What De Lovie does

De Lovie vzw is a Belgian non-profit social care organization (vereniging zonder winstoogmerk, Ondernemingsnummer 0410.853.396) founded on 1 September 1960 in Poperinge and headquartered at Krombeekseweg 82, 8970 Poperinge. It is a VAPH-licensed care provider (vergunde zorgaanbieder) under the Vlaams Agentschap voor Personen met een Handicap, delivering individual support, day support, residential support, employment support, education support and leisure activities to children, youth and adults with intellectual disabilities, autism, acquired brain injury (NAH), or other vulnerabilities across the entire Westhoek region (municipalities of Poperinge, Ieper, Diksmuide, Wervik, Lo-Reninge, Langemark-Poelkapelle, Heuvelland and Alveringem). The organization operates 35+ physical locations including group homes, day-support ateliers, an inclusive farm (De Biotope), an art studio (Studio Artîlerie), a music group (Il Sogno), a bicycle repair workshop (Fietsatelier Het Verzet), six Kwaito-model dorpspunten (village points), and heritage sites — notably Kasteelpark De Lovie (63 ha protected landscape) and Begijnhof Diksmuide (protected monument since 03/02/2000).

The service portfolio is organized around three life-stage segments (children, youth, adults) and is delivered through proprietary branded programs: Mobius and Mobius Joki for individual support; Werkburo for supported employment (begeleid werk, individual maatwerk, AMA, activation trajectories); the ODB (Observation, Diagnosis, Treatment) unit for severe behavioral/emotional disorders from age 16; Speelplein Mikado, JokiFun and Tsjakut Tsjakin for leisure; and De Trapleer / De Treffer for training. There is no proprietary technology platform disclosed; operational technology consists of standard welfare-sector IT systems, assistive communication tools via the Modem partnership, digital fundraising/donor management, and a downloadable 'De Treffer' leisure activities smartphone app.

Revenue is generated from three streams: (1) recurring government subsidies via VAPH personal budgets (persoonsvolgend budget) and service agreements; (2) private donations, legacy bequests, project crowdfunding and the December 2025 Schenkersfonds Kasteelpark De Lovie (managed through Koning Boudewijnstichting) — donations of €40+ qualify for a 30% tax certificate; and (3) social-enterprise revenue from handmade product workshops, ceramics/candle/jam sales, retail shops (Jules & Jolies, Aurelia, Atelier Fenestra, Het Huis van Juffrouw Sibylle), farm produce, café/terrace operations, heritage visitor arrangements (€2.50–€10/person plus guide fees), and contract work such as packaging and mailings. The organization supplements core funding with EU grants, including ~€674,107 from Interreg INSPIRE (EFRO) and ~€509,485 from ESF for the Magnifiek Uniek project (2024–2026). Go-to-market is community-led (referrals via Intersectorale toegangspoort, social services, schools, Werkburo, partner organizations) combined with direct-to-consumer intake through the social service department ([email protected], 057 334 965).

Name

De Lovie

Legal name

De Lovie vzw

Website

https://www.delovie.be

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

De Lovie is a nonprofit social organization that offers support to young and adults with mental or other disabilities.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Poperinge

HQ country

Belgium

HQ region

Europe

Offices41 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Government Subsidies (VAPH): De Lovie vzw is a licensed care provider (vergunde zorgaanbieder) of the Vlaams Agentschap voor Personen met een Handicap (VAPH). Core operational funding derives from government subsidies tied to client personal budgets (persoonsvolgend budget) and service agreements with the VAPH.
2. Donations, Legacies, and Fundraising: The organization raises private funds through one-time and recurring donations, legacy bequests (legaten), a Schenkersfonds for the castle restoration, and project-specific crowdfunding. Donations from €40 generate a tax certificate providing 30% tax reduction.
3. Social Enterprise Revenue (Workshops, Shops, Events): Revenue is generated through the sale of handmade products (ceramics, candles, jams, woodwork), café/terrace operations, visitor arrangements and cultural events, and work contracting services (packaging, mailings, assembly).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

De Lovie vzw is a VAPH-licensed non-profit care provider offering residential, day, and individual support services for children, youth, and adults with intellectual disabilities, autism, acquired brain injury, or other vulnerabilities across the Westhoek region. Its offering is complemented by supported employment (Werkburo), leisure and youth programs (Mikado, JokiFun, Tsjakut Tsjakin), an observation/diagnosis/treatment unit (ODB), an inclusive farm (De Biotope), and a chain of community retail and heritage venues.

Product overview

De Lovie vzw is a social care organization offering a comprehensive portfolio of support services for persons with intellectual disabilities or other vulnerabilities across the Westhoek region. The core offering includes day support (Dagondersteuning), living support (Woonondersteuning), and individual coaching through Mobius and Mobius Joki programs. Specialized services include Werkburo for supported employment, ODB for observation and treatment, and various leisure programs like Speelplein Mikado, JokiFun, and Tsjakut Tsjakin. The organization operates several distinctive initiatives including De Biotope (inclusive farm), Studio Artîlerie (art studio), Il Sogno (music group), Fietsatelier Het Verzet (bicycle repair), and a network of Dorpspunten (village shops). Commercial operations include production workshops, shops (Jules & Jolies, Aurelia, Atelier Fenestra), and heritage visits at Castle De Lovie. De Lovie also provides training through De Trapleer and coordinates leisure activities via De Treffer.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Studio Artîlerie: A free space for experience and expression where participants can discover themselves artistically through various media such as graphics, painting, monumental and installation art, video art, drama, dance, and music.
• De Biotope
• Il Sogno
• Dorpspunten
• Mobius
• Werkburo
• De Trapleer
• JokiFun
• Tsjakut Tsjakin
• Fietsatelier Het Verzet
• De Seizoenen

Products and services

• De Lovie (core care services) Comprehensive social care organization providing day support, living support, individual coaching, and leisure activities for children, youth, and adults with intellectual disabilities or other vulnerabilities across the Westhoek region.
• Woonondersteuning (Residential Support) Residential support services ranging from independent living in studios to small-scale group homes, with varying intensity of care including specialized housing for medical conditions, psychological vulnerability, physical problems, or dementia.
• Dagondersteuning (Day Support) Day support services for children and adults, available both as school-complementary and school-replacing programs, offering developmental stimulation, skills training, therapy, and meaningful activities tailored to individual needs.
• Mobius (Individual Support) Individual support service offering home-based, location-based, or mobile guidance for persons with disabilities, including household organization, budget management, administrative assistance, relationship support, and psychosocial coaching.
• Mobius Joki Individual support service for children and youth with disabilities, providing home-based, school-based, or location-based coaching including parenting tips, classroom support, and leisure guidance.
• Werkburo (Supported Employment) Supported employment service helping persons with disabilities find work in the regular labor market, offering job coaching, individual custom work arrangements, labor market activities (AMA), activation trajectories, and work reintegration support.
• ODB (Observatie-, Diagnose- en Behandelingsunit) Observation, diagnosis, and treatment unit for persons with intellectual disabilities and severe behavioral/emotional disorders from age 16, offering mobile, ambulatory, or residential guidance.
• Het Havenhuis (NAH Support) Residential support, day support, and mobile home guidance for adults with acquired brain injury (NAH), integrated into De Lovie vzw since the January 2022 merger.
• Matthijs Day support location for children combining part-time regular or special education with part-time day care, offering information, advice, and support for children aged 0-21 with suspected disabilities.
• Speelplein Mikado Holiday playground program for children with disabilities and their siblings aged 3-12, offering varied activity programs during school holidays in Poperinge and Wervik.
• JokiFun Leisure program for youth aged 12-21 with autism spectrum disorder (ASS) or behavioral problems, offering fun activities and social gatherings.
• Tsjakut Tsjakin Leisure program for youth aged 12-21 with intellectual disabilities, offering varied recreational activities ('in alle richtingen' - in all directions).
• De Biotope (Inclusive Farm) Inclusive farm combining sustainable agriculture, inclusion, and personal growth. Weekly day support for about fifty farm workers with disabilities, growing vegetables and fruits using ecological methods on the castle estate.
• Studio Artîlerie Art studio providing a free space for experience and expression, offering workshops in graphics, painting, monumental and installation art, video art, drama, dance, and music for artists with disabilities.
• Il Sogno Music group of De Lovie consisting of eight members performing varied programs of hit songs, folk songs, and original compositions on an extensive range of instruments.
• De Trapleer Training and education service offering a wide range of meaningful activities, training, and workshops for persons with intellectual disabilities or other limitations in the Westhoek region.
• Fietsatelier Het Verzet Sustainable and inclusive workplace where people with increased vulnerability learn the craft of bicycle repair, maintenance, and recycling under guidance.
• Dorpspunten (Village Points) Village points functioning as short-chain neighborhood shops run by persons with intellectual disabilities, offering local products, meeting places, and mobility services (carpooling, cargo bike rental, bike repairs).
• Jules & Jolies Gift shop, tearoom, and dining room located in Castle De Lovie, selling handmade decorations, jams, candles, ceramics, and serving refined croques, soup, and salads prepared with local ingredients.
• Productateliers Production workshops creating finished products for sale including wooden decorations, jams, candles, and ceramics, as well as simple contract work like packaging and mailings.
• Bezoeken en Arrangementen (Heritage Visits and Arrangements) Heritage visits and arrangements including 'Op de koffie bij Jules Van Merris', castle park tours, nature walks, sensory backpack walks, herb workshops, forest bathing, and treasure hunts for educational groups.

Quantifiable outcome

• 35 persons housed at Begijnhof Diksmuide (protected heritage site fully restored with EU Leader and other support)
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Aster (Leerecosysteem Poperinge)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024De Lovie vzw is an active partner of Aster, the learning ecosystem for the Poperinge region. Aster is a network of organizations committed to lifelong learning in the broadest sense. De Lovie's contact persons (Frederik Desodt and Veerle Decroix) act as 'smaakmakers' within the Aster network, contributing to the goal of answering every learning question in the region. Aster is co-financed by the EU.
• KwaitocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDe Lovie vzw is a coöperant (cooperative member) of Kwaito, a cooperative that promotes connecting entrepreneurship for an inclusive and sustainable society. Kwaito develops new societal models and products based on the knowledge and practical experience of its coöperants, always with multiple value creation. De Lovie's six dorpspunten carry the 'Kwaito-model' label, representing inclusive neighborhood businesses combining care, work, learning, and community. Impact domains include day support, participation, housing, learning, work, and leisure, with vulnerable people as the focus and the neighborhood as the engine.
• ModemcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDe Lovie vzw is a partner of Modem, which helps people with aids supporting written, spoken, or digital communication. From within De Lovie, logopedists (speech therapists) provide advice to persons not supported by the organization. Contact via [email protected] or tel. 057 344 361.
• Werkburo VlaanderencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDe Lovie vzw is part of Werkburo Vlaanderen which guarantees good practice of Begeleid Werk (supported employment). Werkburo wants an active and guiding role to spread the good practice of Begeleid Werk. Jobcoaches within De Lovie (forming Werkburo De Lovie vzw) offer begeleid werk, individual maatwerk, AMA, activation trajectories, Stap per stap, and WestUp. De Lovie is also a member of the Vlaams Platform Begeleid Werken.
• Synaps (Hersenletsel Liga - West-Vlaanderen)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDe Lovie vzw is a member of Synaps, the West-Flemish intersectoral collaboration for services to persons with non-congenital brain injury (NAH). The collaboration aims to support organizations in developing knowledge and expertise regarding persons with NAH.
• Stuurgroep Vroegtijdige ZorgplanningminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDe Lovie vzw is a member of the Stuurgroep Vroegtijdige Zorgplanning (Early Care Planning Steering Group), contributing to the development of early care planning practices.
• De Trapleer WesthoekcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDe Trapleer Westhoek is a collaboration between social and educational organizations in the Westhoek. Partners include De Lovie vzw, Ligo, Centrum voor Basiseducatie, De Leerwinkel Tordale, Vondels vzw, Duin & Polder, WVA – Metgezel, and Vief vzw. The program offers learning activities for persons with intellectual disability or other disabilities, from 'How do I make friends?' to 'How can I live more independently?'
• OCMW DiksmuidecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDe Lovie vzw and OCMW Diksmuide jointly implement the 'Sociale restauratie en inclusief wonen in historisch stadscentrum Diksmuide' project, creating employment opportunities for hard-to-activate persons, sustainable affordable housing, and inclusive care. Collaboration includes VDAB and clusterwerking De Opstap for training pathways in construction for low-skilled, long-term unemployed, and welfare recipients.
• Aster (Interreg project partner)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAster is co-funded by the European Union and collaborates with De Lovie vzw on the Magnifiek Uniek project at Kasteelpark De Lovie, covering heritage, nature, and artistic programming (Jan 2024–Dec 2026, total €849,313.51, EU €509,485.13).
• Goeste (horecapartner)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGoeste (ice cream and restaurant from Poperinge) partners with De Lovie for the inclusive operation of the Zomerterras (summer terrace) at Kasteelpark De Lovie and Jules & Jolies' dining room. A model of inclusive social entrepreneurship where persons supported by De Lovie work alongside the horecapartner.
• Taube FilmsminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerTaube Films collaborated on the vision film of De Lovie vzw. Music by Rik Rabaey, voice by Evelien Callens, text by Birgit Provoost and Evelien Callens.
• Present vzwminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDe Lovie collaborates with Present vzw for administrative support related to volunteer management, helping coordinate and support volunteers across the organization's various locations and programs.
• Buso-school De PinkercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDe Lovie vzw works closely with buso-school De Pinker, which offers education to youth with intellectual disability (type 2), emotional/behavioral problems (type 3), and autism (type 9) within opleidingsvorm 1 and 2. De Lovie provides additional support to students at all three De Pinker locations (Spalier, Kwadrant, 3Weg) in the Poperinge region.
• De Krant van West-VlaanderenminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDe Krant van West-Vlaanderen organized the 'Mooiste plekje van West-Vlaanderen' competition, in which Kasteelpark De Lovie was voted mooiste plekje van Poperinge and nominated for the provincial title, generating regional press coverage and brand visibility.
• Sig vzwminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSig vzw produced a sensitization and information video about acquired brain injury (NAH), featuring Het Havenhuis (now part of De Lovie vzw since January 2022), raising awareness about visible and invisible consequences of acquired brain injury.
• Les Papillons Blancs de DunkerqueminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWithin the micro-project 'Vivons ensemble' (Interreg V France-Wallonie-Vlaanderen), Il Sogno (De Lovie's music group) shared the stage 5 times with Rex'n Roll, the music band of the French organization Les Papillons Blancs de Dunkerque. An artistic road movie was produced from this concert series.
• Voka Health CommunityminorGTM or Marketing PartnerVoka Health Community (platform for healthcare enterprises, companies, knowledge centers, and patient groups) featured De Lovie's general director Patrick Deferme in a 'Future Thinkers' double interview series, discussing bridging care, inclusion, quality of care, and innovation.
• Wielermuseum KOERSminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWielermuseum KOERS contributed to the Fietsatelier Het Verzet expo 'De Koers, een verhaal van vallen en opstaan' at the chapel of Kasteelpark De Lovie, telling the evolution of cycling helmets in racing through stories of riders like Monseré, Casartelli, Kivilev, and Boonen.
• Hogeschool PXLminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHogeschool PXL (Limburg) collaborated with De Lovie's general director in a Voka Health Community double interview, and De Lovie collaborates with various colleges, universities, and research institutions on innovative crops (sweet potato, yacon, ginger, turmeric, resistant tomatoes) at Hoeve De Biotope.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• L'Arche International: International federation of communities where people with and without intellectual disabilities live and work together, founded by Jean Vanier. Closely comparable to De Lovie's community-embedded model of inclusive village life with shared residential, day, and artistic activities.
• Oranje vzw: Flemish disability care organization based in Brugge that partners with De Lovie in the Interreg INSPIRE project. Provides residential, day, and individual support services to persons with intellectual disabilities in a comparable nonprofit vergunde zorgaanbieder model.
• Camphill Communities: International network of intentional communities supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through shared living, work, and cultural life. Shares De Lovie's community-embedded philosophy, agricultural activities (De Biotope parallels Camphill farms), and artistic programming (Studio Artîlerie parallels Camphill arts initiatives).
• Groep Gidts: West-Vlaamse social enterprise and disability organization partnering with De Lovie in Interreg INSPIRE. Operates comparable supported employment, inclusive workshops, and care services for vulnerable populations in the broader Westhoek region.
• Les Papillons Blancs de Dunkerque: French disability care organization partnering with De Lovie in cross-border Interreg INSPIRE work and the Il Sogno music collaboration. Operates a comparable scope of residential, day, and artistic services for persons with intellectual disabilities in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region.
• Sint-Maartensberg: Flemish disability care organization (Tongerlo, Antwerp) offering residential and day support services to persons with intellectual disabilities. Comparable nonprofit vergunde zorgaanbieder operating across multiple locations with similar lifecycle service portfolio.

Emerging players

• Habbekrats: Belgian nonprofit offering inclusive meeting and workshop space in Antwerp, focused on social integration of vulnerable groups. Compares to De Lovie's dorpspunten and Studio Artîlerie as an inclusive community model, though with smaller residential footprint.

Broad incumbents

• CAW (Centrum Algemeen Welzijnswerk): Flemish umbrella organization for general social welfare (welzijnswerk) with 10 regional CAWs providing broader services including individual support, family counseling, housing assistance, and welfare work. Overlaps with De Lovie's Mobius individual support and sociale dienst functions but at a wider generalist scale.

Others

• Werkburo Vlaanderen: Flemish network of supported employment (begeleid werk) organizations of which De Lovie is a member. Comparable methodology for job coaching, AMA trajectories, and individual maatwerk, though Werkburo Vlaanderen operates as a coordinating federation rather than direct provider.
• Koning Boudewijnstichting: Belgian public utility foundation managing the Schenkersfonds Kasteelpark De Lovie and various other philanthropic funds for social causes. Comparable as a nonprofit-fundraising and capital-deployment infrastructure, though operating at foundation/policy level rather than direct service delivery.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/deloviepoperinge
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/de-lovie

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles22 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about De Lovie