Together we
save lives,
change destinies,
heal souls!
The Saint John the Merciful Center for addiction prevention and treatment.
In a world that teaches you to consume to be, to be validated to exist, and to hide to survive — we teach you to be. Alive. Authentic. Whole.
Who are we?
The Saint John the Merciful Center is a social and therapeutic project of national interest, initiated by the Bucurie în Dar (Gift of Joy) Association, designed as an integrated space for human recovery and dedicated to people affected by addictions — not only as an individual disease/condition, but also as a symptom of a profound social, cultural, and spiritual crisis.
Just 38 kilometers from downtown Bucharest
We are building the center in the quiet nature of Butimanu commune, Dâmbovița county, on 3 hectares of land dedicated to rebuilding the lives of those affected by addictions, creating the path towards regaining conscious control over one's own existence through lasting tools that prevent relapse and build an authentic, free, and responsible life.
In this space of balance between science, nature, and spirituality, we rediscover together the values that give meaning to life: love, community, and the joy of living with purpose and meaning.
Organization and conduct of the St. John The Merciful Center:
The center's therapeutic process is based on rigorous daily routines, group therapy, individual counseling, and occupational activities, all coordinated by a multidisciplinary team of psychologists, doctors, and specialized counselors. The ultimate goal is not limited to detoxification, but pursues lasting social reintegration and the attainment of autonomy, the joy of living freely, providing beneficiaries with the necessary tools to manage stress and prevent relapse after returning to society. Through this integrated model, the therapeutic community transforms vulnerability into strength, helping dependent individuals rediscover their identity and build a balanced, free, and autonomous lifestyle.
Call Center dedicated to people:
• On the verge of suicide
• Women who want to have an abortion, especially minors
• Abused Children
24/24 Ambulance Support
• Premature birth as a result of violence
• Violent cases
• Frostbite due to negative temperatures (for street people) and medical support
Psychological Support
• Women with pregnancy crises
• Drug addicts
• Alcohol addicts
Four Stages of Transformation
Stabilization
• Assessment and a safe environment
• The first step towards wholeness
Exploration
• Individual and group therapy
• Recognizing wounds and mechanisms
Transformation
• Art, nature, work, prayer
• Reconnecting with the authentic self
Reintegration
• Education, mentoring, autonomy, routine
• Returning to the world, transformed
Tools for Re-Integration and Re-Connection
Multifunctional Sports Hall
Movement as emotional release
Equine Therapy
Empathy and presence through the relationship with the horse
Greenhouses & Micro-Farm
Patience, care, natural food
Multisensory Garden
Relearning to feel without judgment
Arts & Conference Hall
Vulnerability becomes art
Community Library
The written word as a mirror of the soul
What We Build Upon
Human Dignity
Every person has an intrinsic, inherent, sacred value — not for what they do, but for who they are
Wholeness of Being
We approach each person in their entirety: body, mind, soul, relationships
Spiritual Freedom
We respect everyone's faith, with openness and sensitivity
Community
Healing happens in relationship, in love, in presence
Sustainability
A replicable, lasting model, anchored in Romanian reality
Active Love
Through deeds, through presence, through daily commitment
Aligned with European and international best practice standards
Our practices are grounded in internationally validated instruments:
Over 1,200 active therapeutic communities in Europe demonstrate that there is a validated path to recovery.
The First Integrated Therapeutic Center in Romania
We are building a model that:
Provides a coherent response to the addiction crisis — through wholeness, not just treatment
Reconnects people with themselves, with others, and with meaning — through harmony, knowledge, work, art, nature
Serves as a model for other rural therapeutic communities
Contributes to the social and economic regeneration of the area in which it operates
Changes public perception — from judgment to understanding, from rejection to compassion
Be Part of the Change. With Joy!
Building and operating this center is made possible through the support of the community, private and institutional partners, and all people of good faith.
You can contribute through:
Financial Donations
For construction, equipment, programs
Institutional Partnerships
Authorities, hospitals, schools, NGOs
Promotion
To offer hope to those who need it
Our team
Meet our team! We are people passionate about what we do and we want to be of service in the world we live in. Each of us has had our own falls, but the Good Lord worked through wonderful people, and they helped us get out of the mud of life. Now it is our turn to come to the aid of those who need us!
Alexandru Octavian Ionescu
President
For 23 years I worked in emergency situations, of which 17 years as a rescue diver within the Special Rescue Detachment. Law graduate and currently president of the Joy in Gift and St. John the Merciful Associations.
Marius Cioltan
Vice President
Master's student in Management and Business Administration (FEAA-USV). Graduate in Physical Education and Sport (UPIT-USV). Physical Education and Sport Teacher (DPPD Module Graduate). Handball Coach (Certified). Former competitive athlete.
Horia Bogdan Ioan
Vice President
Graduate of the Faculty of Civil Engineering in Bucharest, currently a partner manager at Azero, a company operating in the field of large and small format printing. Founding member (2017–present) and president (2017–2023) of the Together We Grow Values association.
Adrian Ion-Mărgineanu
Vice President
Marie Curie fellow, double PhD in Biomedical Engineering, with over 10 years of experience in artificial intelligence and biomedical imaging for the detection of cancer in MRI images and microscopy images. Coordinates AI development at Invenio-Imaging, developing AI solutions for brain cancer, lung cancer, and prostate cancer.
Alexandru Pițigoi-Mihuț
Vice President
Pilot with over 25 years of experience and multiple national champion in the National Motorsport Championships. Co-founder of the Romanian Sports Motorsport Federation. Certified Porsche AG instructor. FRAS certified driving instructor. Sports manager and team coordinator.
Arhitectonic Design Studio
Architecture project coordinator
At Arhitectonic Design Studio, we believe that architecture is more than design — it is a form of energy transposed into space. We are a team of young, passionate, and committed architects who bring enthusiasm, contemporary vision, and solid experience built across diverse fields to every project: educational, medical, residential, and HoReCa.
Ana Teodora Bănică
Volunteer coordinator
Student at the University of Bucharest, Faculty of Administration and Business, Public Administration specialization. Writer for the online magazine În Pridvor. Former student at UNATC Bucharest, Faculty of Theatre, Acting. Graduate of the Gheorghe Lazăr National College in Bucharest.
Ana Zaharia
Pediatrician
Graduate of the Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Bucharest, resident doctor in pediatrics.
Constantin Asavinei-Apostol
Pediatric Surgery Doctor
I graduated from the Faculty of Medicine, and now I am a resident doctor in pediatric surgery. Although I spend a lot of time in the hospital, I really enjoy movement, nature, and sharing everything that can fundamentally make us better and more beautiful, together with my neighbor!
Fabian Ghenof
Software Engineer
Development of features and infrastructure for online presence, with a primary area of expertise in game development and interactive artistic experiences.
Every person is called to become whole again
„At the Saint John the Merciful Center, we welcome every person with open arms and a heart full of hope. It doesn't matter how far you've fallen, what matters is that you choose to rise. And we are here, beside you, every step of the way."
Str. Poterași 14, București, România 040266
+4 0727 786 725