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In early May 2013 we opened our door and arms with one Vision; to address the holistic needs of all vulnerable and socially excluded groups in need of social, psychological and family support in the greater area of Athens.
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Since our official start and within a short time we managed to make a difference on the everyday life of our fellow men affected by the dire socio-economic crisis, thanks to the hard work, endless passion and dedication of our team and volunteers.
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We started working on the streets and neighborhoods of Athens, observing the living conditions and needs of our socially vulnerable fellow men.
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In collaboration with the theatrical team “20 line 11” we organized a theatrical play .
All proceeds went towards the purchase of sleeping-bags for the homeless in the greater area of Athens and Piraeus. -
We invited Street Workers from other organizations to an open discussion regarding the issues faced in our field, the Street, exploring ways to improve common practices.
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Dynamo International coordinates the International network of social street workers who approach different social groups in their environment (children, youth people and adults).
40 national platforms of street workers are members of the network.
Two of our senior members participated in the training seminar of Dynamo International at the Social Street Work Institute in Lisbon, Portugal -
Maria Karra, founding member of Emfasis Foundation presented her personal story leading to the creation of Emfasis Foundation.
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We presented statistical data on Social Street Work to the students from the Psychology Department of the Mediterranean College.
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During a 30-day period, we offered:
-1500 portions of breakfast based out of the “SynAthina” venue in the center of Athens.
-humanitarian kits (sleeping-bag, gloves, woolen hat, socks & poncho) in 14 different neighborhoods of Attica, with the support of a mini van provided by TUI Hellas -
We started a new partnership with the hostel “Mellon”, in which 45 minors and two mothers with their babies find shelter, offering them clothing and footwear.
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Social street work:
-25 permanent volunteers
-8 groups of street workers
in Athens and Piraeus -
We invited Street Workers from other organizations to an open discussion regarding the issues faced in our field, the Street, exploring ways to improve common practices.
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The 1st mini Greek Football Tournament in the UAE, in aid of Emfasis Foundation, in which 8 Greek teams participated.
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We invited Street Workers from other organizations to an open discussion regarding the issues faced in our field, the Street, exploring ways to improve common practices.
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From 15-23 April based out of the “Synathina venue” we assisted over 700 people with:
-Hot Breakfast.
-The new information booklet/map for social & public services, published by Emfasis.
-Psychological counseling and guidance.
-Free clothing and personal hygiene items.
-Submission of social benefits assistance.
-Distribution of supermarket gift-vouchers worth 10€ and 20€. -
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The Pedro Arrupe Center is a Day School in a deprived area in the center of Athens attended daily by 110 children of all nationalities.
All of the Children attend the Center’s programme for studies and activities whilst some of them receive daily meals. -
With the support of Le Monde institute, we celebrated our 1st birthday serving homemade delicacies on the streets of 5 different areas of Athens, surrounded by our volunteers!
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Emfasis offers former prohibited substance users and homeless the opportunity to reintegrate in the society through improving their physical appearance. Full dental restoration is provided through the programme “Changing the Past – Dental Restoration”.
Candidates undergo a selection process and they participate at a post-programme 6 month evaluation. -
In September, we signed our Synergy Memorandum with A21 Campaign, an organisation against human trafficking,
sealing our common goal to combat human trafficking and prevent and protect its victims.
Emfasis, informs all potential trafficking victims about A21 in the Athens area through social street work. -
Thanks to Athens Flying Week’s support, we were able to participate in one of the largest aviation events in Europe as the official non-profit organization!
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In September, we launched the Emfasis Health Cards
-selected free medical tests
-free medical evaluation for the homeless and non-insured below the poverty line. -
A pioneering programme designed to enhance Emfasis Volunteers’ work by covering part of their transportation costs and training as well as the material support (clothing, food, printed maps of social structures in Athens).
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On 5th November 2014 Emfasis hosted an information evening “Methodology and Meaning of Social Street Work” at the Cultural Center of Athens municipality, aiming at raising public awareness about Social Street Work’s contribution against the social exclusion of vulnerable groups.
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A 2-day Educational – Experiential Workshop“On the Street: A practical guide for new social street workers” by Don Irving & Simon Whitmore, members of the UK Federation of Detached Youth & Valbona Hystuna – member of Dynamo International.
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We informed the group of Volunteers “Sparks” by Glovo about Social Streek Work from Emfasis Foundation!
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Ellinomatheia Greek school in Dubai supports Emfasis Foundation Merry Streetmas campaign.
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Emfasis is Synergies...
Presentation to the members of the RSF Hellas (Voluntary Communication and Rescue Team) who were part of our Merry Streetmas Winter Campaign on the streets of Athens. -
15th December to 9th January:
-1536 portions of tea and snacks.
-45 survival kits.
-Clothing to 101 people.
-Psychological support & Counseling to 20 individuals.
-Christmas presents to dozens of unaccompanied and working children. -
A great initiative from The Hellenic Community in the UAE full of fun and delicious Greek food in aid of Emfasis “Social Service Corner” project of Emfasis in Greece.
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For the first time in Greece, a private initiative offers the following services to vulnerable and socially excluded groups…
•“Emfasis οn Health”: information and request submission about Emfasis’ health cards.
•Information about Social Structures and free activities.
•Legal counseling and employment advisory.
•Food, clothing, survival kits, baby and school supplies. -
Emfasis joins Volonteurope, an international network promoting the values and principles of volunteering, active citizenship and social justice at local, regional, national and European level.
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Emfasis took part in the Vouliwatch Workshop which aimed to bring together Non – governmental organizations in order to discuss and promote social issues, such as humanitarian aid.
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On Sunday 8th March 2015, Emfasis Foundation was at the Ster Cinemas Escape Ilion in order to gather personal hygiene items for women who live on the street or face serious survival problems.
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On March 13th, 11 Greek teams participated in the
2nd Greek Mini Soccer Tournament in the UAE, supporting the homeless and people below the poverty line in Athens while hundreds of Greek expatriates came to enjoy the spectacle and applaud the participants. -
On March 26 2015, Emfasis Foundation in cooperation with YouRule and the Democracy of Ideas worked a night shift offering hot tea and snacks, sleeping bags gathered by the greek community of Amsterdam, clothes as well as warm smiles to those who live in a “street situation”.
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On 27th March we were at Deree – The American College of Greece spreading awareness about Emfasis Participation in the Athens Half Marathon on May 3rd 2015.
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Social Street Worker volunteers from Emfasis Foundation participated in «Outreach work and drop – in Centres 2015. Social Work: Taking Care of the Dignity of Human Being» in Prague.
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Emfasis Foundation organized a complimentary experiential seminar on “Woman’s Power” for Greeks living in the United Arab Emirates, facilitated by the author and life coach Xenia Giannaki.
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During Easter (6 - 12 April) Emfasis volunteers street workers and Mobile Support Unit were daily present on the streets standing by those who were alone and aiming to address their needs (food, clothing, first aid, psychological support, legal counseling and employment advisory).
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Emfasis Foundation, as a formal cooperating non-profit organization, ran with 100 runners (friends and supporters) into the Half Marathon in Athens, on Sunday 3 May 2015, under the motto "I run with Emfasis...On the Homeless of Athens"
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Ster Cinemas Ilion and Contests4Causes, support Emfasis’ Mobile Supoort Unit!
Participants enrolled in order to win free tickets for their favorite movie, while at the same time supporting those in need! -
Emfasis Head Social Street Worker travelled to 3 UK cities - Southampton, Newcastle and London in order to observe the work of many Homeless Assistance Centers and Youth Centers and shared best practices with the heads of more than 10 projects such as Bridge, Morphe, 2Saints, New Horizon, YMCA, North Tyneside, The People's Kitchen, Depaul UK Consortium for Street Children etc.
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Direct Intervention Program* offers these people temporary shelter on a weekly basis in order to:
•Provide a place where they can protect themselves from extreme weather conditions
•Facilitate the improvement of their personal hygiene
•Help them get away from the hustle and bustle of the streets, avoid prying eyes and get a feeling of security, a sense of having a personal space
