VIMA / STEP supports particularly vulnerable families faced with difficulties arising from the economic recession, such as poverty, unemployment and social isolation. These circumstances affect the social and emotional development of the child, especially during infancy and early childhood. The prompt identification of these vulnerable families and the provision of early intervention services, in order to offer crucial and effective solutions to their problems, serve to forestall possible incidents of neglect or abuse.
The families participating in the VIMA program are looking for support that will allow them to improve their parental role and confront serious family, social and economic challenges. The program applies the best international practices of early intervention, adopts alternative scientific approaches and offers specialized services to mothers, children and to the entire family based on the assessment of their needs.
VIMA is addressed to all families, regardless of origin, race or religion, with services provided in both, Greek and English. The program employs two full-time psychologists, while support services are provided by the Social Service of the ‘One Child, One World’ organization and by volunteers.
Detection of family and child needs
Drafting of detailed family history and development records for children under 5 years old, as well as assessment of family function, through five or more individual and family sessions.
Therapeutic intervention
Planning and implementation of parents-children sessions on a weekly basis along with a cooking session every fortnight, monitored by two psychologists with the help of volunteers.
Parenting counseling
Additional psychological support and enhancement for single-parent or mother/father families both within the premises of the program and at the family’s home, if deemed necessary, on a personal or group level.
During the first years of operation, STEP program has already supported 360 families and 720 children, while more than 1.200 parents and educators have participated in awareness activities.
