)

Support to Life (Hayata Destek Dernegi) is an independent humanitarian organization that was founded in 2005 with the aim of helping disaster-affected communities meet their basic needs and rights. The organization operates based on principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, and accountability.

The primary areas of work for Support to Life are Emergency Assistance, Refugee Support, Child Protection in Seasonal Agriculture, and Capacity Building. The organization provides assistance to address basic needs in humanitarian crisis situations, such as nutrition, shelter, heating, and hygiene needs. They also provide disaster-risk training to increase disaster awareness in high-risk areas and minimize risks.

Support to Life (Hayata Destek Dernegi)  sets up tent classrooms and delivers educational materials for children who were cut off from formal education during the disaster period. They also provide livelihood programs to enable disaster-affected communities and individuals to access sources of regular income and lead independent lives.

The organization provides capacity-building and coordination activities focusing on disaster risk reduction and response to prepare individuals, communities, and institutions for disasters. They also engage in awareness-raising work to defend the basic rights of vulnerable communities and positively impact relevant policy-making.

In addition, Support to Life holds information sessions and refers disaster-affected individuals to services. They provide support to help individuals overcome the physical and psychological impacts they experience. They work in crisis areas to reduce health-related risks and provide access to clean water and hygiene products.

Support to Life (Hayata Destek Dernegi) is a Turkish non-governmental organization that was founded in 2012 by a group of humanitarian aid workers. The organization's initial focus was on providing humanitarian assistance to Syrian refugees in Turkey, who were fleeing the conflict in their home country.

In its early years, Support to Life provided emergency relief to Syrians in the form of food, shelter, and medical care. As the refugee crisis continued, the organization expanded its activities to include child protection programs, livelihood support, and community development initiatives.

In addition to its work with Syrian refugees, Support to Life has also responded to other crises in Turkey and its surrounding region. The organization has provided emergency assistance to communities affected by earthquakes, floods, and other natural disasters. It has also provided support to refugees and other vulnerable groups affected by conflicts in Iraq and Syria.

As Support to Life has grown, it has become increasingly committed to empowering local communities and strengthening civil society. The organization's programs now focus on promoting sustainable development, social justice, and human rights. In particular, Support to Life works to support marginalized groups, including women, children, and refugees.

Today, Support to Life operates in multiple provinces across Turkey and has expanded its operations to include neighbouring countries such as Iraq and Syria. The organization has a staff of more than 200 people and works with a network of volunteers and partner organizations to deliver its programs.

Throughout its history, Support to Life has remained committed to its core values of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, and accountability. The organization is guided by universal humanitarian principles and works to ensure that the rights and needs of the most vulnerable are met.

The organization's primary goal is to support vulnerable individuals and communities to meet their basic needs and rights. The organization has identified several purposes that guide its work. These include:

• Providing emergency assistance: Support to Life provides immediate assistance to people affected by disasters and conflicts. This assistance includes basic needs such as food, shelter, and water, as well as medical care and psychosocial support.
• Supporting refugees: Support to Life works to support refugees and asylum seekers who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflicts or persecution. The organization provides assistance with basic needs, legal support, education, and vocational training.
• Protecting children: Support to Life works to protect children affected by crises, including those who are at risk of exploitation, abuse, and neglect. The organization provides support for education, psychosocial care, and child protection.
• Strengthening civil society: Support to Life works to strengthen civil society and promote participation in decision-making processes. The organization provides training and support for local organizations, community leaders, and activists to enable them to advocate for their rights and those of their communities.
• Conducting needs assessments: Support to Life conducts needs assessments to identify the most urgent needs of communities affected by disasters and conflicts. These assessments guide the organization's response and ensure that resources are used effectively and efficiently.

Overall, Support to Life aims to provide humanitarian assistance that is guided by universal values and principles, including humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, and accountability. The organization works to empower communities to recover from crises and build a more sustainable future.

Support to Life has had a significant impact on the lives of disaster-affected communities and individuals in Turkey and its surrounding region. Some of the key impacts of their work include:

• Providing Emergency Assistance: Support to Life has been providing urgent assistance to those affected by natural disasters, conflicts and other emergencies. This includes distributing relief items such as food, water, and shelter materials, as well as providing cash assistance to vulnerable households.
• Supporting Refugees: Support to Life has been supporting refugees who have fled conflicts in countries such as Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan. They provide a range of services including protection, psychosocial support, education, and livelihood support.
• Protecting Children: Support to Life is committed to protecting children affected by disasters, conflicts and other emergencies. They provide child protection services, including identifying and referring children at risk, as well as providing psychosocial support and other services to help them recover from trauma.
• Strengthening Civil Society: Support to Life aims to strengthen civil society in Turkey and the surrounding region. They work to promote human rights, improve social cohesion and build the capacity of local organisations.

the organisation's work has made a significant impact on the lives of disaster-affected communities and individuals in Turkey and its surrounding region. They have provided essential assistance and support to those in need, helping them to recover from the impacts of disasters, conflicts and other emergencies