Integration Activity “BIOkofinaki”

''ARGO” SCE was founded in 2018 as an initiative of the ARGO Alternative Therapeutic Program for Addicted Individuals (P.E.Th.E.A.), aiming at the vocational training and labour integration/reintegration of formerly addicted individuals. In this context, it implements the “BIOkofinaki” action as an attempt to combat the main cause of relapse for individuals who have successfully completed a rehabilitation programme, namely their reduced employability, and to enhance the feeling of participation in social life. The action consists in the production of fresh organic seasonal products in the farm of the SCE, located in the Psychiatric Hospital of Thessaloniki, and their distribution to the city residents. The task of cultivating and distributing the products has been undertaken by former participants in and employees of ARGO P.E.Th.E.A., as well as by parents of formerly addicted individuals.

In June 2021, using a grant by the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation, the “BIOkofinaki” team acquired a refrigerated transporter, which made the product distribution process easier, while ensuring the highest levels of quality and freshness. The use of this vehicle, which now serves all areas of Thessaloniki, has led to the creation of additional jobs, thus ensuring the independence and healthy reintegration of the beneficiaries into the social fabric.

• 3,043 baskets of vegetables and fruit were delivered following the acquisition of the refrigerated transporter.