Bridging the gap between vulnerable groups and employers
The integration or reintegration of a person from a particularly vulnerable population group into society through finding a job is not only a personal step towards equal integration, but also a collective step against prejudice.
Prejudices that marginalize or completely exclude people from the labor market.
Mental health problems, ageism, ageism, stigma, origin and others perpetuate social inequalities and hinder labour market integration or reintegration.
All the above and more are being targeted by SolidarityNow with the support of Alpha Bank through the “Bridging the Gap” program. The aim of the program is to bridge the gap between the needs of the private sector and the employment needs of people from specific social groups, with a focus on unemployed women from vulnerable backgrounds.
And yes, it is possible.
In this tribute we embrace the collaboration of private companies belonging to the nationwide network of the labor market liaison service, with Anna, Zoe, Adeola and Sophia!
4 women who found jobs.
4 employers and institutional bodies that believe in equal opportunities and make it practice.
SolidarityNow which helps both sides in their constant effort for equality, acceptance of diversity, justice, based on one principle: access to the labor market is a fundamental human right for all.
The program “Bridging the Gap” started in October 2023 and is implemented with the support of Alpha Bank.
Decent work at any age
The long-term unemployment and the rejection that Anna experienced from employers due to ageism caused her great stress and health problems. However, her eager personality and desire to develop led her to a private school to continue her education. The labor market liaison service of the “Bridging the Gap” program provided her with significant support by making use of its network of partner companies, immediately booking an interview for a cleaning job. Anna’s goal was at her 56 to get a part-time job that would cover her basic daily needs and with the help of the “Bridging the Gap” program she made it come true! Anna passed the interview and started working, now gaining a better quality of life!
From a difficult start in life to a new optimistic daily life
Zoe’s chronic homelessness and unsupportive family background have led her to live in very difficult circumstances, risking her survival daily. Her inclusion in the Housing and Work Program of the General Secretariat for Social Solidarity & Fight Against Poverty of the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, provided her with a home. However, her stay and eligibility for this program had to be supported by a stable job. The labor market liaison service of the “Bridging the Gap” program supported her in terms of advice to prioritize her goals, and in practical terms by helping her to arrange two successful interviews. The 27-year-old Zoe is now working as a saleswoman in a clothes shop and can make ends meet, something that seemed impossible a short time ago without the support of the “Bridging the Gap” program. The stability now in her life offers her optimism and space to pursue amateur theatre that she loves so much!
Discrimination did not prevent her from achieving her dreams
Adeola’s Nigerian origin, even though she has lived in Greece for many years, has often been an obstacle in her search for a job as an English teacher, which would have led her to make use of her studies in English literature. She did not give up! Her energetic and bright personality motivated her to study again and train as a nursing assistant! Adeola is 66 years old and recently started working as a maid in a large hotel, taking advantage of the opportunity she was given through the “Bridging the Gap” program that helped Adeola to find immediate employment, in one of its network companies and continues to support her in her job applications for a nursing assistant position!
She claimed her right to work beyond all difficulties
The mental health difficulty that Sofia has been undergoing made her long-term unemployed, experiencing exclusion from job application and interview processes as well as stigma. But she has always been trying. Her experience in product promotion and her artistic nature gave her the confidence she needed to take the next steps. The labor market liaison service of the “Bridging the Gap” program supported Sophia on many levels, starting with psychological empowerment, then interview preparation, combined with help with the bureaucratic procedures, thus securing a job to which she can respond, feeling an active member of society and seeing and actual improvement on her daily life. Sophia, 56, joined the 55+ program of the Greek Public Employment Service (DYPA) and is currently working as a ticket collector in a public sector organization.
The program “Bridging the Gap” started in October 2023 and is implemented with the support of Alpha Bank.