The Child and Adolescent’s Center was founded in 1996 and is the largest Urban Non-Profit Organization in Greece based in the province, on the remote island of Chios, and one of the most dynamic in the field of mental health in the country.

The philosophy of the Child and Adolescent’s Center is inspired by the principles of Social and Community Psychiatry. The activities and services of the Child and Adolescent’s Center are provided within the community, without removing the mentally ill from their physical / social environment, ensuring the continuous care with the active participation of the community. The Child and Adolescent’s Center participates in the psychiatric reform in Greece with two institutions, which are included in the National Action Plan “Psychargos”.

The aim of the Child and Adolescent’s Center is the improvement of the quality of life for children, teenagers and adults in the areas of Mental Health and Special Education in Chios and in Attica. It also aims at prevention, prompt diagnosis, therapy, scientific research, planning and implementing programmes of public health, education and sensitization of the community.

Our vision

A world that talks about mental health comfortably and recognizes, understands and accepts the diversity of people with psychiatric / psychological / developmental disorders.

Our mission

• Το work every day to create a better future for people with psychiatric / psychological / developmental disorders and their families, offering quality Mental Health and Special Education services.
• To implement information and awareness actions of the public, with the ultimate goal of eliminating discrimination, so that our beneficiaries enjoy their lives more and more, coexisting in society without exclusions.
• To train mental health professionals to improve the services they offer to beneficiaries and careers, helping to improve the quality of life for both.

The activities of the organisation, which later would be founded as the Social Work Foundation (SWF), started in 1946 as the Greek branch of a foreign humanitarian organisation called Global Ministries aimed to help reconstruct Greece after the Second World War, primarily focusing on social welfare. In 1967, the organisation was founded in Athens, in its present, legal form, as a public welfare, non-profit organisation.

Staffed by social workers and other professionals, the Foundation was recognised for its pioneering services in the area of social welfare, while also establishing applied social work as a discipline in Greece. The Foundation applied a series of programs for families in crisis, the elderly and individuals with disability, primarily focusing on urban community development and rehabilitation.

In 1973, the Social Work Foundation founded the Children Support and Rehabilitation Centre (C.S.R.C.) for children with cerebral palsy and similar conditions. In 1985, with the help of the I.K.Hadjipateras family, the Centre moved to new modern facilities in Metamorphosis in Athens (Attica). CSRC services are based on a day-care programme, a drop-in service for school-aged students requiring support in education, speech therapy, occupational therapy and physiotherapy, a daily living skills programme and an individualised intervention scheme for infants, as an early intervention scheme.

Between 1983-2005, the Foundation worked with the High Commission for Refugees of the United Nations to implement the first program for refugees and asylum seekers in Greece.

Also between 1985-1997, the Foundation implemented vocational training programs in computer sciences for young adults with physical disability, aged between 16-25, where a substantial number of graduates were pushed to the labour market.

The Foundation is chartered with the National Register of Non-Profit Private Sector Organisations Providing Social Care Services and the Special Register of Non-Profit Private Sector of Volunteer Non-Governmental Organisations.

“PAMMAKARISTOS” Foundation for Child” is a non-profit, philanthropic organization, that offers specialized educational and social support services to persons with autism, intellectual disability and other socio-economic challenges. “PAMMAKARISTOS” Foundation for Child” is the further transformation of “PAMMAKARISTOS” Children’s Summer Camps” that were established in 1945. In 1978, “PAMMAKARISTOS” was fully recognized by the Prefecture of Eastern Attica as a social service provider to Persons with Disabilities (P w D). Today, it is a recognized & certified service provider to P w D that belongs to the official Registry of the Ministry of Labour & Social Affairs.

“PAMMAKARISTOS” Foundation for Child” is managed by a seven-member Board of Directors and it is situated in Nea Makri, Attica on an overall land area of 20 acres, which includes buildings of 6.000 sq. m., allotted to the constitutional missions of the Foundation.

The coverage of special needs of persons with serious, developmental, educational and socio-economic challenges, became the main mission of the Foundation.

However from the early ‘90s, “PAMMAKARISTOS” Foundation for Child”, further specialized its services for persons with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability. It concentrated scientifically and organizationally on populations with ASD which –because of the particularity of ASD and the high incidence of autism in the general population (1/54 children)- represent to the day, a serious educational & social challenge. Following the developing scientific research and educational approaches on ASD, it became a Specialized Educational Centre for Autism, the oldest Autism centre in Greece.

Over the years “PAMMAKARISTOS” Foundation for Child” has serviced more than 5.000 disabled persons.

At the moment the “PAMMAKARISTOS” serves 120 persons with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability, ranging from the whole spectrum of functionality, with services of:

• a Daily Care Centre (ΚΔΗΦ),
• a Centre for the Creative Occupation of P w D (ΚΔΑΠ Α με Α),
• temporary hospitality for girls with ASD and a challenged socio-economic background,
• free time & respite care programs for the accommodated persons and their families,
• special education & groundwork for the transition to supported community living &
• education & vocational training for the transition to supported employment.

“THEOTOKOS” Foundation is a non-profit welfare organization for the Protection of Children and Youths with Developmental Disorders and has been operating since 1963. The facilities of the Foundation are located in the Municipality of Ilion and occupy an area of ​​51 acres. The Foundation provides Non-Profit Prevention, Recovery and Rehabilitation Services to people with Mental Developmental Disabilities & Autism Spectrum Disorders, from Early Childhood to Young Adult Life.

Vision – Purpose

Since its establishment, the Foundation aims at the social integration of people with developmental problems. It subsequently adopted the UN General Assembly Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in New York on 13 December 2006, which entered into force on 4 May 2008.

“The purpose of the Convention is to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities and to promote respect for the inherent dignity of the human person. People with disabilities include people with long-term physical, mental, spiritual or sensory impairments, which in interaction with various obstacles can hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal footing with others.”

The following general principles of this Convention define the care Services provided by the Foundation:

1. respect for inherent dignity, individual autonomy including the freedom to make one’s own choices, and the independence of individuals,
2. non-discrimination,
3. complete and effective participation and integration into society,
4. respect for diversity and the acceptance of people with disabilities as part of human diversity / diversity and humanity
5. equality of opportunity,
6. accessibility,
7. equality between men and women,
8. respect for the evolving potential of children with disabilities and respect for the right of children with disabilities to retain their identity.

At the same time, the Foundation adopted the bio-psychosocial model of the WHO. (World Health Organization) on a holistic approach to dealing with disability. Thus, people with intellectual – developmental disorders enjoy services that are tailored to each beneficiary individually and focus on their best possible functionality based on the International Classification of Functional Disability & Health (I.C.F.).

Cerebral Palsy Greece/Open Door, a registered non-profit organization, was founded in 1972 to offer people with cerebral palsy in Greece a place in the sun.

Cerebral Palsy Greece/Open Door never isolated itself or the people in its care.  On the contrary, it aims at overcoming the barriers created by ignorance and prejudice and building firm bridges of communication. We offer respect, support, encouragement, and hope to people with disabilities in every walk of life, while supporting the family, training specialized staff, enlightening the public and encouraging scientific research particularly as to the causes and means of prevention of cerebral palsy.

These aims characterize all our work, and with our pioneering spirit we constantly open up new pathways and widen the horizons for people with cerebral palsy.

We believe that education, culture and art are defining factors in the life of every human being, and we are determined to never give up as long as there is one child, teenager or adult in need of help, as we will never cease hoping for a brave new world that we can all share as equals.

The Open Door Centre of Education and Rehabilitation provides a wide range of services and programs of high quality for the education, rehabilitation, recreation and social inclusion of 240 children, young people and adults on a daily basis.

CPG/OD has received a series of awards over the years “for outstanding service in the field of disability”, including the highest award from the Greek Academy, and the Gold Cross of the Order  of Bienfaisance from the President of the Greek Republic.

Apart from the “NET”, CPG is the Organizational Member for Greece of the International Cerebral Palsy Society (ICPS), member of the European Association of Service Providers for Persons with Disabilities (EASPD) and member of the “Together for Children” Association.

The Parents’ Association of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities was founded in 2004 by parents through their anxiety about the lack of a structure in the field of Supported Living for adult people with mental retardation.

In 2006 the process of renovating the facilities in Neochori of Chios was completed and the effort to integrate into programs funded by the Ministry of Health began. In 2007, the operating license of “Supported Living Accommodation – Residential Institution” was issued for the establishment of the “Dionysios Residential Institution”, based on law 3394/2007. At the same time, a project financed by the ESF and the Ministry of Employment for staff training was implemented.

In 2012, the Ministry of Health decided to co-finance with the NSRF program 2007-2013 for the operation of the first SLA in Chios for 365 days a year with 24-hour operation. After a year, the reconstruction and equipping of the building was ensured with funds from the NSRF 2007-2013 and the cooperation of the Chios Regional Unit.

In 2016, the “Supported Living Accommodation – Apartment” was established and operated, as well as the issuance of an operating license for the social structure entitled “Day Care Center (DCC)” in order to join the NSRF 2014-2020. In 2017, the conclusion of a financing agreement was arranged with the National Organization for Healthcare Services Provision.

In 2018, the DCC officially started its operation, as well as the operation of the 3^rd SLA. In 2020, the procedures for the operation and inclusion of the 4^th SLA in the NSRF program began.

Our organization now consists of four SLAs and a DCC, serves 18 beneficiaries in SLAs and 25 beneficiaries in DCC. We aim to develop a network of SLAs in the prefecture of Chios and in the rest of the North Aegean region.

MARGARITA Vocational Training Center (MARGARITA VTC) is an organization with more than 40 years of experience in educational and vocational training of young people with intellectual disabilities in Attica, Greece. It was founded in 1979 by Ioanna Tsokopoulou, mother of Leonidas, a child with Down Syndrome.

The aim of MARGARITA is the empowerment of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, in order to become more autonomous and active citizens in an inclusive society. For this reason, to this day MARGARITA offers user-centered services to its service users and their families based on their wishes, needs and talents in the following fields:

• human rights,
• supported employment,
• supported decision making,
• self-advocacy,
• development of new training tools,
• supported living,
• social entrepreneurship,
• art
• and services of the elderly.

MARGARITA has been responsible for the implementation of European and national projects and is a member of important European consortia.

At the same time, it develops initiatives and good practices, two of which are:

• 13m2Gallery that operates since 2018 in the Municipal Market of Kypseli, is part of the wider project “Artistic Margarita” together with the Atelier and the Troupe creating a unit where talented beneficiaries have the opportunity to develop professionally in the field of art
• and the digital platform ergasiamou.gr that organizes and supports the access of people with intellectual disabilities to the labour market.

MARGARITA is a member of European and international umbrella organizations (e.g., EASPD, ENCC, etc.).

ELEPAP- Rehabilitation for The Disabled is the oldest non-profit charity organization in Greece providing rehabilitation services to children since 1937. It currently operates high-level facilities and has 6 branches throughout Greece (Athens, Thessaloniki, Chania, Ioannina, Volos and Agrinion).

Our mission is to provide Lifelong Support and access to rehabilitation programs to all persons with disabilities and their families, regardless of financial, social or religious circumstances. Our aim is to help our Brave Kids and adults with disabilities to take small or big steps, to take “Life Steps”.

Our vision is for every child with a disability, wherever he lives in Greece, to have the care he needs. In this way, he will be able to reach his full potential, have a place in society, have a job, personal life, friends, a partner, be able to have fun and live independently.

The organization is open to infants, children and adults and provides therapeutic programs, education and medical care to them as well as support and counselling services to their families.

ELEPAP stands by the children and helps them develop their potential for social integration and access to the formal school system. It is quite remarkable that 50-60% of our children manage to achieve this.

All along this journey we make sure to be at the side of the children’s families every step of the way. We create a spirit of solidarity, cooperation and trust where anything is possible.

In addition, it is important for us to help our children who have grown up, and need us as adults, to learn to rely on their own strength. Like all adults with disabilities.

Implementing targeted actions to provide adults with disabilities:

• independent and secure living
• education
• professional training and rehabilitation

The National Council of YMCAs  in Greece, represents the World Alliance of YMCAs which is the oldest and largest international voluntary youth organization for young people, founded in 1844. The NC of YMCAs, operates today in 119 countries, counting more than 58 million members.In Greece, The National Council of YMCAs  has been operating through the Headquarters of YMCA Athens ,YMCA Salonica and its departments  for over  than  100 years.

The National Council of YMCAs  in Greece aims at:

• Main general and ideological policy making of YMCAs in Greece.
• The coordination of the associations for the enhancement and advancement of their work so that they promote their main targets.
• Planning educational opportunities for the YMCA leaders.
• Providing educational programmes for the society and the disabled persons, their acception, inclusion, cooperation with them and their families, especially those who are economically weak.
• Establishing new Associations by the same principles around Greece.
• The communication with YMCAs worldwide for sharing experience as well as the operation of the campsites for the YMCA Greek and worldwide members, which is the major target of the Association.

In cooperation with the corresponding federations contributes to the development of sports with mobility vehicles (basketball, tennis, table tennis,fencing,chorus, boccia, ballet, theatre and other activities which provide human needs fulfilment and wellbeing, such as living in nature or camps.

The National Council of YMCAs  vision is the creation of assisting living places and daily centres The conformation many of its own buildings has already started, in order to achieve the appropriate certification of operation for disabled people on a daily basis, even when  they will not be  supported by their parents anymore.

Amimoni was founded in 1993 as a Nonprofit Organization with philanthropic status. It was founded by multiply disabled visually impaired children’s parents in order to meet the needs of children who were excluded from education and rehabilitation.

Today it runs 4 programs:

Early Intervention for children 0-6 years old

It is a home-based program which includes:

• Educational activities with the child and the carers
• Parent counseling

It also provides distance education and counseling to families who live outside Attica.

Day Center “IRIS”

• structured daily program
• individualized educational program
• Individual & group activities

It covers the needs of trainees aged 5 and above, with therapeutic interventions such as speech and language therapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, music therapy, physical and motor activities.

Guesthouse “Polichni”

It is an educational Program promoting semi-independent living.

It takes place from Friday to Monday, hosting 3-5 trainees, offering skills for independent life.

“Lilian Voudouri” Assisted Living Residence

The first – and still the only one – life-long residence in Greece for multiply disabled visually impaired people.  The main goals are:

• Institutionalization avoidance
• Excellent Care
• Enriched quality of life

Amimoni’s ultimate aim is to maximize each individual’s independence in daily living activities and improve their social integration.