Sandra Lacinová & Via Connecta
Sandra Lacinová is the founder of Via Connecta, a social care initiative in the Czech Republic supporting families of children with autism, ADHD, and learning differences. Drawing from her personal experience as a mother of a neurodivergent child, Sandra founded Via Connecta to fill critical gaps in access to therapies, financial education, and emotional support—particularly for single mothers raising children without the resources to afford paid care.
With the support of the Giving Joy grant, Via Connecta moved from planning into active implementation and launched its first financial literacy workshop for single parents of neurodivergent children. The program focused on practical financial skills such as budgeting, managing debt, setting realistic financial goals, navigating social benefits, and coping with financial stress. Delivered through group work, hands-on exercises, and open discussion, the workshop created a safe, non-judgmental space where participants could share real-life experiences and learn from one another. This marked Via Connecta’s transition from preparation to direct service delivery and strengthened its role as a trusted provider of financial wellbeing support.
The workshop directly supported 15 single parents, primarily single mothers and one father, and indirectly benefited an estimated 30 additional household members, most often children. Participants reported increased financial confidence, reduced stress, and a stronger sense of control over their finances. Several parents learned for the first time about benefits they were eligible for, giving them new opportunities to better support their children’s therapy and care.
One participant clarified a business idea she now hopes to pursue, highlighting the program’s potential to support long-term economic independence. For families, the impact extended beyond finances, contributing to calmer home environments and greater emotional stability for children who are often highly sensitive to parental stress.
Building on this success, Via Connecta plans to offer additional themed workshops, provide more tailored support for single parents, and expand programming to include children through age-appropriate financial and life skills activities. Through this work, Sandra and Via Connecta continue to help families move from overwhelm toward clarity, confidence, and long-term stability.
