The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) is an international Catholic organization whose mission is to accompany, serve and advocate for refugees and other forcibly displaced persons so that they can heal, learn and determine their own future. JRS operates in over 50 countries around the world providing assistance to refugees either in camps or within the society, asylum seekers and migrants in detention centers. JRS' work focuses on four key priorities: reconciliation, education, livelihood and advocacy, while providing comprehensive legal, psychosocial and emergency intervention support.
Specifically, in Greece Jesuit Refugee Service was founded in November 2015 and our actions focus on helping vulnerable populations. To promote the social inclusion of refugees and migrants, we carry out programs that support individuals from the first moment of their arrival, accompanying them towards their full participation in the new society they find themselves in.
JRS Greece manages 5 projects in the heart of Athens:
1. Pedro Arrupe Center: The Center assists in the daily study of refugees, migrants and asylum seekers students who are enrolled in Greek schools and need help due to language and lack of support from their families. Also, the aim is to contact students with other activities in order to broaden their horizons and give them supplies for the future. The organization's social worker, in collaboration with the Center's Coordinator, evaluates cases that need further supervision.
2. Women's Day Center: The Women's Day Center offers basic hygiene services such as showers, washing machines, social support with interpretation and creative activities in order to advance their skills and help them in the process towards autonomy. We also have sewing machines that women can use for their personal use or to learn. Also, due to our action in the field, we enter into partnerships with other organizations to meet the needs of medical, psychosocial and legal issues.
3. Magistories: Non-formal education program for adults, adolescents and children to acquire new skills in order to actively participate in new societies. Specifically, Greek and other foreign languages are learned, as well as workshops related to employability. Also during the summer months we organize activities for children (summer camp).
4. Welcome Center: New program launched in 2024! Free coffee and tea are provided at the Center while beneficiaries can interact and feel part of a community. There is also a social worker and an interpreter to help them and guide them in their requests.
5. Free-shop: a store providing free clothes, shoes, toys and goods for the home – always depending on the donations we have received. We also offer, based on our capabilities, everyday hygiene products such as soaps, toothpastes and toothbrushes.
