Eirini Mpalaska
5th cycle – Communications with Community Officer – Irida Center
Eirini participated in the 5th cycle of the program at the Irida Center as a Communications and Community Officer. One of the most touching stories she shared is that of one of the center’s beneficiaries:
“With the empowerment and psychological support of her colleagues, she managed to make a difficult but life-changing decision that helped her grow and encouraged her to take control of her life, proving what a person can achieve when they truly want and strive for the best, especially when supported by a strong team.”
Eirini continued her work at the Iris Center even after the completion of the program’s fifth cycle, as the organisation secured the funding for the continuation of her position, thereby confirming the value and success of the “Desmos for Youth” program.
Irida is a non-profit organisation founded in 2016 in Thessaloniki. Its activities focus on the protection, empowerment, and support of the most socially and economically vulnerable women, with a focus on survivors or potential victims of gender-based violence, with the goal of helping them become active members of society and fulfill their goals and aspirations.
At the first and only safe community center for women in Northern Greece, women receive the support they need to face their challenges, find solutions, and achieve lasting positive change. Through social protection and welfare services, legal and judicial support, psychological counseling, and skills development and career counseling services, women have access to a space for learning, making informed decisions, and taking advantage of opportunities for personal and professional growth.
