11.10.2026 10:50
Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş opened Ankara's first Nefes Center. The Nefes Center provides short-term care support to families of individuals with disabilities. At the center, families will be able to leave their children for up to 30 days a year when needed. Göktaş said that 48 centers have been opened nationwide, and that the aim is to expand the centers to 81 provinces within a month.
Minister Göktaş met with members of the press and social media content creators at the Saray Accessible Living Care, Rehabilitation and Family Counseling Center. Within the scope of the visit, Göktaş carried out the opening of the Nefes Center.
CHATTED WITH PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
Visiting the center with members of the press and social media content creators, Minister Göktaş chatted with persons with disabilities staying there. Göktaş, who also visited the İyilik Var stand, made assessments about the platform. Then, visiting the handicraft workshops in the employment and occupation unit, Göktaş examined the products made by persons with disabilities.
“THEY CAN LEAVE THEM FOR UP TO 30 DAYS”
Making a statement to members of the press after the visit, Minister Göktaş said the following:
“We carried out the opening of Ankara’s first Nefes Center. We carried out the opening of a center where our families of persons with disabilities, especially in times of need, can leave their children for up to 30 days within a year.”
“WE AIM TO EXPAND IT TO OUR 81 PROVINCES”
Stating that the center has a capacity of 24 people, Göktaş reported that separate units were created for women and men. Göktaş continued as follows:
“We have currently opened 48 across the country. Within a month, we aim to gradually expand it to our 81 provinces throughout Turkey. We have now opened a center in the center of Ankara that responds exactly to this need, one of the greatest needs of families of persons with disabilities, when they have surgery, go out of town, or something happens to them and they ask where I can leave my child for a short time.”
779 PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ARE BEING SERVED
Minister Göktaş noted that the Saray Accessible Living Center serves 779 persons with disabilities. According to the information provided by Göktaş, social and cultural activities are carried out along with rehabilitation at the campus consisting of 73 detached villas. Persons with disabilities work in design and wood workshops and are also supported by sports activities. There are 53 licensed athletes with disabilities at the center.
Emphasizing that they attach importance to directing persons with disabilities toward culture, art, agriculture, and sports, Göktaş argued that many steps have been taken for persons with disabilities under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Göktaş stated that many services, from home care assistance to disability pension, and from daytime services to residential institutions, have been expanded across Turkey.
“THEY ARE A TRUST ENTRUSTED TO OUR STATE”
Expressing that free services are provided to persons with disabilities staying at the center, Göktaş used the following statements:
“They are our children, entrusted to our state. But on the other hand, there are also centers where our families in need can leave them for a short time. Therefore, the Nefes Center has actually become a very valuable service that responds to the needs of families of persons with disabilities as well. In addition to our policy of works and services, we stand by each of our citizens in need in particular. We strive to stand by each member of our great Turkish family. Our Accessible Living Center is also a work of the vision set forth by our President.”
“MAKING GOOD DEEDS VISIBLE IS NOW ESSENTIAL”
Minister Göktaş also announced that they have expanded the İyilik Var Platform across all of Turkey. Explaining that with the platform they aim to make philanthropy more visible and spread goodness throughout the country, Göktaş stated that the Turkish nation has an understanding that loves solidarity and helps those in need. Göktaş said, “However, in an environment where evil is so widespread, making good deeds visible is now essential.”
VOLUNTEERING WILL BE POSSIBLE THROUGH E-GOVERNMENT
According to the information provided by Göktaş, citizens will be able to register as volunteers through the platform via e-Government with state assurance. Volunteers will be able to use their skills in centers serving persons with disabilities, the elderly, and children. Minister Göktaş invited all citizens to become volunteers and register with the İyilik Var Platform.