by the Employability Service at the Athens Solidarity Center

In a world where access to support services can often feel like a maze, SolidarityNow’s Athens Solidarity Center is a beacon of hope for people like Ms P. Her story unfolded in a journey from uncertainty to empowerment and professional rehabilitation.

It all started with a simple inquiry about a legal issue. Ms. P. did not know that this initial contact would turn into a transformative experience that would change her life’s course. Through a meeting with the Solidarity Centre’s legal officer, it became clear that Ms. P needed not only legal help, but also support in finding a job.

So she was referred to the Employment Service of the Athens Solidarity Center. In the process of completing her background and building her profile, it became clear that Ms. P. had valuable skills as a graduate of a technical school for nursing assistants. However, her attempt to navigate through the job application process after her last employment contract was a significant challenge. Determined to help her overcome these obstacles, the Solidarity Center’s employment service took immediate action.

The process began with searching for a job in the health sector, with sessions scheduled initially to educate and prepare her for filling out public sector applications.  The team acknowledged the importance of exploring opportunities in the private sector as well, due to the sporadic nature of job postings in the public sector.

However, as the sessions progressed, additional challenges arose. Ms. P. was struggling to organise, communicate and cooperate, and was experiencing intense stress – issues that demanded attention to continue her attempts to secure employment. Realising the need for a holistic approach, the Solidarity Centre helped her to develop these key work-related skills by participating in relevant workshops and by completing self-assessment tools and referring her to the psychological support service.

Through these activities of the Solidarity Center, Ms P started to acquire basic skills for the job market, while addressing the issues affecting her well-being. She learned how to write a compelling CV, present herself effectively in interviews and attend job advertisements with confidence and poise.

While Ms P was empowered with each session, she also made steps forward to utilize her time constructively by working as a nursing assistant in private clinics. Doing so not only provided her with valuable experience but also strengthened her determination to succeed in her chosen field.

Eventually, the persistence of Ms P. and the solid support of the Solidarity Center paid off. After completing the sessions and building on the skills she gained, she became one of the successful candidates for permanent hospital staff as a nursing assistant – a testament to her resilience and the transformative power of social care.

Ms P’s story serves as a reminder that there is always hope and help available. Through solidarity, cooperation and commitment to empowerment, organizations like SolidarityNow’s Athens Solidarity Center can help people reach their full potential and realize their dreams.

As we celebrate its success, we continue our mission to improve people’s lives and empower them to create – with themselves as ambassadors – a just and inclusive society.

*Since August 1st, 2023, the operation of the Athens Solidarity Center by SolidarityNow is supported by the Swiss-Greek Cooperation Programme/Embassy of Switzerland in Greece to reducing economic and social disparities in the EU and by the Ministry of Migration and Asylum.

**Since August 2022, the Athens Solidarity Center is financed by EEA Grants with ΣΟΛ Crowe and HumanRights360 as the fund operator.

***The Center is also supported by the Municipality of Athens.