{"id":6194,"date":"2024-09-30T18:08:45","date_gmt":"2024-09-30T15:08:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/petagma.gr\/i-istoria-mas\/"},"modified":"2025-09-26T15:39:26","modified_gmt":"2025-09-26T12:39:26","slug":"our-history","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/petagma.gr\/en\/our-history\/","title":{"rendered":"Our History"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\"><p>[vc_row wrap_container=&#8221;yes&#8221; content_placement=&#8221;middle&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1712312451053{background-color: #f5f6fb !important;}&#8221; el_class=&#8221;p-t-l p-b-l&#8221; conditional_render=&#8221;%5B%7B%22value_role%22%3A%22administrator%22%7D%5D&#8221;][vc_column][vc_row_inner el_class=&#8221;mt-3 p-t-md p-b-lg&#8221;][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1711984842338{padding-right: 3% !important;}&#8221;]<div class=\"porto-u-heading  wpb_custom_bb72440152ed27dbdab2a98cb17d1e07 porto-u-ad87e2eaf3f9c495180fe0156ddf3eb0 \" data-appear-animation=\"fadeIn\" data-appear-animation-delay=\"250\"><div class=\"porto-u-main-heading\"><h2   style=\"margin-bottom: 24px;\">The Association&#039;s Past and Present<\/h2><\/div><style>.porto-u-ad87e2eaf3f9c495180fe0156ddf3eb0.porto-u-heading{text-align:left}<\/style><\/div>[vc_column_text css_animation=&#8221;fadeInDown&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221; css_params=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Parents\u2019 Association for Supported Living of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities, \u201c<strong>Petagma<\/strong>\u201d, (in Greek \u201cpetagma\u201d means \u201cto fly away from the bird\u2019s nest\u201d) was founded in 2002 by a group of concerned parents of people with disabilities. They were anxious about the future of their children when they themselves would no longer be able to guarantee a dignified and quality life for them, and so the <strong>association <\/strong>was born out of a need for better care and support.<\/p>\n<p>Over time, <strong>Petagma <\/strong>evolved into a pioneering supported\u2011living housing service for individuals with intellectual disabilities. In line with Article\u202f19 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities\u2014which Greece has ratified\u2014people with disabilities are now entitled to live in homes embedded within the community, sharing with a small number of housemates. <\/p>\n<p>Applying modern practices that contrast with outdated institutional approaches, Petagma upholds the right of individuals with intellectual disabilities to live with dignity and equality alongside their fellow citizens.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css_animation=&#8221;fadeInDown&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221; css_params=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Today, the association operates three Supported Living Flats in Vrilissia, Attica, where twelve adults with intellectual disabilities live permanently. They receive 24\u2011hour support from trained staff, enabling them to develop personal and social skills through rich and creative day\u2011to\u2011day routines tailored to their needs and wishes. In addition, Petagma offers programs such as outings, holidays, and short\u2011term stays to other individuals with disabilities, aiming to prepare them for future integration into one of the Supported Living Flats.  <\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image=&#8221;6195&#8243; img_size=&#8221;450&#215;600&#8243; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; style=&#8221;vc_box_shadow_3d&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221; animation_delay=&#8221;300&#8243; animation_type=&#8221;zoomIn&#8221; css_params=&#8221;&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row wrap_container=&#8221;yes&#8221; content_placement=&#8221;top&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1729258691184{background-color: #f5f6fb !important;}&#8221; el_class=&#8221;p-t-l p-b-l&#8221; conditional_render=&#8221;%5B%7B%22value_role%22%3A%22administrator%22%7D%5D&#8221; css_params=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column][vc_row_inner el_class=&#8221;mt-3 p-t-md p-b-lg&#8221;][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;6230&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; style=&#8221;vc_box_shadow_3d&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221; animation_delay=&#8221;300&#8243; css_params=&#8221;&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;fadeIn&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;22px&#8221; css_params=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column_text css_animation=&#8221;fadeInDown&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221; css_params=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The family members of the tenants also benefit directly from<strong> Petagma\u2019s<\/strong> work. The association provides parent and sibling groups, along with ongoing education, counseling, and training programs led by professional staff. <\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Petagma is a member of the Panhellenic Association of Bodies for Intellectual Disability \u201c<strong>MELEDONI<\/strong>\u201d, the Panhellenic Federation of Associations of Parents and Guardians of Persons with Disabilities (<strong>POSGKAmeA<\/strong>), and the National Confederation of People with Disabilities (<strong>ESAmeA<\/strong>). Furthermore, it has developed an active network of collaborations with renowned and innovative international organizations\u2014such as <strong>TACT UK<\/strong>, <strong>Lives Through Friends UK<\/strong>, and <strong>Plan Canada<\/strong>\u2014who supported it in its early phases and continue to provide oversight, feedback, and insights on global best practices in the field of disability support. <\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row wrap_container=&#8221;yes&#8221; conditional_render=&#8221;%5B%7B%22value_role%22%3A%22administrator%22%7D%5D&#8221; css_params=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column][vc_empty_space]<div class=\"porto-u-heading  wpb_custom_bb72440152ed27dbdab2a98cb17d1e07 porto-u-55ca8359258f9a412be7e73af65d2aac \" data-appear-animation=\"fadeIn\" data-appear-animation-delay=\"250\"><div class=\"porto-u-main-heading\"><h2 data-plugin-animated-letters data-plugin-options=\"{&quot;startDelay&quot;:0,&quot;minWindowWidth&quot;:0,&quot;animationName&quot;:&quot;fadeIn&quot;}\"  style=\"margin-bottom: 24px;\">Milestones of Our Journey<\/h2><\/div><style>.porto-u-55ca8359258f9a412be7e73af65d2aac.porto-u-heading{text-align:center}<\/style><\/div><div class=\"porto-history wpb_content_element  txt-just\"><div class=\"featured-box\"><div class=\"box-content\"><h4 class=\"heading-primary\"><strong>2000<\/strong><\/h4><p style=\"text-align: justify;\">A group of parents whose children attended the Theotokos Foundation, led by Mrs. Ioannou and guided by the foundation\u2019s director Mrs. Papanikolopoulou, began a journey to seek a better and safer future for their children. In their early steps, they were fortunate to connect with the UK organization TACT UK (Thames and Chiltern Trust) and expert Mr. Bob Rhodes, and together they laid the initiative for supported living for people with disabilities in Greece through collective efforts.    <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"porto-history wpb_content_element  txt-just\"><div class=\"featured-box\"><div class=\"box-content\"><h4 class=\"heading-primary\"><strong>2002<\/strong><\/h4><p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The <strong>Petagma <\/strong>Association is founded, and the first pilot supported assisted facility program begins in <strong>Pallini<\/strong>, with four individuals with intellectual disabilities.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"porto-history wpb_content_element  txt-just\"><div class=\"featured-box\"><div class=\"box-content\"><h4 class=\"heading-primary\"><strong>2005<\/strong><\/h4><p style=\"text-align: justify;\">A group of young people moves into a rented house in <strong>Halandri <\/strong>to participate in a daily program.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"porto-history wpb_content_element  txt-just\"><div class=\"featured-box\"><div class=\"box-content\"><h4 class=\"heading-primary\"><strong>2007<\/strong><\/h4><p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Following efforts by the Association, a Joint Ministerial Decision is issued to formally establish the legal framework for Supported Living Flats. In October, the Association received the first operating license for a <strong>Supported Living Flat in Greece<\/strong> from the Prefecture of Eastern Attica. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"porto-history wpb_content_element  txt-just\"><div class=\"featured-box\"><div class=\"box-content\"><h4 class=\"heading-primary\"><strong>2010<\/strong><\/h4><p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Ministry of Health, through the NSRF (ESPA) program, co-finances the operation of Petagma I Supported Living Flat.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"porto-history wpb_content_element  txt-just\"><div class=\"featured-box\"><div class=\"box-content\"><h4 class=\"heading-primary\"><strong>2011<\/strong><\/h4><p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Co-financing is also secured through the NSRF program for Petagma II Supported Living Flat.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"porto-history wpb_content_element  txt-just\"><div class=\"featured-box\"><div class=\"box-content\"><h4 class=\"heading-primary\"><strong>2015-2016<\/strong><\/h4><p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Funding is granted by the Bodossaki Foundation under the EEA Grants program &#8220;We are all citizens&#8221; for the project: \u201cCreating social networks around people with Intellectual Disabilities.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"porto-history wpb_content_element  txt-just\"><div class=\"featured-box\"><div class=\"box-content\"><h4 class=\"heading-primary\"><strong>2015-2016<\/strong><\/h4><p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Further funding from the Bodossaki Foundation under the EEA Grants bilateral relations program, enabling educational visits to: Heilp\u00e4dagogisches Zentrum in Liechtenstein \/ S\u00f3lheimar Ecovillage in Iceland<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"porto-history wpb_content_element  txt-just\"><div class=\"featured-box\"><div class=\"box-content\"><h4 class=\"heading-primary\"><strong>2017<\/strong><\/h4><p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Petagma Supported Living Flats are included in public funding through a special care\/boarding allowance by EOPYY (Greek National Organization for Healthcare Services).<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"porto-history wpb_content_element  txt-just\"><div class=\"featured-box\"><div class=\"box-content\"><h4 class=\"heading-primary\"><strong>2017-2018<\/strong><\/h4><p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Purchase and renovation of a privately-owned residence in Vrilissia, funded by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, the company Aris ATTNE, private donors, and co-financing from the Association.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"porto-history wpb_content_element  txt-just\"><div class=\"featured-box\"><div class=\"box-content\"><h4 class=\"heading-primary\"><strong>2018<\/strong><\/h4><p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Relocation of the two Supported Living Flats previously operating in Agia Paraskevi to the new privately-owned house in Vrilissia.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"porto-history wpb_content_element  txt-just\"><div class=\"featured-box\"><div class=\"box-content\"><h4 class=\"heading-primary\"><strong>2018<\/strong><\/h4><p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Establishment of a new Supported Living Flat with four tenants in Agia Paraskevi.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"porto-history wpb_content_element  txt-just\"><div class=\"featured-box\"><div class=\"box-content\"><h4 class=\"heading-primary\"><strong>2020<\/strong><\/h4><p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Association is selected as a promising community-based supported living practice by the European organization EASPD.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"porto-history wpb_content_element  txt-just\"><div class=\"featured-box\"><div class=\"box-content\"><h4 class=\"heading-primary\"><strong>2021<\/strong><\/h4><p style=\"text-align: justify;\">\u201cPetagma\u201d is selected as a model of best practice at the European level and presents its work at a Transnational Event organized by the <strong>European Social Fund (ESF)<\/strong> of the European Union under the theme: \u201cStudy visit to Supported Living Facilities.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"porto-history wpb_content_element  txt-just\"><div class=\"featured-box\"><div class=\"box-content\"><h4 class=\"heading-primary\"><strong>2022<\/strong><\/h4><p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Celebration of 20 years of operation, with the organization of a conference titled \u201c20 Years of Good Life in the Community\u201d at the National Hellenic Research Foundation.<br \/>\u25cf Attended in person by 180 participants<br \/>\u25cf Over 400 attended online<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"porto-history wpb_content_element  txt-just\"><div class=\"featured-box\"><div class=\"box-content\"><h4 class=\"heading-primary\"><strong>2023<\/strong><\/h4><p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Participation in the Lighthouse Event study visit organized by the UK organization LivesThroughFriends, presenting Petagma\u2019s work to organizations and professionals from UK, Canada, Moldova, Belgium, and Spain.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"porto-history wpb_content_element  txt-just\"><div class=\"featured-box\"><div class=\"box-content\"><h4 class=\"heading-primary\"><strong>2023<\/strong><\/h4><p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Participation in a three-year funded European Erasmus+ program, under the project:<br \/> ICALL: Inclusive Communities for ALL, in partnership with organizations from Belgium, Hungary, Finland, and Poland.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row wrap_container=&#8221;yes&#8221; content_placement=&#8221;middle&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1712312451053{background-color: #f5f6fb !important;}&#8221; el_class=&#8221;p-t-l p-b-l&#8221; conditional_render=&#8221;%5B%7B%22value_role%22%3A%22administrator%22%7D%5D&#8221;][vc_column][vc_row_inner el_class=&#8221;mt-3 p-t-md p-b-lg&#8221;][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1711984842338{padding-right: 3% !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_text css_animation=&#8221;fadeInDown&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221; css_params=&#8221;&#8221;] The Parents\u2019 Association for Supported Living of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities, \u201cPetagma\u201d, (in Greek \u201cpetagma\u201d means \u201cto fly away from the bird\u2019s nest\u201d) was founded in 2002 by a group of concerned parents of people with [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-6194","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/petagma.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6194","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/petagma.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/petagma.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petagma.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petagma.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6194"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/petagma.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6194\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6438,"href":"https:\/\/petagma.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6194\/revisions\/6438"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/petagma.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6194"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}