From Street Music to a Nationwide Movement – For Twenty Years, Faith, Love and the Power of Community Have Shaped the Nem Adom Fel Foundation.
Who would have thought in 2006 that a group of young street musicians with disabilities, starting with just 400,000 forints in initial capital, would create an organization that two decades later provides employment for 300 people with reduced work capacity?
This year, the Nem Adom Fel Foundation celebrates its 20th anniversary.
From Street Musicians to a Value-Creating Community
The “incubator” of Nem Adom Fel was the Transitional Home and Arts Workshop of the Down Foundation, recalls Géza Dely, chairman of the foundation’s board. It was here that an exceptionally talented group with strong personalities began to form – a team that quickly became a community through their musical and performing abilities.
During the early performances and theatrical shows, whenever difficulties arose, one sentence was almost always heard:
“We won’t give up!”
This phrase later became the name of both the band and the foundation.
Street performances were soon followed by sold-out supporter concerts. The NEMADOMFEL Band even performed on the stage of the Papp László Budapest Sport Arena, alongside renowned Hungarian artists such as Magdi Rúzsa, Sándor Révész, Gábor Presser, Quimby, János Bródy, András Lovasi, Republic, Róbert Szikora, Caramel, and many others.
Twenty Years – Memorable Milestones
2003 – The Beginning
The “street music” project began during the European Year of People with Disabilities, creating the financial foundation for the future organization.
2005 – A Film About the Miracle
The award-winning film “Dream Tour” (Álomturné), directed by Csaba Szekeres, was released. The unconventional mock-documentary presented the story of the Nemadomfel team.
2008 – “The World Is Better With Us”
The first major charity concert was organized, introducing the motto:
“Everyone is rich enough to help others.”
For ten years the gala took place every December 3rd, on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, with the participation of Hungarian and international stars.
2010 – Nemadomfel House in Szendrőlád
The first Nemadomfel House opened, providing a supportive day-care program for Roma children.
2011 – Launch of the Support Service
A support service program was introduced.
2013 – Nick Vujicic in Hungary
At the invitation of the Nem Adom Fel Foundation, Nick Vujicic visited Hungary.
During the three-day event series in Budapest, Pécs and Debrecen, more than 20,000 people attended the motivational speaker’s talks.
The Never Give Up Gospel Choir was founded in connection with this event.
2014 – “Léleköntő” Workshop
A new program supporting children with autism and their families was launched, and the Nemadomfel House in Pánd opened.
2016 – The First Inclusive Café in Budapest
The Nem Adom Fel Café and Restaurant opened in Budapest, becoming Hungary’s first café created by people with disabilities.
2024 – Supported Housing
The first supported housing unit in Budapest opened at the corner of Baross Street and Vasas Lane.
2024–2025 – Sport and New Momentum
The charity running campaign “IAmASuperheroToo” was launched, followed in 2025 by the establishment of the Boundless Strength Sports Association, whose members with disabilities have successfully joined Hungary’s sports community.
Providing Work and a Future for 300 People
Mária Kónya, board member of the foundation and head of rehabilitation employment, has been involved in the organization’s work since 2007.
They started with five employees.
By 2010 the number grew to 30.
Today the organization employs 300 people with reduced work capacity.
“The story of the Nem Adom Fel Foundation is not about limitations. It is about the moment when a person in need of help becomes someone who helps others. The foundation of dignity is meaningful work. The soul has no limits – only our belief in what we are capable of.”
According to Szabolcs Papp, board member and spokesperson of the organization, the essence of their mission is:
“To give people a chance for a more independent life, while showing society the value-creating work and determination of people living with disabilities.”
László Németh, who has been part of the community since the beginning, says:
“For me this community represents acceptance, perseverance and caring love. It is a place where it is okay to be strong, but it is also okay to rest sometimes – because we know someone will always walk back to support us.”
The Story Continues
The Nem Adom Fel Foundation is preparing for new projects, dreams and programs.
Their mission remains the same:
“We pour soul into the world.”
Creating opportunities, providing jobs and building community.
The anniversary was also a special moment to thank all those – supporters, volunteers, colleagues and helpers – who have stood beside them over the past twenty years.
Because as long as we stand together, nothing is impossible.
And they still refuse to give up.
