Our Heritage Since 1903
More Than 120 Years of Serving Baabda.
For more than 120 years, the Baabda Youth Charity Association – جمعية شبان بعبدا الخيرية – has supported residents and families facing illness, poverty, and life’s difficulties.
Its history is closely intertwined with that of Baabda and Lebanon. Through periods of prosperity as well as crises, wars, and economic upheaval, generations of members, volunteers, and donors have shared the same conviction: solidarity must be translated into concrete action, always respecting the dignity of every individual.
1903 – The Founding of the Association
Founded in Baabda in 1903, the Association was established with a charitable and social mission: to organize community solidarity and support those most in need.
The 1950s – Organizing Community Support
Historical records document food distributions, including hundreds of kilograms of flour, as well as assistance for families and patients needing medication. These activities established two enduring priorities: helping families meet their basic needs and helping patients access treatment.
1958 – A Symbol of Continuity
A specially made flag bearing the Association’s Arabic name was presented to the Association as a lasting symbol of its identity, work, and commitment to future generations.
The 1960s – Expanding Assistance
The Association continued distributing essential food supplies and providing financial and medical assistance to vulnerable families and patients.
1967 – Responding to Crisis
During a period of regional instability, the Association mobilized its resources to purchase and distribute essential food supplies, demonstrating its ability to respond to urgent community needs.
1975–1980s – Continuing Through the War
Despite the Lebanese Civil War and its devastating impact on Baabda, the Association continued its charitable activities, supporting families and patients despite increasingly difficult circumstances.
1997 – Rebuilding and Opening the Dispensary
Following the renovation of its headquarters, the Association inaugurated its charitable dispensary on 7 December 1997. This landmark achievement transformed decades of charitable assistance into a more structured and permanent medical service, made possible through the Association’s efforts and the support of the Municipality of Baabda and numerous benefactors.
2003 – Celebrating 100 Years
The Association celebrated its centenary, marking a century of solidarity, service, and commitment to the people of Baabda.
2003–2018 – Strengthening Social and Medical Services
The Association continued developing its dispensary, supporting access to medicines, providing financial and food assistance, and helping families facing medical and economic difficulties. It also continued managing its property assets to help finance its charitable activities.
2019–2023 – Facing Lebanon’s Economic Crisis
Lebanon’s financial and economic collapse severely affected both the Association’s resources and the families it supports. As living costs rose and access to savings became restricted, the need for food, medicines, and financial assistance increased significantly. The Association continued adapting its services despite declining resources and reduced local donations.
Since 2024 – Responding to New Challenges
War, economic hardship, and rising living costs have placed additional pressure on vulnerable communities. The Association continues to support families, provide medicines and essential supplies, and assist patients and older people, while seeking new ways to sustain its mission.
Today – Supporting Approximately 200 Families
Today, the Association supports approximately 200 families through its dispensary, medication assistance, food and financial aid, essential supplies for older people, and contributions toward medical and hospital expenses whenever resources permit.
2026 – Preparing for the Future
Building on its long history, the Association is preparing a new chapter focused on strengthening and modernizing its dispensary, developing medical partnerships, improving access to medicines, and diversifying its funding sources.
It also aims to reconnect with the Lebanese diaspora, develop international partnerships, preserve and better utilize its heritage assets, and improve transparency through clearer reporting and modern management tools.
Future initiatives may include an intergenerational social and cultural space where young people and older residents can meet, learn, and share their knowledge and experience.
Carrying the Torch Forward
In 1997, the inauguration of the dispensary carried a message to future generations: to carry the torch forward, continue the mission, and develop the work entrusted to them by their predecessors.
Today, that responsibility is ours.
Our methods may evolve, generations may change, and challenges may differ, but our mission remains the same: to stand beside those who need help, preserve their dignity, and ensure that the Baabda Youth Association continues serving its community for generations to come.
Preserve our history. Modernize our means. Extend our solidarity.
